Caldwell University vs. RISD

Comparable Facts

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

Rhode Island School of Design is larger than Caldwell University based on total student enrollment (2,520 students vs. 2,005 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Caldwell University is located in Caldwell, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Rhode Island School of Design is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
• Caldwell 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: Caldwell University 12:1; Rhode Island School of Design 8:1.

Caldwell University vs. RISD Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Caldwell University 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 Caldwell University than RISD ($21,875 vs. $43,492).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Caldwell University are 14.7% lower than at Rhode Island School of Design ($14,188 vs. $16,626).
• Rhode Island School of Design is 53.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Caldwell University (about $21,840 more per year; $62,688.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.5% higher at RISD than at Caldwell University (about $21,840 more per year; $62,688.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Caldwell University than at Rhode Island School of Design (100% vs. 31%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rhode Island School of Design students is 18.2% larger than aid received by Caldwell University students ($38,223 vs. $32,340).

Caldwell University vs. RISD Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Caldwell University 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 Caldwell University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rhode Island School of Design (1460) is 210 points higher than at Caldwell University (1250).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Caldwell University 1130/1370; Rhode Island School of Design 1396/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsRhode Island School of Design 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Caldwell University - Test optional; RISD - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: RISD Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman RISD students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Caldwell University (3.3).
• Caldwell University has a higher acceptance rate (71.3%) than RISD (18.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Caldwell University vs. 41.5% at RISD.

Caldwell University vs. RISD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Caldwell University 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 Caldwell University's (58%).
• Graduates from Rhode Island School of Design earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than Caldwell University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Caldwell University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than RISD graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Caldwell University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RISD graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More RISD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Caldwell University students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 50%)

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.