All Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute majors by area
- Engineering · 15
- Science & Math · 11
- Social Sciences & Public Service · 4
- Arts & Design · 3
- Business & Finance · 3
- Humanities & Languages · 3
- Technology & Computing · 3
- Communications & Media · 2
- Health & Medicine · 1
| Major | Earnings, 1 yr | Earnings, 4 yrs | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering Technologies / Technicians | $94,722 | $125,531 | $23,582 |
| Electrical Engineering | $83,412 | $104,596 | $24,625 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $74,427 | $103,306 | $26,000 |
| Chemical Engineering | $78,263 | $98,679 | $25,332 |
| Industrial Engineering | $74,787 | $98,509 | $22,750 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical / Space Engineering | $73,213 | $94,750 | $25,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $73,833 | $92,952 | $25,000 |
| Nuclear Engineering | $77,014 | $87,239 | $19,500 |
| Civil Engineering | $71,790 | $86,794 | $26,979 |
| Materials Engineering | $66,927 | $82,947 | $23,250 |
| Architecture | $54,334 | $75,551 | $31,000 |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology | — | — | — |
| Engineering Physics | — | — | — |
| Engineering Science | — | — | — |
| Environmental Engineering | — | — | — |
| Major | Earnings, 1 yr | Earnings, 4 yrs | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | $80,196 | $105,768 | $24,250 |
| Physics | $60,348 | $81,840 | $20,270 |
| Biochemistry | — | — | — |
| Biology | — | — | $26,717 |
| Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology | — | — | — |
| Chemistry | — | — | $27,000 |
| Cognitive Science | — | — | — |
| Environmental Science / Conservation | — | — | — |
| Geology / Earth Science | — | — | — |
| Neuroscience | — | — | — |
| Sustainability Studies | — | — | — |
| Major | Earnings, 1 yr | Earnings, 4 yrs | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic / Interior / Fashion Design | $36,191 | $87,358 | $25,000 |
| Music | — | — | — |
| Visual and Performing Arts | — | — | — |
| Major | Earnings, 1 yr | Earnings, 4 yrs | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | $47,925 | $99,713 | $26,000 |
| Economics | — | — | — |
| Management Science / Analytics | — | — | — |
| Major | Earnings, 1 yr | Earnings, 4 yrs | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi / Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | — | $83,958 | $27,000 |
| Interdisciplinary Studies | — | — | — |
| Philosophy | — | — | — |
| Major | Earnings, 1 yr | Earnings, 4 yrs | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $104,943 | $141,528 | $23,250 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $85,172 | $115,100 | $27,000 |
| Data Analytics | — | — | — |
| Major | Earnings, 1 yr | Earnings, 4 yrs | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broadcasting / Digital Media | — | — | — |
| Communications | — | — | — |
| Major | Earnings, 1 yr | Earnings, 4 yrs | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Med / Pre-Health | — | — | — |
College Scorecard field of study, latest release: median earnings of graduates who received federal aid, 1 and 4 years after graduating; median federal loan debt. — means too few graduates to report.
From major to career
Computer Science → Software developer
Median annual wage for all workers in this job. U.S. jobs projected to grow 10.2% from 2025 to 2035. Typical entry education: bachelor's degree.
BLS OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2025-35
Mechanical Engineering → Mechanical engineer
Median annual wage for all workers in this job. U.S. jobs projected to grow 11.2% from 2025 to 2035. Typical entry education: bachelor's degree.
BLS OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2025-35
Across all majors, former Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students earn a median $102,051 ten years after starting college, more than 96% of New York colleges we cover. 84% graduate within six years.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute majors questions
How many majors does Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offer?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers 45 bachelor's majors across 9 areas; the most majors are in Engineering and Science & Math.
What is the highest-paying major at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
Computer Science graduates from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute earn a median $141,528 four years after graduating, the highest of the 18 majors with reported earnings. Their median debt is $23,250.
Which Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute majors earn the least?
Among majors with reported earnings, Architecture graduates earn the least: a median $75,551 four years after graduating.
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Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (field of study); Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS, Employment Projections). Back to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute overview