Head-to-head · 2026
Community College of Rhode Island vs Rhode Island School of Design
Compare average net price ($6,513 at Community College of Rhode Island; $50,507 at Rhode Island School of Design), ROI score (16.37 vs 3.37), ten-year median earnings ($42,659 vs $68,140), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Community College of Rhode Island; 18.7% at Rhode Island School of Design) 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 | Community College of Rhode Island | Rhode Island School of Design |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 16.37 ✓ | 3.37 |
| Avg net price | $6,513 ✓ | $50,507 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $42,659 | $68,140 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 18.7% |
| Graduation rate | 26.2% | 88.8% ✓ |
| Median debt | $10,920 ✓ | $27,000 |
| Enrollment | 11,171 | 2,084 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | — | 1473 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Rhode Island School of Design costs $43,994 more per year than Community College of Rhode Island ($50,507 vs $6,513). Rhode Island School of Design graduates report $25,481 higher median earnings after ten years ($68,140 vs $42,659). On EduGradify's model that puts Community College of Rhode Island ahead on projected ROI (16.37 vs 3.37, 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, Rhode Island School of Design reports 18.7% acceptance; Community College of Rhode Island does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Community College of Rhode Island vs Rhode Island School of Design, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Community College of Rhode Island or Rhode Island School of Design the better value?
Community College of Rhode Island has the higher EduGradify ROI score (16.37 vs 3.37), 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 $50,507 at Rhode Island School of Design. The annual difference of $43,994 adds up to about $175,976 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Rhode Island School of Design reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $68,140 vs $42,659 at Community College of Rhode Island. The annual gap in the federal data is $25,481.
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. Community College of Rhode Island reports a A+ value grade; Rhode Island School of Design reports D.