How to get into Rochester Institute of Technology
How to get into RIT: a co-op-driven STEM and design university where program fit matters more than admissions difficulty
66.9%
Acceptance rate
$59,274
In-state cost
What makes Rochester Institute of Technology admissions different
Rochester Institute of Technology is a private university in Rochester, New York — roughly 13,000 undergrads, with national reputation in computing, engineering, imaging science, photography, animation, and game design. RIT admits around 67% of applicants. The school's distinctive identity is built around co-op (mandatory full-time paid co-op for most engineering, computing, and business majors), the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID — one of the largest Deaf-focused programs in the world, integrated within RIT), and specialized colleges like the School of Film and Animation and the College of Art and Design.
What an actually competitive application looks like
- 1.
Apply through the Common App by RIT's Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular deadlines. ED is binding and gives a meaningful admit-rate bump; EA gives earlier decision and priority scholarship consideration.
- 2.
Pick the right college. The Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences, the Kate Gleason College of Engineering, the College of Art and Design, the School of Film and Animation, the Saunders College of Business, and the College of Science all admit through the same application but with their own program-specific weight.
- 3.
Art and design applicants: prepare the required portfolio through SlideRoom. RIT's design and animation programs are portfolio-driven and the portfolio is the decisive factor.
- 4.
Confirm co-op expectations. RIT engineering, computing, and many business majors require multiple co-op semesters as part of the degree — students who don't want a co-op-heavy schedule should look elsewhere.
- 5.
Apply for honors and merit consideration. RIT's Honors Program and named scholarships are stacked with admission decisions for early applicants.
- 6.
Deaf and hard-of-hearing applicants: explore NTID. NTID is a federally funded college within RIT with its own admissions, support services, and degree programs alongside cross-registered RIT classes.
Common mistakes that hurt applicants here
- ✕
Applying to RIT design or animation programs without a portfolio. The portfolio is the application for these programs.
- ✕
Ignoring the co-op requirement. RIT's co-op model adds a semester or more to most STEM degrees and shapes the academic calendar.
- ✕
Skipping ED when RIT is honestly the top choice. ED gives a real admit-rate advantage at RIT.
- ✕
Treating Rochester as a downside without visiting. The campus is suburban and the city has a real student culture across multiple universities.
The specifics for Rochester Institute of Technology
What makes this admissions process distinctive
Mandatory co-op (most STEM and business majors) ↗
RIT engineering, computing, and many business majors require multiple full-time paid co-op semesters as part of the degree. The co-op office is one of the largest in the country and shapes RIT's identity.
National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) ↗
A federally funded college within RIT offering associate and bachelor's degrees with full Deaf/HoH-specific support; NTID students cross-register with RIT classes and access full interpreting services.
School of Film and Animation and the College of Art and Design
RIT's portfolio-driven programs in animation, film, photography, and game design are among the most respected in the country, with admissions weighted toward the creative portfolio.
What graduates actually do
RIT is a powerhouse in engineering, computing, imaging science, and design, with one of the largest cooperative education programs in the U.S. — students typically complete multiple paid co-ops before graduating. Graduates feed into tech (Google, Microsoft, Apple), gaming and animation (Pixar, DreamWorks, Naughty Dog), defense, and imaging (Kodak, Xerox legacy). The National Technical Institute for the Deaf within RIT also produces deaf and hard-of-hearing professionals across many fields.
Notable alumni
- Tom Curley — Journalism (AP CEO, USA Today president)
- Daniel Carp — Business (Kodak CEO)
- Austin McChord — Tech entrepreneurship (Datto founder)
- Kevin Surace — Tech entrepreneurship
Transfer pathway
RIT accepts approximately 1,000+ transfer students annually with rolling admission for fall and spring. The Transfer Articulation Look-Up Tool maps credits from community colleges nationwide, with formal articulation agreements with Monroe Community College, Finger Lakes Community College, and dozens of other 2-year institutions. STEM transfers typically need a 3.0+ GPA and specific math/science prerequisites; engineering transfers should aim higher.
Articulation partners
Monroe Community College · Finger Lakes Community College · Genesee Community College · Onondaga Community College
Specifics verified 2026-05-18 from the school's own admissions page + Common App. Always confirm current-year details directly on the school site before applying.
If you're on the bubble
If you have a strong STEM transcript and an honest interest in one of RIT's specialized programs (computing, engineering, animation, photography, imaging science, game design), you're competitive. The co-op model is the honest commitment — it's a feature for students who want applied experience and a friction point for students who don't. ED is the cleanest move for committed applicants.
Next steps
Last updated: November 2025. Acceptance rate and cost data refreshed nightly from college reporting.