Hillsdale College vs. RISD

Comparable Facts

Compare Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan 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 Hillsdale College based on total student enrollment (2,520 students vs. 1,792 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hillsdale College is located in Hillsdale, Michigan (Distant Town setting); Rhode Island School of Design is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
• Hillsdale College 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: Hillsdale College 8:1; Rhode Island School of Design 8:1.

Hillsdale College vs. RISD Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hillsdale College 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 Hillsdale College than RISD ($23,993 vs. $43,492).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hillsdale College are 18.2% lower than at Rhode Island School of Design ($13,600 vs. $16,626).
• Rhode Island School of Design is 88.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hillsdale College (about $29,499 more per year; $62,688.00 vs. $33,189.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 88.9% higher at RISD than at Hillsdale College (about $29,499 more per year; $62,688.00 vs. $33,189.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hillsdale College than at Rhode Island School of Design (99% vs. 31%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rhode Island School of Design students is 57.1% larger than aid received by Hillsdale College students ($38,223 vs. $24,328).

Hillsdale College vs. RISD Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hillsdale College 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 Hillsdale College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rhode Island School of Design (1460) is 50 points higher than at Hillsdale College (1410).
• Incoming RISD students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 31 at Hillsdale College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hillsdale College 1320/1490; Rhode Island School of Design 1396/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hillsdale College 30/33; Rhode Island School of Design 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hillsdale College - Test optional; RISD - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hillsdale College Mar 15, 2027; RISD Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hillsdale College students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.93) than students at RISD (3.71).
• Hillsdale College has a higher acceptance rate (20.7%) than RISD (18.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 55.5% at Hillsdale College vs. 41.5% at RISD.

Hillsdale College vs. RISD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hillsdale College 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).

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.