About RIT

Our Mission

At Rochester Institute of Technology, we shape the future and improve the world through creativity and innovation. As an engaged, intellectually curious, and socially conscious community, we leverage the power of technology, the arts, and design for the greater good.

Founded in 1829, Rochester Institute of Technology is a diverse and collaborative community of engaged, socially conscious, and intellectually curious minds. Through creativity and innovation, and an intentional blending of technology, the arts and design, we provide exceptional individuals with a wide range of academic opportunities, including a leading research program and an internationally recognized education for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Beyond our main campus in Rochester, New York, RIT has international campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo. And with over 20,000 students and more than 145,000 graduates from 50 states and over 100 nations, RIT is driving progress in industries and communities around the world.  At RIT, we are always on to something amazing.

Side-by-side photos of RIT students and activities with the text See How RIT is Advancing the Exceptional underneath.

Advancing the Exceptional

Message from the President

David Munson

RIT is one of the top universities in the nation working at the intersection of technology, the arts and design. We are a university that is shaping the future and improving the world through creativity and innovation … We put a high value on bringing goodness to the world.

Read More of the President's Message

By the Numbers

Student Body
Undergraduate 17,528
Graduate 3,042
Male 13,087
Female 7,483
Fall 2023 Total 20,570

Students from 50 states and more than 100 countries attend RIT. More than 4,700 students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds are enrolled on the main campus along with nearly 2,000 international students. An additional 3,600 students are enrolled at RIT’s international locations. RIT is an internationally recognized leader in preparing deaf and hard-of-hearing students for successful careers in professional and technical fields. The university provides unparalleled access and support services for more than 900 deaf and hard-of-hearing students who live, study, and work with hearing students on the RIT campus.

Faculty and Staff
Full-time Faculty 1,120
Part-time Faculty 17
Adjunct Faculty 410
Staff 2,642
Fall 2023 Total 4,189

Excelling in research and excelling in teaching, our faculty are passionate about their disciplines and their role in both the lab and the classroom. They are innovative and resourceful. They engage students in the process of discovery and the contribution of new knowledge to their fields. Enthusiasm and commitment to teaching are undeniable characteristics of RIT’s faculty. From graphic artists and engineers to scientists and management specialists, they will spark your curiosity, challenge you to grow, and inspire you to achieve your dreams.

Degrees Awarded
Doctorate 63
Master’s 1,121
Advanced Certificates 94
Bachelor’s 2,993
Associate, Diploma, Certificate 95
Academic Year 2022-2023 Total 4,366

RIT offers the following degrees: doctoral (Ph.D.) programs in astrophysical sciences and technology, biomedical and chemical engineering, business administration, cognitive science*, color science, computing and information sciences, electrical and computer engineering, imaging science, mathematical modeling, mechanical and industrial engineering, microsystems engineering, physics*, and sustainability; master’s degree programs: Master of Architecture (M.Arch.), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Engineering (ME), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Master of Science (MS), and Master of Science for Teachers (MST); bachelor’s degree programs: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Science (BS); and associate degree programs: AS, AOS, AAS.
*Fall 2024

Key Facts

microscope

98th

Top National Research University

Close up of a dome of lights.

41st

Most Innovative

Woman wearing a yellow sweater smiling at the camera

15

Pulitzer Prizes

Baseball player batting

24

NCAA Varsity Sports

Skyline shot of Dubrovnik

Global Campuses

located in China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo

Black and white image of the initial RIT campus

Cooperative Education

The fourth-oldest and one of the largest programs in the world

Windmills on a sunny day

Sustainability

One of the world’s “greenest” universities

Two drum players hitting the same drum

300+

clubs and student organizations

A University of Firsts

1982 Nation’s first microelectronics bachelor of science program specializing in the fabrication of semiconductor devices and integrated circuits
1983 First university in the nation to offer a bachelor of science degree in biotechnology
1990 Nation’s first imaging science doctoral program
1991 First fully online program—years before the rest of higher education entered the online arena
1993 First nationally recognized information technology degree
1996 First university to offer an undergraduate degree in software engineering
2002 World’s first and only doctoral program in microsystems engineering
2008 World’s first doctoral program focusing on sustainable production systems
2012 Among the first universities to create a department dedicated to computing security
2016 One of the nation’s first universities to offer a bachelor of science degree in digital humanities and social science
Photo of awards.

Rankings and Recognition

Our reputation as one of the world’s top universities has been acknowledged by many leading college guides, industry, and internationally respected publications. As you search for the right university, consider what others have to say about RIT.

Diversity and Inclusion

RIT is a kaleidoscope of curious minds — each embraced for our uniqueness and all working toward countless different goals. Diversity is essential to organizational growth and synergy. At RIT, you’ll live and study with nearly 2,000 international students from over 100 countries. In addition, more than 2,500 underrepresented students of color have elected to study at RIT, embodying our commitment to diversity. Adding a social and educational dynamic not found at any other university are more than 900 deaf and hard-of-hearing students supported by RIT’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf. RIT has long recognized the importance of diversity to organizational growth and synergy. INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine has recognized RIT as a 2023 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award recipient and a 2023 Diversity Champion. This marks the 10th year in a row RIT has been named a HEED Award recipient and ninth consecutive year as a Diversity Champion.

Housing

Many of RIT's students live in RIT residence halls, suites, studios, apartments, townhouses, and at the RIT Inn and Conference Center. In addition, there are free-standing Greek houses that accommodate six of our fraternities and sororities. Incoming freshmen are guaranteed RIT housing.

Exterior of an RIT residence hall

Residence Halls

1,748 rooms for 3,533 students

Exterior of Global Village apartments

Apartments

783 units for 2,283 students

RIT Inn and Conference Center

RIT Inn and Conference Center

143 rooms for 245 students

Front door of a greek house

Greek Housing

Six buildings for 108 students

Outdoor sitting area with chairs and an umbrella shade

Global Village

133 suites for 557 students

Our Values

RIT does not discriminate. RIT promotes and values diversity within its workforce and provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

The Advisory Committee on Campus Safety will provide, upon request, all campus crime statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education. RIT crime statistics can be found at the U.S. Department of Education website and by contacting RIT’s Public Safety Department at 585-475-6620 (v/tty).

Consumer Information/Student Right to Know

The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 contains numerous federal reporting and disclosure requirements for information from various administrative areas of higher education institutions. Learn more about Consumer Information

RIT is a registered trademark of Rochester Institute of Technology.