Head-to-head · 2026
Providence College vs Rhode Island School of Design
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Providence College, 3 for Rhode Island School of Design — even split.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Providence College | Rhode Island School of Design |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 4.49 ✓ | 3.37 |
| Avg net price | $48,523 ✓ | $50,507 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $87,054 ✓ | $68,140 |
| Acceptance rate | 50.9% | 18.7% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 85.8% | 88.8% ✓ |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $27,000 |
| Enrollment | 4,229 | 2,084 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1346 | 1473 ✓ |
| Wins | 3 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Rhode Island School of Design costs $1,984 more per year than Providence College ($50,507 vs $48,523). Providence College graduates report $18,914 higher median earnings after ten years ($87,054 vs $68,140). On EduGradify's model that puts Providence College ahead on projected ROI (4.49 vs 3.37, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Providence College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Providence College is selective at 50.9% acceptance versus 18.7% (selective) at Rhode Island School of Design.
Frequently asked
Providence College vs Rhode Island School of Design, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Providence College or Rhode Island School of Design the better value?
Providence College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (4.49 vs 3.37), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Providence College is cheaper — average net price $48,523 per year vs $50,507 at Rhode Island School of Design. The annual difference of $1,984 adds up to about $7,936 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Providence College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $87,054 vs $68,140 at Rhode Island School of Design. The annual gap in the federal data is $18,914.
Which school is harder to get into?
Rhode Island School of Design is more selective at 18.7% acceptance vs 50.9% at Providence College.
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. Providence College reports a D value grade; Rhode Island School of Design reports D.