Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology at a Glance
Rose–Hulman Institute of Technology (RHIT) is a private university in Terre Haute, Indiana, United States. It was founded in 1874 and houses twelve academic departments with over thirty undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science, engineering, technology, and engineering management, leading to bachelor's and master's degrees.
1874
152 years old
$324M
$324.1 million (2025)
2,169
196
1,300 acres
Identity
Is Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Worth It?
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology offers moderate value at $42,513/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $101,253, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 80% graduation rate means roughly 20% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #6 of 18 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Bradley University | 54 | $22,719 | $66,852 |
| #2 | University of the Pacific | 53 | $25,447 | $78,445 |
| #3 | The Catholic University of America | 50 | $29,561 | $73,250 |
| #4 | Linfield University | 50 | $26,536 | $78,638 |
| #5 | Muhlenberg College | 49 | $28,905 | $69,107 |
| #6 | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | 48 | $42,513 | $101,253 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
The highest-earning program at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is Computer Science at $107,800/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biomedical/Medical Engineering at $64,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer Science graduate from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology earns $107,800, while a Biomedical/Medical Engineering graduate earns $64,300. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Computer Science graduates carry $24,979 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Biomedical/Medical Engineering.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $42,513/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $107,800 | $107,800 | $24,979 |
| Computer Engineering | $84,900 | $84,900 | $26,500 |
| Chemical Engineering | $75,900 | $75,900 | $27,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $73,500 | $73,500 | $26,932 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $68,900 | $68,900 | $26,000 |
| Civil Engineering | $64,800 | $64,800 | $27,000 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | $64,300 | $64,300 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in IN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Terre Haute, IN
- Student Body
- 2,309 students
- Admission Rate
- 77%
- Graduation Rate
- 80%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $42,513
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $101,253
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000