Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is one of the select few independent colleges of engineering and science in the United States. It was founded in 1874 by Chauncey Rose, a pioneer industrialist and entrepreneur who saw the need for broadly-educated scientists and engineers to help in the social and economic development of the nation. It was known as Rose Polytechnic Institute until January 6, 1971, when the name was changed to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in recognition of nearly a century of support by the Hulman family of Terre Haute, Indiana, and the re-endowment of the college through the transfer to the school of the entire assets of the Hulman Foundation in 1970.

Located two miles east of Terre Haute in a suburban/residential setting, the Institute emphasizes a liberal education in science and engineering. In addition to the undergraduate program, Rose-Hulman offers programs of study leading to the master of science degree in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, engineering management, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, and optical engineering.

The current enrollment is 1,870 students drawn from 40 states and many foreign lands. The faculty has been carefully selected for its dedication to science and engineering and interest in the individual student and his or her career preparation in a professional discipline