Head-to-head · 2026
Rhode Island College vs Rhode Island School of Design
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Rhode Island College, 4 for Rhode Island School of Design — Rhode Island School of Design has more metric-level advantages.
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 | Rhode Island College | Rhode Island School of Design |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 14.85 ✓ | 3.37 |
| Avg net price | $9,478 ✓ | $50,507 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $56,318 | $68,140 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 91.8% | 18.7% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 48.1% | 88.8% ✓ |
| Median debt | $20,500 ✓ | $27,000 |
| Enrollment | 5,049 | 2,084 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 990 | 1473 ✓ |
| Wins | 3 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Rhode Island School of Design costs $41,029 more per year than Rhode Island College ($50,507 vs $9,478). Rhode Island School of Design graduates report $11,822 higher median earnings after ten years ($68,140 vs $56,318). On EduGradify's model that puts Rhode Island College ahead on projected ROI (14.85 vs 3.37, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Rhode Island College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Rhode Island College is accessible at 91.8% acceptance versus 18.7% (selective) at Rhode Island School of Design.
Frequently asked
Rhode Island College vs Rhode Island School of Design, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Rhode Island College or Rhode Island School of Design the better value?
Rhode Island College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (14.85 vs 3.37), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Rhode Island College is cheaper — average net price $9,478 per year vs $50,507 at Rhode Island School of Design. The annual difference of $41,029 adds up to about $164,116 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Rhode Island School of Design reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $68,140 vs $56,318 at Rhode Island College. The annual gap in the federal data is $11,822.
Which school is harder to get into?
Rhode Island School of Design is more selective at 18.7% acceptance vs 91.8% at Rhode Island 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. Rhode Island College reports a A value grade; Rhode Island School of Design reports D.