RIT: The Right Place to Start What Comes Next

Walking through a college fair as a high school junior can feel overwhelming. Every school promises opportunity, success, and a bright future. The challenge isn’t finding options — it’s figuring out which places will actually help you turn your interests into something real. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is different because it’s built for students who want to do, not just study. From day one, RIT connects learning to experience, helping students explore what they care about and how it shows up in the real world. At RIT, the question isn’t just w hat do you want to major in? It’s what do you want to build, solve, design, or change? Learning That Goes Beyond the Classroom RIT is nationally recognized for its hands-on approach to education. Classes don’t stop at lectures and exams — they extend into labs, studios, maker spaces, research projects, and team-based challenges that mirror real work environments. One of the biggest reasons students choose RIT is its renowned cooperative education (co-op) program. Co-ops are paid, full-time professional work experiences tied directly to a student’s major. Many RIT students complete more than one co-op before graduating, working with employers across industries and around the world. This matters because experience changes everything. It helps students test careers, build confidence, and graduate with a stronger sense of direction. You don’t have to have your entire future mapped out right now — RIT gives you space to explore, pivot, and refine your goals without losing momentum. Majors Designed for What’s Next RIT offers more than 200 academic programs across computing, engineering, science, design, business, health sciences, and the liberal arts. Many of these programs live at the intersection of disciplines — where innovation happens. Think technology and design. Engineering and sustainability. Computing and creativity. This interdisciplinary mindset prepares students for careers that don’t always fit neatly into one category. Faculty bring industry experience into the classroom, connecting theory to real-world application and emerging trends. Students graduate with skills that adapt as industries evolve. Finding Your People College is about more than classes — it’s about belonging. RIT’s campus is home to hundreds of student organizations, including competition teams, cultural groups, research labs, performing arts ensembles, club and varsity sports, and student-run organizations. Many students find community by working together toward shared goals — building, creating, competing, and collaborating. RIT is also known for its leadership in accessibility and inclusion. The National Technical Institute for the Deaf is located on campus, and access is built into everyday campus life. This creates a culture where communication, respect, and individuality matter. The result is a community that values curiosity, creativity, and collaboration — and where students are encouraged to be themselves. Outcomes That Matter College is an investment, and outcomes count. RIT graduates are recruited by top employers, accepted into competitive graduate programs, and often receive job offers connected to their co-op experiences. Others use their hands-on background to launch startups, pursue research, or explore new paths. Just as important, RIT students graduate knowing how to adapt. They’ve learned how to solve problems, work in teams, and apply knowledge in real situations — skills that matter no matter where the future leads. Start by Seeing It for Yourself As a high school junior, you don’t need all the answers yet. What you can choose is a college that will challenge you, support you, and prepare you for what comes next — even if that changes along the way. RIT is a place for students who want to learn by doing, ask smart questions, and turn ideas into action. The best way to understand what that feels like is to experience it yourself. Visit RIT There’s no better way to see if RIT is the right fit than visiting campus. Explore labs and studios, connect with current students, and get a feel for life at RIT — either in person or virtually. Learn more and plan your visit at rit.edu/visit Admissions Applying to RIT is fast and easy. Find application details, deadlines, and next steps at rit.edu/admissions