Academic Comparison between RIC and RISD

Rhode Island College and Rhode Island School of Design are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. RIC is a four-year, public school located in Providence, 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.

  • RIC is a public and RISD is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • RISD has more expensive tuition & fees ($62,688) than RIC ($27,299).
  • It is harder to admit to RISD than RIC.
  • RISD has a higher submitted SAT score (990) than RIC (990).
  • RIC has more students with 6,155 students while RISD has 2,520 students.
  • RISD has a lower number of students per faculty with 8 to 1 while RIC's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • RIC has more full-time faculties with 277 faculties while RISD has 200 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Rhode Island Collegevs.Rhode Island School of Design
Providence, Rhode IslandLocationProvidence, Rhode Island
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$11,300
Out-Of-State$27,299
2025 Tuition & Fees$62,688
74%% Receiving Financial Aid36%
$6,912Average Amount of Financial Aid$35,676
91.82 %Acceptance Rates18.66 %
23.11 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)41.47 %
990SAT Score1,480
-ACT Score32
48 %Graduation Rate89 %
-Transfer-out Rate4 %
73 %Retention Rate95 %
6,155Student Population2,520
277Number of Faculties200
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio8 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services