Head-to-head · 2026
Rhode Island School of Design vs University of Rhode Island
Compare average net price ($50,507 at Rhode Island School of Design; $21,440 at University of Rhode Island), ROI score (3.37 vs 8.13), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($68,140 vs $69,743), and admissions selectivity (18.7% acceptance at Rhode Island School of Design; 72.2% at University of Rhode Island) 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 | University of Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 3.37 | 8.13 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $50,507 | $21,440 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $202,028 | $85,760 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $62,688 | $16,942 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $62,688 | $37,146 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $68,140 | $69,743 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 18.7% | 72.2% |
| Graduation rate | 88.8% ✓ | 73.3% |
| Retention rate | 95% ✓ | 83.6% |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $22,250 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,084 | 13,381 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1473 | 1160 |
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 | University of Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $29,135 | $14,368 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $30,233 | $12,923 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $25,872 | $17,803 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $33,893 | $23,394 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $64,493 | $28,460 ✓ |
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 | University of Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|
| Fine and Studio Arts | 19.7% | 0.5% |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | 8.9% | 1.4% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 3.4% | 0.5% |
| Apparel and Textiles | 2.2% | 1.5% |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | 1.8% | 0.1% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | 1% | 0.2% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
University of Rhode Island reports the lower average net price by $29,067 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $116,268 difference over four years ($85,760 vs $202,028).
University of Rhode Island reports $1,603 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($69,743 vs $68,140). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 95% at Rhode Island School of Design and 83.6% at University of Rhode Island. Median federal debt among completers is $27,000 vs $22,250, respectively.
6 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
Related college comparisons
Promoted matchups involving the same colleges or other leading schools in their states.
Frequently asked
Rhode Island School of Design vs University of Rhode Island, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Rhode Island is cheaper — average net price $21,440 per year vs $50,507 at Rhode Island School of Design. The annual difference of $29,067 adds up to about $116,268 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Rhode Island reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $69,743 vs $68,140 at Rhode Island School of Design. The gap in the federal data is $1,603. 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 72.2% at University of Rhode Island.
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.