Fairfield University vs. RISD

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than RISD based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 2,520 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Fairfield University vs. RISD Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield 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 Rhode Island School of Design than Fairfield University ($43,492 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rhode Island School of Design are 16.2% lower than at Fairfield University ($16,626 vs. $19,838).
• Rhode Island School of Design is 7.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $4,338 more per year; $62,688.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.4% higher at RISD than at Fairfield University (about $4,338 more per year; $62,688.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Rhode Island School of Design (96% vs. 31%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rhode Island School of Design students is 45.5% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($38,223 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. RISD Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rhode Island School of Design (1460) is 130 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming RISD students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 30 at Fairfield University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Rhode Island School of Design 1396/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Rhode Island School of Design 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; RISD - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; RISD Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman RISD students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than RISD (18.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 41.5% at RISD.

Fairfield University vs. RISD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield 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 Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $26,000 more per year than RISD graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $51,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rhode Island School of Design and Fairfield University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Rhode Island School of Design and Fairfield University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More RISD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 82%)

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.