RISD vs. Fisk University

Comparable Facts

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

Rhode Island School of Design is larger than Fisk University based on total student enrollment (2,520 students vs. 1,059 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rhode Island School of Design is located in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting); Fisk University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Rhode Island School of Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fisk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rhode Island School of Design 8:1; Fisk University 12:1.

RISD vs. Fisk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, RISD or Fisk University? 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 Fisk University than RISD ($18,595 vs. $43,492).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fisk University are 12.5% lower than at Rhode Island School of Design ($14,540 vs. $16,626).
• Rhode Island School of Design is 142.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fisk University (about $36,830 more per year; $62,688.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 142.4% higher at RISD than at Fisk University (about $36,830 more per year; $62,688.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fisk University than at Rhode Island School of Design (87% vs. 31%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rhode Island School of Design students is 67.6% larger than aid received by Fisk University students ($38,223 vs. $22,811).

RISD vs. Fisk University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, RISD or Fisk University? 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 Fisk University and RISD.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rhode Island School of Design (1460) is 130 points higher than at Fisk University (1330).
• Incoming RISD students have a 11 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 21 at Fisk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rhode Island School of Design 1396/1530; Fisk University 1140/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rhode Island School of Design 31/34; Fisk University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: RISD - Test optional; Fisk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: RISD Feb 1, 2027; Fisk University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman RISD students have a 0.61 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Fisk University (3.1).
• Fisk University has a higher acceptance rate (37.4%) than RISD (18.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 41.5% at RISD vs. 8.8% at Fisk University.

RISD vs. Fisk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for RISD and Fisk University? 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 Fisk University's (45%).
• Graduates from Rhode Island School of Design earn a median of about $15,200 more per year than Fisk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $35,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fisk University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than RISD graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Fisk University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RISD graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More RISD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fisk University students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 38%)

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.