Head-to-head · 2026
Brown University vs Community College of Rhode Island
Compare average net price ($25,184 at Brown University; $6,513 at Community College of Rhode Island), ROI score (9.28 vs 16.37), ten-year median earnings ($93,487 vs $42,659), and admissions context (5.4% at Brown University; Open / not reported at Community College of Rhode Island) using federal College Scorecard data. Community College of Rhode Island has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Community College of Rhode Island leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Brown University | Community College of Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.28 | 16.37 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $25,184 | $6,513 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $93,487 ✓ | $42,659 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 95.7% ✓ | 26.2% |
| Median debt | $11,428 | $10,920 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 7,226 | 11,171 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1546 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Brown University costs $18,671 more per year than Community College of Rhode Island ($25,184 vs $6,513). Brown University graduates report $50,828 higher median earnings after ten years ($93,487 vs $42,659). On EduGradify's model that puts Community College of Rhode Island ahead on projected ROI (16.37 vs 9.28, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Community College of Rhode Island) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Brown University reports 5.4% acceptance; Community College of Rhode Island does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Brown University vs Community College of Rhode Island, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Brown University or Community College of Rhode Island the better value?
Community College of Rhode Island has the higher EduGradify ROI score (16.37 vs 9.28), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Community College of Rhode Island is cheaper — average net price $6,513 per year vs $25,184 at Brown University. The annual difference of $18,671 adds up to about $74,684 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Brown University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $93,487 vs $42,659 at Community College of Rhode Island. The annual gap in the federal data is $50,828.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Brown University reports a B value grade; Community College of Rhode Island reports A+.