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Providence College vs Rhode Island School of Design

Providence College is a private college in Providence, RI. Rhode Island School of Design is a private university in Providence, RI. Rhode Island School of Design admits about 19% of applicants and Providence College about 51%, making Rhode Island School of Design the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $48,523 a year at Providence College after aid, and about $50,507 at Rhode Island School of Design. About 89% of students graduate at Rhode Island School of Design, compared with 87% at Providence College. Ten years after enrolling, Providence College alumni earn a median of about $87,054, against $68,140 for Rhode Island School of Design.

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Providence College

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
4,229
2,084
Acceptance rate
51%
19%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.48–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1250–1390
1396–1530
ACT (middle 50%)
29–32
31–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$48,523
$50,507
Full cost / yr
$80,466
$81,727
In-state tuition
$63,550
$62,688
Out-of-state tuition
$63,550
$62,688
Application fee
$65
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$28,152
$29,135
$30k - $48k
$21,835
$30,233
$48k - $75k
$25,296
$25,872
$75k - $110k
$33,169
$33,893
Over $110k
$56,699
$64,493
Outcomes
Graduation rate
87%
89%
Freshman retention
94%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$69,326
$45,932
Median earnings (10 yr)
$87,054
$68,140
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
15%
First-generation students
15%
11%
International students
2%
33%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 20

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 Providence College or Rhode Island School of Design harder to get into?
Rhode Island School of Design is harder to get into. It admits about 19% of applicants, compared with 51% at Providence 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, Providence College or Rhode Island School of Design?
Providence College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $48,523 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 Providence College and Rhode Island School of Design?
Before aid, Providence College costs about $80,466 a year and Rhode Island School of Design about $81,727. 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, Providence College or Rhode Island School of Design?
Providence College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $28,152 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, Providence College or Rhode Island School of Design?
Providence College is the larger of the two, with about 4,229 undergraduates against 2,084 at Rhode Island School of Design.
Does Providence College or Rhode Island School of Design have a better graduation rate?
Rhode Island School of Design has the higher graduation rate, at about 89% against 87% at Providence College.
Do graduates of Providence College or Rhode Island School of Design earn more?
Providence College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $87,054 ten years after enrolling, against about $68,140 for Rhode Island School of Design. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Providence College and Rhode Island School of Design require SAT or ACT scores?
Providence College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Rhode Island School of Design is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Providence College and Rhode Island School of Design look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1250–1390 at Providence College 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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