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Brown University vs Rhode Island College

Brown University is a private university in Providence, RI, and Rhode Island College is a public college in Providence, RI. Brown University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 5% of applicants against 92% at Rhode Island College. Rhode Island College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $9,478 a year against $25,184 at Brown University. About 96% of students graduate at Brown University, compared with 47% at Rhode Island College. Ten years after enrolling, Brown University alumni earn a median of about $93,487, against $56,318 for Rhode Island College.

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Brown University

Providence, RI · Private

Rhode Island College

Providence, RI · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Providence, RI
Providence, RI
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,226
5,049
Acceptance rate
5%
92%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
870–1120
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
18–25
Test policy
Required
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,184
$9,478
Full cost / yr
$87,648
$17,454
In-state tuition
$71,412
$11,300
Out-of-state tuition
$71,412
$27,299
Application fee
$75
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
$6,378
$30k - $48k
$2,031
$6,989
$48k - $75k
$5,858
$8,701
$75k - $110k
$16,219
$12,809
Over $110k
$44,937
$15,681
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
47%
Freshman retention
99%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$79,131
$46,882
Median earnings (10 yr)
$93,487
$56,318
Median debt at graduation
$11,428
$20,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
42%
First-generation students
17%
45%
International students
13%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Dec 15
Regular decision
Jan 5
Rolling

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Brown University or Rhode Island College harder to get into?
Brown University is harder to get into. It admits about 5% of applicants, compared with 92% at Rhode Island College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Brown University or Rhode Island College?
Rhode Island College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,478 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $25,184 at Brown University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Brown University and Rhode Island College?
Before aid, Rhode Island College costs about $17,454 a year and Brown University about $87,648. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Brown University or Rhode Island College?
Brown University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-420 there, against about $6,378 at Rhode Island College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Brown University or Rhode Island College?
Brown University is the larger of the two, with about 7,226 undergraduates against 5,049 at Rhode Island College.
Does Brown University or Rhode Island College have a better graduation rate?
Brown University has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 47% at Rhode Island College.
Do graduates of Brown University or Rhode Island College earn more?
Brown University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $93,487 ten years after enrolling, against about $56,318 for Rhode Island College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Brown University and Rhode Island College require SAT or ACT scores?
Brown University requires SAT or ACT scores. Rhode Island College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Brown University and Rhode Island College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at Brown University and 870–1120 at Rhode Island College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school