Wesleyan University vs. RISD

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

Wesleyan University
Rhode Island School of Design

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: Wesleyan University (16.5% admitted vs 18.7%). Typical SAT 1480 vs 1460.
  • Cheaper after aid: Wesleyan University. Average net price is $23,025 vs $43,492 at RISD.
  • Graduation: Wesleyan University 92% vs RISD 87%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: Wesleyan University $58,000 vs RISD $51,100 (median).
See your own chances ->

Key differences

Wesleyan University Rhode Island School of Design
Acceptance rate
Wesleyan University more selective
Wesleyan University16.5%
RISD18.7%
SAT range (middle 50%)
Wesleyan University higher
Wesleyan University1415-1540
RISD1396-1530
Average net price
Wesleyan University $20,467 less
Wesleyan University$23,025
RISD$43,492
In-state tuition
RISD $7,654 less
Wesleyan University$70,342
RISD$62,688
Out-of-state tuition
RISD $7,654 less
Wesleyan University$70,342
RISD$62,688
Graduation rate
Wesleyan University +5 pts
Wesleyan University92%
RISD87%
Median earnings (10 years)
Wesleyan University +$6,900
Wesleyan University$58,000
RISD$51,100

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

Admission calculator

Partner

Not sure you'd get in? Check your chances at Wesleyan University and RISD with Appily's free admission calculator.

Check my chances at Wesleyan University Check my chances at RISD
  • Applied
  • Wesleyan University 14,389
  • RISD 6,692
  • Admitted
  • Wesleyan University 2,373
  • RISD 1,249
  • Acceptance rate
  • Wesleyan University 16.5%
  • RISD 18.7%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • Wesleyan University 34.8%
  • RISD 41.5%
  • Typical SAT score
  • Wesleyan University 1480
  • RISD 1460
  • Typical ACT score
  • Wesleyan University 34
  • RISD 32
  • Average high school GPA
  • Wesleyan University -
  • RISD 3.71
  • Typical high school grades
  • Wesleyan University -
  • RISD A-
  • Admissions standards
  • Wesleyan University Elite
  • RISD Exceptional
  • Applicant competition
  • Wesleyan University Very High
  • RISD Very High
  • SAT range
  • Wesleyan University 1415-1540
  • RISD 1396-1530
  • ACT range
  • Wesleyan University 33-35
  • RISD 31-34
  • Submit test scores
  • Wesleyan University Test optional
  • RISD Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027
  • RISD Feb 1, 2027
  • Tuition (in state)
  • Wesleyan University $70,342
  • RISD $62,688
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • Wesleyan University $70,342
  • RISD $62,688
  • Room & board
  • Wesleyan University $19,872
  • RISD $16,626
  • Average net price
  • Wesleyan University $23,025
  • RISD $43,492
  • Average grant aid
  • Wesleyan University $65,995
  • RISD $38,223
  • % receiving grant aid
  • Wesleyan University 42%
  • RISD 31%
  • Graduation rate
  • Wesleyan University 92%
  • RISD 87%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • Wesleyan University $58,000
  • RISD $51,100
  • Making student loan payments
  • Wesleyan University 89%
  • RISD 89%
  • Median student loan debt
  • Wesleyan University $17,500
  • RISD $27,000
  • Median loan payment
  • Wesleyan University $180
  • RISD $279
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • Wesleyan University 8:1
  • RISD 8:1
  • Popular majors
  • Wesleyan University
    • Social Sciences (24%)
    • Visual and Performing Arts (14%)
    • Ethnic Studies (12%)
    • Psychology (11%)
    • English and Literature (8%)
  • RISD
    • Visual and Performing Arts (73%)
    • Architecture (18%)
    • Work and Family Studies (5%)
    • Precision Production Trades (4%)
  • Location
  • Wesleyan University Middletown, CT
  • RISD Providence, RI
  • Setting
  • Wesleyan University Small City
  • RISD Midsize City
  • Total enrollment
  • Wesleyan University 4,011
  • RISD 2,520
  • Type
  • Wesleyan University Private 4 Year
  • RISD Private 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • Wesleyan University #36
  • RISD #92

Comparable Facts

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

Wesleyan University is larger than RISD based on total student enrollment (4,011 students vs. 2,520 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

  • Wesleyan University is located in Middletown, CT (Small City setting); Rhode Island School of Design is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
  • Wesleyan 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: Wesleyan University 8:1; 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 16.3% lower than at Wesleyan University ($16,626 vs. $19,872).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 12.2% higher at Wesleyan University than at Rhode Island School of Design (about $7,654 more per year; $70,342 vs. $62,688).
  • A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wesleyan University than at Rhode Island School of Design (42% vs. 31%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Wesleyan University students is 72.7% larger than aid received by Rhode Island School of Design students ($65,995 vs. $38,223).

Admissions details

  • Typical ACT composite is 2 points higher at Wesleyan University than at RISD (34 vs. 32, midpoint estimate).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both Wesleyan University and RISD.
  • Typical fall application deadline: Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027; RISD Feb 1, 2027.
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Wesleyan University vs. 41.5% at RISD.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have a $9,500 lower median loan debt than RISD graduates ($17,500 vs. $27,000).
  • Among borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $99 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RISD graduates ($180 vs. $279).
  • More Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former RISD students, three years after graduation (89% vs. 89%).

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

Change schools

You can add up to two more colleges. Each one gets its own column.

Wesleyan University
Rhode Island School of Design
Add a college Compare up to 4

Frequently compared to these colleges