U of R vs. RISD

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Rochester in Rochester, NY with Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Rochester is larger than RISD based on total student enrollment (11,946 students vs. 2,520 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Rochester is located in Rochester, NY (Midsize City setting); Rhode Island School of Design is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
• University of Rochester 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: University of Rochester 9:1; Rhode Island School of Design 8:1.

U of R vs. RISD Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, U of R or RISD? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Rochester than RISD ($40,462 vs. $43,492).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rhode Island School of Design are 16% lower than at University of Rochester ($16,626 vs. $19,792).
• University of Rochester is 7% more expensive for in-state tuition than RISD (about $4,392 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $62,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7% higher at U of R than at Rhode Island School of Design (about $4,392 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $62,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Rochester than at Rhode Island School of Design (72% vs. 31%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Rochester students is 19% larger than aid received by Rhode Island School of Design students ($45,500 vs. $38,223).

U of R vs. RISD Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, U of R or RISD? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between RISD and U of R.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Rochester (1480) is 20 points higher than at RISD (1460).
• Incoming U of R students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 32) as students at RISD (32).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Rochester 1410/1540; Rhode Island School of Design 1396/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Rochester 31/34; Rhode Island School of Design 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: U of R - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); RISD - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: U of R Jan 5, 2027; RISD Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman U of R students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at RISD (3.71).
• U of R has a higher acceptance rate (40.1%) than RISD (18.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.4% at U of R vs. 41.5% at RISD.

U of R vs. RISD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for U of R and RISD? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Rhode Island School of Design's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than University of Rochester's (83%).
• Graduates from University of Rochester earn a median of about $19,900 more per year than RISD graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,000 vs. $51,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Rochester graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than RISD graduates ($24,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, U of R graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RISD graduates ($253 vs. $279).
• More RISD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former U of R students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 79%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.