As I’ve only been to a private school, I don’t really have a solid comparison. However, I would say that RPI doesn’t really carry an image of students flaunting wealth. Some 90% of students receive aid – many of us also take out loans and search for scholarships. Don’t be under the impression that you’re going to meet a bunch of people who are spending $50,000 + a year out of pocket to be educated here.

I would say that most of my friends and classmates are the standard “poor college student.” We work in the summers and on breaks (and during the school year, for some of us) and spend our own earnings on food, books, clothes, and leisure.

You’re not going to be overwhelmed with wealth.