My son had a few choices for college, but had his heart set on Rensselaer here in NY. A tough place to get into though. He paid for early admission, and here's what he just received: (a little edited)

And then worse, read the very bottom, as I went and read their tuition crap. The good news is that he already owns a good laptop.

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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Undergraduate Admissions

December 16, 2017

Dear Jordan:

Congratulations! Rensselaer’s Committee on Admissions is pleased to invite you to join the Rensselaer community as a member of the Class of 2022. You have every reason to be proud of your work and accomplishments, and we anticipate you reaching even greater heights at Rensselaer.

Your academic achievements, diverse talents, and strength of character will enable you to thrive amidst Rensselaer's culture of discovery and innovation. We look forward to you becoming a vital contributor to the Institute’s life and mission.

On April 14, 2018, many of your future classmates will come to the campus for the Accepted Student Celebration. We hope you will join them! To register for the Accepted Student Celebration, please visit ---.edu/accepted.

To confirm your place in the Class of 2022, please submit your enrollment deposit of $500 by January 15, 2018. If you have any questions regarding our secure, online deposit form, or are unable to submit payment online, please call us at ----6216.

I am delighted, both for you and for the Institute, to offer you this opportunity to join us next fall. We look forward to welcoming you to the Rensselaer community in person. In the meantime, please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions. Again, congratulations and welcome to RPI!

Sincerely,

-----
Director, Undergraduate Admissions

The following letters are available for this account:

Decision Letter - December 16, 2017 (displayed)New: Financial Aid Letter - December 16, 2017

Return to Application Status

COST OF ATTENDANCE 2017-18
Undergraduate
Tuition: $51,000
Fees: $1,305
Room and Board: $14,960
Books, Personal, and Supplies: $2,867
Total: $70,132

In addition, all students are required to have a laptop for their course work. Students may purchase one from Rensselaer at an approximate cost of $1,500.

Graduate
Tuition: $51,000
Fees & Insurance: $2,757
Estimated Living Expenses: $13,970
Books and Supplies: $2,992
Total: $70,719

Part-time tuition for Troy-based graduate students: $2,125 per credit hour.