Skip to content

Rhode Island College vs University of Rhode Island

Rhode Island College is a public college in Providence, RI, and University of Rhode Island is a public university in Kingston, RI. University of Rhode Island is the more selective of the two, admitting about 72% 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 $21,440 at University of Rhode Island. About 72% of students graduate at University of Rhode Island, compared with 47% at Rhode Island College. Ten years after enrolling, University of Rhode Island alumni earn a median of about $69,743, against $56,318 for Rhode Island College.

See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.

Start the free quiz

Rhode Island College

Providence, RI · Public

University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Providence, RI
Kingston, RI
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
5,049
13,381
Acceptance rate
92%
72%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.42–3.92
SAT (middle 50%)
870–1120
1020–1280
ACT (middle 50%)
18–25
26–31
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$9,478
$21,440
Full cost / yr
$17,454
$34,321
In-state tuition
$11,300
$16,942
Out-of-state tuition
$27,299
$37,146
Application fee
$50
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$6,378
$14,368
$30k - $48k
$6,989
$12,923
$48k - $75k
$8,701
$17,803
$75k - $110k
$12,809
$23,394
Over $110k
$15,681
$28,460
Outcomes
Graduation rate
47%
72%
Freshman retention
73%
84%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,882
$57,446
Median earnings (10 yr)
$56,318
$69,743
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
$22,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
42%
22%
First-generation students
45%
26%
International students
0%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Dec 15
Dec 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 1

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 Rhode Island College or University of Rhode Island harder to get into?
University of Rhode Island is harder to get into. It admits about 72% 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, Rhode Island College or University of Rhode Island?
Rhode Island College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,478 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,440 at University of Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island College and University of Rhode Island?
Before aid, Rhode Island College costs about $17,454 a year and University of Rhode Island about $34,321. 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, Rhode Island College or University of Rhode Island?
Rhode Island College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,378 there, against about $14,368 at University of Rhode Island. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Rhode Island College or University of Rhode Island?
University of Rhode Island is the larger of the two, with about 13,381 undergraduates against 5,049 at Rhode Island College.
Does Rhode Island College or University of Rhode Island have a better graduation rate?
University of Rhode Island has the higher graduation rate, at about 72% against 47% at Rhode Island College.
Do graduates of Rhode Island College or University of Rhode Island earn more?
University of Rhode Island alumni earn more on average: a median of about $69,743 ten years after enrolling, against about $56,318 for Rhode Island College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Rhode Island College and University of Rhode Island require SAT or ACT scores?
Rhode Island College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. University of Rhode Island is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Rhode Island College and University of Rhode Island look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 870–1120 at Rhode Island College and 1020–1280 at University of Rhode Island. 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