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How to Get Into Rose-Hulman in 2026

Perennial #1 undergraduate engineering school — no grad students, all undergrad focus.

Quick Answer

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has a 61% acceptance rate with a middle 50% SAT range of 1280-1460 and average GPA of 3.88. Perennial #1 undergraduate engineering school — no grad students, all undergrad focus. Founded 1874 in Terre Haute, IN.

Admissions Snapshot

Acceptance Rate61%Moderately Selective
SAT Range (25th-75th)1280 - 1460
Average GPA (Unweighted)3.88
Undergraduate Enrollment2,100
School TypePrivate
LocationTerre Haute, IN
Founded1874
Test PolicyTest-Optional
Need-BlindNo
Meets 100% NeedNo

Data source: IPEDS College Navigator and institutional Common Data Set (most recent available year). Data lags approximately one year.

What Rose-Hulman Values Most (CDS Data)

Course rigor & GPAVery important
LeadershipImportant
Application essaysImportant
RecommendationsImportant
Awards & honorsConsidered

Who Gets Into Rose-Hulman: 4 Composite Profiles

These are composite profiles based on publicly available admissions patterns. They do not represent real individuals.

The Academic Powerhouse

Near-perfect GPA and test scores. Strong in STEM or humanities. Multiple AP/IB courses with 5s and 7s. Research experience or independent project.

The Community Builder

Founded or led a significant student organization. Demonstrated measurable community impact. Strong essays connecting service to personal growth.

The Specialized Expert

Deep expertise in one field — national competition winner, published research, or professional-level skill. Clear spike that makes the application memorable.

The Versatile Contributor

Strong across multiple areas without being the best at any single one. Excellent writer who connects diverse experiences into a coherent narrative.

Rose-Hulman Essay Strategy

Rose-Hulman's supplemental essays are your chance to demonstrate genuine fit. The "Why Rose-Hulman?" essay must reference specific programs, professors, courses, or campus resources. Generic essays about prestige or location are immediately recognizable and ineffective.

Read the Rose-Hulman Essay Guide

Application Strategy: ED vs EA vs RD

At 61% acceptance rate, strong applicants have solid chances in any round. Focus on essay quality over application timing.

Read our ED vs EA vs RD strategy guide →

Use the Rose-Hulman Fit Worksheet

Score your profile against Rose-Hulman's admissions criteria. See where you stand across 7 dimensions calibrated to real CDS data. Free, no signup required.

Get Your Free Rose-Hulman Fit Score

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rose-Hulman's acceptance rate?

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's acceptance rate is approximately 61% based on the most recent Common Data Set. This rate can vary by year and by application round (ED, EA, RD).

What SAT score do I need for Rose-Hulman?

The middle 50% SAT range for Rose-Hulman is 1280-1460. Scoring above 1460 does not guarantee admission, and scoring below 1280 does not mean rejection — holistic review considers the full application.

What GPA do I need to get into Rose-Hulman?

The average unweighted GPA of admitted students at Rose-Hulman is approximately 3.88. Course rigor (AP/IB/dual enrollment) matters as much as the GPA number itself.

Does Rose-Hulman have Early Decision?

Check Rose-Hulman's admissions website at rose-hulman.edu/admissions for the most current information on early application options. Policies can change year to year.

Is Rose-Hulman test-optional?

Yes, Rose-Hulman is currently test-optional. Test policies can change each admissions cycle.

How many students attend Rose-Hulman?

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has approximately 2,100 undergraduate students. As a private university, class sizes tend to be smaller.

What is Rose-Hulman known for?

Perennial #1 undergraduate engineering school — no grad students, all undergrad focus.

Written by AdmitPath team

Data sourced from IPEDS College Navigator and Rose-Hulman's Common Data Set. CDS publication year noted — data may lag one year.

Last updated: June 2026

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