Houghton University vs. RISD

Comparable Facts

Compare Houghton University in Houghton, NY 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 Houghton University based on total student enrollment (2,520 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Houghton University is located in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting); Rhode Island School of Design is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
• Houghton 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: Houghton University 12:1; Rhode Island School of Design 8:1.

Houghton University vs. RISD Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Houghton 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 Houghton University than RISD ($21,274 vs. $43,492).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 31.7% lower than at Rhode Island School of Design ($11,360 vs. $16,626).
• Rhode Island School of Design is 240.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $44,258 more per year; $62,688.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 240.1% higher at RISD than at Houghton University (about $44,258 more per year; $62,688.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton 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 286% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($38,223 vs. $9,902).

Houghton University vs. RISD Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rhode Island School of Design (1460) is 190 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming RISD students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 28 at Houghton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 1170/1375; Rhode Island School of Design 1396/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 26/31; Rhode Island School of Design 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Houghton University - Test optional; RISD - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: RISD Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman RISD students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than RISD (18.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.2% at Houghton University vs. 41.5% at RISD.

Houghton University vs. RISD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Houghton 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 Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from Rhode Island School of Design earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Houghton University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than RISD graduates ($25,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Houghton University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RISD graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More RISD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 77%)

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.