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Brown University vs Rhode Island School of Design

Brown University is a private university in Providence, RI. Rhode Island School of Design is a private university in Providence, RI. Brown University admits about 5% of applicants and Rhode Island School of Design about 19%, making Brown University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $25,184 a year at Brown University after aid, and about $50,507 at Rhode Island School of Design. About 96% of students graduate at Brown University, compared with 89% at Rhode Island School of Design. Ten years after enrolling, Brown University alumni earn a median of about $93,487, against $68,140 for Rhode Island School of Design.

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Brown University

Providence, RI · Private

Rhode Island School of Design

Providence, RI · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Providence, RI
Providence, RI
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,226
2,084
Acceptance rate
5%
19%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.48–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
1396–1530
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
31–34
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,184
$50,507
Full cost / yr
$87,648
$81,727
In-state tuition
$71,412
$62,688
Out-of-state tuition
$71,412
$62,688
Application fee
$75
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
$29,135
$30k - $48k
$2,031
$30,233
$48k - $75k
$5,858
$25,872
$75k - $110k
$16,219
$33,893
Over $110k
$44,937
$64,493
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
89%
Freshman retention
99%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$79,131
$45,932
Median earnings (10 yr)
$93,487
$68,140
Median debt at graduation
$11,428
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
15%
First-generation students
17%
11%
International students
13%
33%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 5
Jan 20

* 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 School of Design harder to get into?
Brown University is harder to get into. It admits about 5% of applicants, compared with 19% at Rhode Island School of Design. 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 School of Design?
Brown University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $25,184 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $50,507 at Rhode Island School of Design. 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 School of Design?
Before aid, Rhode Island School of Design costs about $81,727 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 School of Design?
Brown University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-420 there, against about $29,135 at Rhode Island School of Design. 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 School of Design?
Brown University is the larger of the two, with about 7,226 undergraduates against 2,084 at Rhode Island School of Design.
Does Brown University or Rhode Island School of Design have a better graduation rate?
Brown University has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 89% at Rhode Island School of Design.
Do graduates of Brown University or Rhode Island School of Design earn more?
Brown University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $93,487 ten years after enrolling, against about $68,140 for Rhode Island School of Design. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design require SAT or ACT scores?
Brown University requires SAT or ACT scores. Rhode Island School of Design is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at Brown University and 1396–1530 at Rhode Island School of Design. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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