Head-to-head · 2026
Rhode Island School of Design vs Roger Williams University
Compare average net price ($50,507 at Rhode Island School of Design; $37,999 at Roger Williams University), ROI score (3.37 vs 4.62), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($68,140 vs $70,266), and admissions selectivity (18.7% acceptance at Rhode Island School of Design; 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 School of Design | Roger Williams University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 3.37 | 4.62 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $50,507 | $37,999 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $202,028 | $151,996 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $62,688 | $44,418 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $62,688 | $44,418 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $68,140 | $70,266 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 18.7% | 87.7% |
| Graduation rate | 88.8% ✓ | 68.7% |
| Retention rate | 95% ✓ | 81.1% |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $26,940 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,084 | 3,946 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1473 | 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 School of Design | Roger Williams University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $29,135 ✓ | $29,778 |
| Family income $30–48k | $30,233 | $30,087 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $25,872 ✓ | $33,623 |
| Family income $75–110k | $33,893 ✓ | $37,318 |
| Family income $110k+ | $64,493 | $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 School of Design | Roger Williams University |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural Sciences and Technology | 15.4% | 11.2% |
| Fine and Studio Arts | 19.7% | 0.6% |
| Design and Applied Arts | 13.5% | 1.3% |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | 9.6% | 0.5% |
| Architecture | 3.3% | 5.1% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 3.4% | 1.8% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | 1% | 0.2% |
| Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis | 0.9% | 0.1% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Roger Williams University reports the lower average net price by $12,508 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $50,032 difference over four years ($151,996 vs $202,028).
Roger Williams University reports $2,126 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($70,266 vs $68,140). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 95% at Rhode Island School of Design and 81.1% at Roger Williams University. Median federal debt among completers is $27,000 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 School of Design vs Roger Williams University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Roger Williams University is cheaper — average net price $37,999 per year vs $50,507 at Rhode Island School of Design. The annual difference of $12,508 adds up to about $50,032 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Roger Williams University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $70,266 vs $68,140 at Rhode Island School of Design. The gap in the federal data is $2,126. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Rhode Island School of Design is more selective at 18.7% acceptance vs 87.7% at Roger Williams University.
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.