Welcome to RPI!
We’re thrilled to welcome you to the Rensselaer community! Whether you're coming from near or far, we know that transitioning to a new school is a big step—and we’re here to make it a great one.
At RPI, you'll find a vibrant campus full of innovation, creativity, and collaboration. From world-class academics to a tight-knit community of students, faculty, and staff, you're now part of a legacy that spans 200 years of pushing boundaries and changing the world.
Get involved, stay curious, and don’t hesitate to ask for support—we’re here to help you succeed. Welcome home, and here's to the exciting journey ahead!
To experience our vibrant campus in person, join us on Friday, June 13, for Accepted Transfer Student Day!
Transfer Orientation Week: August 23–September 1, 2025
Saturday, August 23
Move-In for students living on campus
Sunday, August 24
Transfer Student Orientation programming
Monday, August 25
Transfer Student Orientation (Mandatory)
Tuesday, August 26
Transfer Student Orientation programming
Wednesday, August 27
Transfer Student Brunch Social, Class Finding, and Activities Fair/BBQ
Thursday, August 28
First day of classes
Monday, September 1
Transfer Student Trip to Howe Caverns
(Space is limited. You must RSVP to secure your spot.)
Once your deposit has been submitted, we’ll email you detailed information about Transfer Orientation.
Account Set Up
After submitting your deposit, you'll receive email instructions to set up your Rensselaer Computing System (RCS) ID, which grants access to your RPI email and Student Information System (SIS). SIS is used for class registration, schedules, grades, and more. Check your email daily for updates.
Health & Wellness
Students should review pre-entrance medical forms, health center and insurance fees, alcohol and sexual assault education programs, disability accommodations, and mental health and wellness resources.
Academics
Course Registration Preparation
- Review the Rensselaer Course Catalog and Class Hour Schedule to see which courses are offered.
- Familiarize yourself with the HASS Core Guidelines for Incoming Transfer Students to understand general education requirements.
Register for Courses
- If you submit your deposit by June 9, 2025, you’ll meet with an academic advisor and register for classes in person during Accepted Transfer Students Day.
- If you deposit after that date, you’ll register online with help from an academic advisor to make sure you’re on track for graduation.
The Admissions team will review your transfer credits. However, if you have questions related to specific courses, contact the appropriate office below:
School of Architecture
David Bell
(518) 276-6862
belld@rpi.edu
School of Engineering
Dana Chichester
(518) 276-6620
chichd@rpi.edu
Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
Kristin Bergene
(518) 276-6473
hassinfo@rpi.edu
Information Technology and Web Science
Jeanne Luker
(518) 276-2660
lukerj2@rpi.edu
Lally School of Management
Kevin Fletcher
(518) 276-2343
fletck3@rpi.edu
School of Science
Chad Christensen
(518) 276-4285
chrisc6@rpi.edu
Campus Living
Junior-Level Classification
Undergraduate transfer students who enter RPI with junior-level classification are not required to live in university-owned or operated housing.
To qualify as a Junior, the following number of degree-required credit hours must be confirmed as transferable into your RPI degree program (as recorded by the Registrar’s Office):
- Architecture: 66 credit hours
- All other majors: 60 credit hours
Your classification is determined after your credit evaluation is completed by Admissions and your Academic School.
On-Campus Housing Information
- All incoming transfer students are encouraged to live on campus.
- Students entering with First-Year or Sophomore classification are required to live on campus and are guaranteed housing.
- Students classified as Juniors or Seniors are not guaranteed housing. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Access to the housing application is provided after you pay your enrollment deposit.
Finances
For questions regarding Rensselaer billing and payments, contact:
Bursar’s Office
(518) 276-6610
Financial Aid
(518) 276-6813
There is a one-time $175 fee for Transfer Student Orientation. This fee will be added to your student account bill, so please do not send payment separately.
FAQ's
No. While we strongly recommend that all members of the Rensselaer community be vaccinated against COVID-19, it is not required for attendance. Learn more about COVID-19.
The number of transfer credits you transfer in will determine your student classification at Rensselaer.
- If you're classified as a First-Year or Sophomore, you will need to complete both The Arch summer term and a semester away requirement.
- If you're coming in as a Junior, you'll only be required to complete the semester away requirement.
You will receive information on requirements and how to register for The Arch summer and/or semester away in SIS.
