RISD vs. Fisk University

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

Rhode Island School of Design
Fisk University

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: RISD (18.7% admitted vs 37.4%). Typical SAT 1460 vs 1330.
  • Cheaper after aid: Fisk University. Average net price is $18,595 vs $43,492 at RISD.
  • Graduation: RISD 87% vs Fisk University 45%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: RISD $51,100 vs Fisk University $35,900 (median).
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Key differences

Rhode Island School of Design Fisk University
Acceptance rate
RISD more selective
RISD18.7%
Fisk University37.4%
SAT range (middle 50%)
RISD higher
RISD1396-1530
Fisk University1140-1510
Average net price
Fisk University $24,897 less
RISD$43,492
Fisk University$18,595
In-state tuition
Fisk University $36,830 less
RISD$62,688
Fisk University$25,858
Out-of-state tuition
Fisk University $36,830 less
RISD$62,688
Fisk University$25,858
Graduation rate
RISD +42 pts
RISD87%
Fisk University45%
Median earnings (10 years)
RISD +$15,200
RISD$51,100
Fisk University$35,900

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

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  • Applied
  • RISD 6,692
  • Fisk University 11,421
  • Admitted
  • RISD 1,249
  • Fisk University 4,274
  • Acceptance rate
  • RISD 18.7%
  • Fisk University 37.4%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • RISD 41.5%
  • Fisk University 8.8%
  • Typical SAT score
  • RISD 1460
  • Fisk University 1330
  • Typical ACT score
  • RISD 32
  • Fisk University 21
  • Average high school GPA
  • RISD 3.71
  • Fisk University 3.1
  • Typical high school grades
  • RISD A-
  • Fisk University B
  • Admissions standards
  • RISD Exceptional
  • Fisk University Challenging
  • Applicant competition
  • RISD Very High
  • Fisk University High
  • SAT range
  • RISD 1396-1530
  • Fisk University 1140-1510
  • ACT range
  • RISD 31-34
  • Fisk University 19-24
  • Submit test scores
  • RISD Test optional
  • Fisk University Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • RISD Feb 1, 2027
  • Fisk University Aug 1, 2027
  • Tuition (in state)
  • RISD $62,688
  • Fisk University $25,858
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • RISD $62,688
  • Fisk University $25,858
  • Room & board
  • RISD $16,626
  • Fisk University $14,540
  • Average net price
  • RISD $43,492
  • Fisk University $18,595
  • Average grant aid
  • RISD $38,223
  • Fisk University $22,811
  • % receiving grant aid
  • RISD 31%
  • Fisk University 87%
  • Graduation rate
  • RISD 87%
  • Fisk University 45%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • RISD $51,100
  • Fisk University $35,900
  • Making student loan payments
  • RISD 89%
  • Fisk University 38%
  • Median student loan debt
  • RISD $27,000
  • Fisk University $26,000
  • Median loan payment
  • RISD $279
  • Fisk University $268
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • RISD 8:1
  • Fisk University 12:1
  • Popular majors
  • RISD
    • Visual and Performing Arts (73%)
    • Architecture (18%)
    • Work and Family Studies (5%)
    • Precision Production Trades (4%)
  • Fisk University
    • Business (21%)
    • Biology (17%)
    • Psychology (17%)
    • Social Sciences (13%)
    • Physical Sciences (9%)
  • Location
  • RISD Providence, RI
  • Fisk University Nashville, TN
  • Setting
  • RISD Midsize City
  • Fisk University Large City
  • Total enrollment
  • RISD 2,520
  • Fisk University 1,059
  • Type
  • RISD Private 4 Year
  • Fisk University Private 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • RISD #92
  • Fisk University #562

Comparable Facts

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

Rhode Island School of Design is larger than Fisk University based on total student enrollment (2,520 students vs. 1,059 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

  • Rhode Island School of Design is located in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting); Fisk University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
  • Rhode Island School of Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fisk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Rhode Island School of Design 8:1; Fisk University 12:1.

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fisk University are 12.5% lower than at Rhode Island School of Design ($14,540 vs. $16,626).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 142.4% higher at RISD than at Fisk University (about $36,830 more per year; $62,688 vs. $25,858).
  • A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fisk University than at Rhode Island School of Design (87% vs. 31%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Rhode Island School of Design students is 67.6% larger than aid received by Fisk University students ($38,223 vs. $22,811).

Admissions details

  • Typical ACT composite is 11 points higher at RISD than at Fisk University (32 vs. 21, midpoint estimate).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both RISD and Fisk University.
  • Typical fall application deadline: RISD Feb 1, 2027; Fisk University Aug 1, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at RISD average a 3.71 high school GPA, 0.61 higher than at Fisk University (3.1).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 41.5% at RISD vs. 8.8% at Fisk University.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Fisk University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than RISD graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
  • Among borrowers, Fisk University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RISD graduates ($268 vs. $279).
  • More RISD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fisk University students, three years after graduation (89% vs. 38%).

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

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