Northeastern vs. RISD

Comparable Facts

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

Northeastern University is larger than RISD based on total student enrollment (32,553 students vs. 2,520 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Rhode Island School of Design is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
• Northeastern 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: Northeastern University 16:1; Rhode Island School of Design 8:1.

Northeastern vs. RISD Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern 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 than RISD ($34,207 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 ($16,626 vs. $19,580).
• Northeastern University is 5.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than RISD (about $3,474 more per year; $66,162.00 vs. $62,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.5% higher at Northeastern than at Rhode Island School of Design (about $3,474 more per year; $66,162.00 vs. $62,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northeastern University than at Rhode Island School of Design (66% vs. 31%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern University students is 31.9% larger than aid received by Rhode Island School of Design students ($50,421 vs. $38,223).

Northeastern vs. RISD Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern 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.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northeastern University (1490) is 30 points higher than at RISD (1460).
• Incoming Northeastern students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at RISD).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 1440/1540; Rhode Island School of Design 1396/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 33/35; Rhode Island School of Design 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern - Test optional; RISD - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Jan 1, 2027; RISD Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northeastern students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at RISD (3.71).
• RISD has a higher acceptance rate (18.7%) than Northeastern (5.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.8% at Northeastern vs. 41.5% at RISD.

Northeastern vs. RISD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern 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's (77%).
• Graduates from Northeastern University earn a median of about $18,400 more per year than RISD graduates about ten years after starting college ($69,500 vs. $51,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rhode Island School of Design graduates have a $875 lower median loan debt than Northeastern graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,875).
• Among borrowers, RISD graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern graduates ($279 vs. $288).
• More RISD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 79%)

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.