Head-to-head · 2026
Rhode Island School of Design vs Salve Regina University
Compare average net price ($50,507 at Rhode Island School of Design; $36,967 at Salve Regina University), ROI score (3.37 vs 4.94), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($68,140 vs $72,975), and admissions selectivity (18.7% acceptance at Rhode Island School of Design; 68.2% at Salve Regina 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 | Salve Regina University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 3.37 | 4.94 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $50,507 | $36,967 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $202,028 | $147,868 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $62,688 | $50,100 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $62,688 | $50,100 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $68,140 | $72,975 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 18.7% | 68.2% |
| Graduation rate | 88.8% ✓ | 76.9% |
| Retention rate | 95% ✓ | 82.8% |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $27,000 |
| Enrollment | 2,084 | 2,121 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1473 | 1232 |
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 | Salve Regina University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $29,135 | $26,939 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $30,233 ✓ | $30,844 |
| Family income $48–75k | $25,872 ✓ | $31,264 |
| Family income $75–110k | $33,893 ✓ | $34,374 |
| Family income $110k+ | $64,493 | $39,244 ✓ |
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 | Salve Regina University |
|---|---|---|
| Fine and Studio Arts | 19.7% | 1.9% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 3.4% | 0.3% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Salve Regina University reports the lower average net price by $13,540 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $54,160 difference over four years ($147,868 vs $202,028).
Salve Regina University reports $4,835 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($72,975 vs $68,140). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 95% at Rhode Island School of Design and 82.8% at Salve Regina University. Median federal debt among completers is $27,000 vs $27,000, respectively.
2 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 Salve Regina University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Salve Regina University is cheaper — average net price $36,967 per year vs $50,507 at Rhode Island School of Design. The annual difference of $13,540 adds up to about $54,160 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Salve Regina University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $72,975 vs $68,140 at Rhode Island School of Design. The gap in the federal data is $4,835. 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 68.2% at Salve Regina 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.