Academic Comparison between RISD and RIC

Rhode Island School of Design and Rhode Island College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. RISD is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Providence, RI and RIC is a four-year, public 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.

  • RISD is a private (not-for-profit) and RIC is a public 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 (1,480) 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 School of Designvs.Rhode Island College
Providence, Rhode IslandLocationProvidence, Rhode Island
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
$62,6882025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,300
Out-Of-State$27,299
36%% Receiving Financial Aid74%
$35,676Average Amount of Financial Aid$6,912
18.66 %Acceptance Rates91.82 %
41.47 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)23.11 %
1,480SAT Score990
32ACT Score-
89 %Graduation Rate48 %
4 %Transfer-out Rate-
95 %Retention Rate73 %
2,520Student Population6,155
200Number of Faculties277
8 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services