Why Students Choose RIT


We asked students why they chose RIT. From their perspective, this is what sets RIT apart.

 


 

Female student working with machinery

Rigorous, Professionally-Focused Academic Programs

Technology is driving unprecedented changes in the way we work. Today's college grads need skills–analytical thinking, complex problem solving, creativity, resiliency, and flexibility–that can adapt to evolving career fields.

  • Our majors are multidisciplinary, transformative, and future-proof
  • Designed to ensure successful outcomes while meeting the ever-changing needs of a new, and evolving economy

Learn more about our areas of study

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Co-ops, Internships, and Experiential Learning

There’s a reason RIT is ranked among the top schools for co-op and internship programs by U.S. News & World Report (2024). Our cooperative education program is the 4th oldest and one of the largest in the world.

  • 4,100+ students participate annually
  • 5,500+ co-op assignments completed
  • 2,100+ hiring organizations
  • $58M earned by co-op students
  • Internships may be paid or taken for academic credit

Learn more about co-op and internships

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Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degree Programs

Imagine reducing your total education costs by 33%, increasing your starting salary by approximately 25%, and saving a year of time. This is what comes out of an RIT combined accelerated bachelor’s/master’s degree program.

  • 60+ combinations available 
  • Most are completed within 5 years (including co-op)
  • Begin graduate studies as an undergraduate
  • Highly qualified first-year applicants are offered conditional admission to a graduate program 

Learn more about Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degree Programs

RIT is recognized as a "Best Value School" by U.S. News & World Report and a "Most Trusted University" among research institutions by the Morning Consult.

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Conducting Research

Undergraduate research at RIT is hands on, and driven by you. Each college within RIT offers opportunities to engage in research. 

  • Engage in research as early as your first year
  • Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium with hundreds of student participants 
  • 7 Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) pathways supported through the National Science Foundation.  
  • 30 Goldwater Scholars awarded since 2005 - one of the preeminent scholarships for undergraduate students in the fields of the natural sciences, engineering and mathematics 

Learn more about research opportunities

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Study Abroad & International Travel

Challenge yourself, enhance your cultural understanding, and gain a better appreciation of the social issues that affect us all globally. 

  • 600 study abroad and international experiences 
  • 60+ countries
  • Enroll at one of RIT’s four global campuses — RIT China, RIT Croatia, RIT Dubai, and RIT Kosovo

Learn more about global experiences

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Honors Program

Designed around three basic ideals—Leadership, Scholarship, and Citizenship—RIT’s Honors Program is where you can challenge yourself in exemplary learning experiences such as undergraduate research projects, Honors courses, independent study, and international experiences

  • Early registration for Honors students
  • $500 grants available for research, study abroad, projects, and conference travel
  • Honors housing guaranteed
  • No additional application is required; consideration is automatic after applying to RIT

Learn more about our Honors Program

RIT offers a unique experience and the chance to shape your education in a way that is meaningful to you. 

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Programs for Creators

Many students are interested in more than just their major. At RIT, we not only hope you will continue your creative activities, but we also encourage it.

  • The Performing Arts Scholarship provides an opportunity to connect with other students that share your passion for dance, theater, and music by attending social events and participating in excursions to local concerts and plays.

  • The Art Experience Program provides special hands-on experiences in our outstanding studios to try blowing glass, throwing ceramic vessels, or blacksmithing. Students also participate in excursions to local facilities.

students stand in a group photo around clouds of brightly colored powder from the Color Run

Inclusive, Engaging Community

You bring you! We’ll provide the gifted faculty, unconventional degree programs, career-focused experiential learning, and a vibrant campus life. You’ll be a part of an inclusive community of people from diverse backgrounds who have come together to create, collaborate, innovate, and thrive.

  • Recognized as a prestigious "Diversity Champion" by INSIGHT into Diversity magazine for eight consecutive years
  • We are a university that celebrates incredible women

  • Nearly 2,000 international students from over 100 countries
  • 4,300 students of color—2,000 of whom identify as African American, Latinx and/or Native American (AALANA)—have chosen to study at RIT
  • 1,200 deaf and hard-of-hearing students supported by RIT’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf

Learn more about diversity and inclusion at RIT

a group of students sit next to each other in their caps and gowns during commencement

Our Commitment To Financially Supporting Students and Families

Recognizing that no two families’ finances are exactly the same, our Financial Aid and Scholarships staff carefully reviews each family’s circumstances to create a financial aid offer designed to help finance an RIT education. That’s why you shouldn’t rule out RIT based simply on cost. 

  • RIT invests more than $330 million and distributes a total of $551 million to undergraduate students and families. 
  • You won’t know how much you’ll have to invest unless you apply for admission and complete the FASFA.

Learn more about applying for financial aid

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