Academic Comparison between RISD and URI

Rhode Island School of Design and University of Rhode Island 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 URI is a four-year, public school located in Kingston, 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 URI is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • RISD has more expensive tuition & fees ($62,688) than URI ($37,146).
  • It is harder to admit to RISD than URI.
  • RISD has a higher submitted SAT score (1,480) than URI (1,160).
  • URI has more students with 17,210 students while RISD has 2,520 students.
  • RISD has a lower number of students per faculty with 8 to 1 while URI's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • URI has more full-time faculties with 778 faculties while RISD has 200 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Rhode Island School of Designvs.University of Rhode Island
Providence, Rhode IslandLocationKingston, 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 ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
$62,6882025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$16,942
Out-Of-State$37,146
36%% Receiving Financial Aid83%
$35,676Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,845
18.66 %Acceptance Rates72.16 %
41.47 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)15.38 %
1,480SAT Score1,160
32ACT Score-
89 %Graduation Rate73 %
4 %Transfer-out Rate-
95 %Retention Rate84 %
2,520Student Population17,210
200Number of Faculties778
8 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare