Brandeis University vs. RISD

Brandeis University and Rhode Island School of Design side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

Brandeis University
Rhode Island School of Design

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: RISD (18.7% admitted vs 40.5%). Typical SAT 1460 vs 1460.
  • Cheaper after aid: about even. Average net price is $43,550 at Brandeis University vs $43,492 at RISD. Brandeis University in-state tuition is about $5,392 more per year.
  • Graduation: Brandeis University 91% vs RISD 87%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: Brandeis University $66,700 vs RISD $51,100 (median).
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Key differences

Brandeis University Rhode Island School of Design
Acceptance rate
RISD more selective
Brandeis University40.5%
RISD18.7%
SAT range (middle 50%)
RISD higher
Brandeis University1390-1520
RISD1396-1530
Average net price
About even
Brandeis University$43,550
RISD$43,492
In-state tuition
RISD $5,392 less
Brandeis University$68,080
RISD$62,688
Out-of-state tuition
RISD $5,392 less
Brandeis University$68,080
RISD$62,688
Graduation rate
Brandeis University +4 pts
Brandeis University91%
RISD87%
Median earnings (10 years)
Brandeis University +$15,600
Brandeis University$66,700
RISD$51,100

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

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  • Applied
  • Brandeis University 10,462
  • RISD 6,692
  • Admitted
  • Brandeis University 4,237
  • RISD 1,249
  • Acceptance rate
  • Brandeis University 40.5%
  • RISD 18.7%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • Brandeis University 17.3%
  • RISD 41.5%
  • Typical SAT score
  • Brandeis University 1460
  • RISD 1460
  • Typical ACT score
  • Brandeis University 32
  • RISD 32
  • Average high school GPA
  • Brandeis University 3.84
  • RISD 3.71
  • Typical high school grades
  • Brandeis University A-
  • RISD A-
  • Admissions standards
  • Brandeis University Exceptional
  • RISD Exceptional
  • Applicant competition
  • Brandeis University Low
  • RISD Very High
  • SAT range
  • Brandeis University 1390-1520
  • RISD 1396-1530
  • ACT range
  • Brandeis University 31-34
  • RISD 31-34
  • Submit test scores
  • Brandeis University Test optional
  • RISD Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • Brandeis University
  • RISD Feb 1, 2027
  • Tuition (in state)
  • Brandeis University $68,080
  • RISD $62,688
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • Brandeis University $68,080
  • RISD $62,688
  • Room & board
  • Brandeis University $19,944
  • RISD $16,626
  • Average net price
  • Brandeis University $43,550
  • RISD $43,492
  • Average grant aid
  • Brandeis University $42,841
  • RISD $38,223
  • % receiving grant aid
  • Brandeis University 62%
  • RISD 31%
  • Graduation rate
  • Brandeis University 91%
  • RISD 87%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • Brandeis University $66,700
  • RISD $51,100
  • Making student loan payments
  • Brandeis University 82%
  • RISD 89%
  • Median student loan debt
  • Brandeis University $27,000
  • RISD $27,000
  • Median loan payment
  • Brandeis University $279
  • RISD $279
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • Brandeis University 10:1
  • RISD 8:1
  • Popular majors
  • Brandeis University
    • Social Sciences (26%)
    • Biology (13%)
    • Ethnic Studies (9%)
    • General Studies (8%)
    • Visual and Performing Arts (6%)
  • RISD
    • Visual and Performing Arts (73%)
    • Architecture (18%)
    • Work and Family Studies (5%)
    • Precision Production Trades (4%)
  • Location
  • Brandeis University Waltham, MA
  • RISD Providence, RI
  • Setting
  • Brandeis University Small City
  • RISD Midsize City
  • Total enrollment
  • Brandeis University 5,205
  • RISD 2,520
  • Type
  • Brandeis University Private 4 Year
  • RISD Private 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • Brandeis University #91
  • RISD #92

Comparable Facts

Compare Brandeis University in Waltham, MA with Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Brandeis University is larger than RISD based on total student enrollment (5,205 students vs. 2,520 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

  • Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Rhode Island School of Design is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
  • Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rhode Island School of Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; Rhode Island School of Design 8:1.

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rhode Island School of Design are 16.6% lower than at Brandeis University ($16,626 vs. $19,944).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 8.6% higher at Brandeis University than at Rhode Island School of Design (about $5,392 more per year; $68,080 vs. $62,688).
  • A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brandeis University than at Rhode Island School of Design (62% vs. 31%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Brandeis University students is 12.1% larger than aid received by Rhode Island School of Design students ($42,841 vs. $38,223).

Admissions details

  • Incoming Brandeis University students have the same typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate; 32) as students at RISD (32).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both Brandeis University and RISD.
  • Typical fall application deadline: RISD Feb 1, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at Brandeis University average a 3.84 high school GPA, 0.13 higher than at RISD (3.71).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 41.5% at RISD.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Rhode Island School of Design and Brandeis University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
  • Among borrowers in the federal data, Rhode Island School of Design and Brandeis University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
  • More RISD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brandeis University students, three years after graduation (89% vs. 82%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.

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