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University of Rhode Island vs Rhode Island School of Design

University of Rhode Island is a public university in Kingston, RI. Rhode Island School of Design is a private university in Providence, RI. Rhode Island School of Design admits about 19% of applicants and University of Rhode Island about 72%, making Rhode Island School of Design the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $21,440 a year at University of Rhode Island 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 72% at University of Rhode Island. Ten years after enrolling, University of Rhode Island alumni earn a median of about $69,743, against $68,140 for Rhode Island School of Design.

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University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI · Public

Rhode Island School of Design

Providence, RI · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Kingston, RI
Providence, RI
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
13,381
2,084
Acceptance rate
72%
19%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.42–3.92
3.48–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1020–1280
1396–1530
ACT (middle 50%)
26–31
31–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,440
$50,507
Full cost / yr
$34,321
$81,727
In-state tuition
$16,942
$62,688
Out-of-state tuition
$37,146
$62,688
Application fee
$65
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,368
$29,135
$30k - $48k
$12,923
$30,233
$48k - $75k
$17,803
$25,872
$75k - $110k
$23,394
$33,893
Over $110k
$28,460
$64,493
Outcomes
Graduation rate
72%
89%
Freshman retention
84%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$57,446
$45,932
Median earnings (10 yr)
$69,743
$68,140
Median debt at graduation
$22,250
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
15%
First-generation students
26%
11%
International students
1%
33%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
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 University of Rhode Island 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 72% 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.
Which is cheaper, University of Rhode Island or Rhode Island School of Design?
University of Rhode Island is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,440 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 University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island School of Design?
Before aid, University of Rhode Island costs about $34,321 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, University of Rhode Island or Rhode Island School of Design?
University of Rhode Island. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,368 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, University of Rhode Island or Rhode Island School of Design?
University of Rhode Island is the larger of the two, with about 13,381 undergraduates against 2,084 at Rhode Island School of Design.
Does University of Rhode Island 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 72% at University of Rhode Island.
Do graduates of University of Rhode Island or Rhode Island School of Design earn more?
University of Rhode Island alumni earn more on average: a median of about $69,743 ten years after enrolling, against about $68,140 for Rhode Island School of Design. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island School of Design require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Rhode Island 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 University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island School of Design look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1020–1280 at University of Rhode Island 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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