Head-to-head · 2026
Rhode Island College vs Roger Williams University
Compare average net price ($9,478 at Rhode Island College; $37,999 at Roger Williams University), ROI score (14.85 vs 4.62), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($56,318 vs $70,266), and admissions selectivity (91.8% acceptance at Rhode Island College; 87.7% at Roger Williams University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Rhode Island College | Roger Williams University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 14.85 ✓ | 4.62 |
| Avg net price | $9,478 ✓ | $37,999 |
| 4-year avg net price | $37,912 ✓ | $151,996 |
| In-state tuition | $11,300 | $44,418 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $27,299 | $44,418 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $56,318 | $70,266 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 91.8% | 87.7% |
| Graduation rate | 48.1% | 68.7% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 73.3% | 81.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | $20,500 ✓ | $26,940 |
| Enrollment | 5,049 | 3,946 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 990 | 1223 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Rhode Island College | Roger Williams University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $6,378 ✓ | $29,778 |
| Family income $30–48k | $6,989 ✓ | $30,087 |
| Family income $48–75k | $8,701 ✓ | $33,623 |
| Family income $75–110k | $12,809 ✓ | $37,318 |
| Family income $110k+ | $15,681 ✓ | $40,792 |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Rhode Island College | Roger Williams University |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General | 9.2% | 5% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 3.6% | 9.1% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 4.5% | 5.7% |
| Marketing | 1.7% | 5.1% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 4.4% | 1.9% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 4.4% | 1.8% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 3.9% | 1.1% |
| Biology, General | 1.8% | 3% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Rhode Island College reports the lower average net price by $28,521 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $114,084 difference over four years ($37,912 vs $151,996).
Roger Williams University reports $13,948 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($70,266 vs $56,318). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 73.3% at Rhode Island College and 81.1% at Roger Williams University. Median federal debt among completers is $20,500 vs $26,940, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Rhode Island College vs Roger Williams University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Rhode Island College is cheaper — average net price $9,478 per year vs $37,999 at Roger Williams University. The annual difference of $28,521 adds up to about $114,084 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Roger Williams University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $70,266 vs $56,318 at Rhode Island College. The gap in the federal data is $13,948. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Roger Williams University is more selective at 87.7% acceptance vs 91.8% at Rhode Island College.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.