Northeastern University Oakland vs. RISD

Comparable Facts

Compare Northeastern University Oakland in Oakland, CA 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 Northeastern University Oakland based on total student enrollment (2,520 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern University Oakland is located in Oakland, CA (Large City setting); Rhode Island School of Design is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
• Northeastern University Oakland 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: Northeastern University Oakland 7:1; Rhode Island School of Design 8:1.

Northeastern University Oakland vs. RISD Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern University Oakland 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 Northeastern University Oakland than RISD ($27,473 vs. $43,492).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rhode Island School of Design are 15.1% lower than at Northeastern University Oakland ($16,626 vs. $19,580).
• Northeastern University Oakland is 8.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than RISD (about $5,090 more per year; $67,778.00 vs. $62,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.1% higher at Northeastern University Oakland than at Rhode Island School of Design (about $5,090 more per year; $67,778.00 vs. $62,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northeastern University Oakland than at Rhode Island School of Design (67% vs. 31%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern University Oakland students is 51.6% larger than aid received by Rhode Island School of Design students ($57,948 vs. $38,223).

Northeastern University Oakland vs. RISD Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern University Oakland 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 Northeastern University Oakland.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northeastern University Oakland (1470) is 10 points higher than at RISD (1460).
• Incoming Northeastern University Oakland students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 32) as students at RISD (32).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University Oakland 1420/1520; Rhode Island School of Design 1396/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University Oakland 32/33; Rhode Island School of Design 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern University Oakland - Test optional; RISD - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: RISD Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman RISD students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Northeastern University Oakland (3.57).
• RISD has a higher acceptance rate (18.7%) than Northeastern University Oakland (16.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.9% at Northeastern University Oakland vs. 41.5% at RISD.

Northeastern University Oakland vs. RISD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern University Oakland 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 Northeastern University Oakland's (57%).
• Graduates from Rhode Island School of Design earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than Northeastern University Oakland graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northeastern University Oakland graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than RISD graduates ($23,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northeastern University Oakland graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RISD graduates ($242 vs. $279).
• More RISD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern University Oakland students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 66%)

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.