Academic Comparison between URI and RISD

University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island School of Design are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. URI is a four-year, public school located in Kingston, RI and RISD is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Providence, RI.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • URI is a public and RISD is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • RISD has more expensive tuition & fees ($59,760) than URI ($35,804).
  • It is harder to admit to RISD than URI.
  • RISD has a higher submitted SAT score (1,160) than URI (1,160).
  • RISD has higher submitted ACT score (28) than URI (28).
  • URI has more students with 17,473 students while RISD has 2,620 students.
  • RISD has a lower number of students per faculty with 9 to 1 while URI's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • URI has more full-time faculties with 772 faculties while RISD has 185 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Rhode Islandvs.Rhode Island School of Design
Kingston, Rhode IslandLocationProvidence, Rhode Island
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$16,408
Out-Of-State$35,804
2024 Tuition & Fees$59,760
84%% Receiving Financial Aid39%
$12,715Average Amount of Financial Aid$33,758
77.07 %Acceptance Rates13.81 %
16.81 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)51.22 %
1,160SAT Score1,490
28ACT Score32
71 %Graduation Rate91 %
-Transfer-out Rate4 %
85 %Retention Rate95 %
17,473Student Population2,620
772Number of Faculties185
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio9 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services