RISD vs. Soka University of America

Comparable Facts

Compare Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI with Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rhode Island School of Design is larger than Soka University of America based on total student enrollment (2,520 students vs. 495 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rhode Island School of Design is located in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting); Soka University of America is in Aliso Viejo, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• Rhode Island School of Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Soka University of America is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rhode Island School of Design 8:1; Soka University of America 7:1.

RISD vs. Soka University of America Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, RISD or Soka University of America? 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 Soka University of America than RISD ($15,691 vs. $43,492).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Soka University of America are 13.5% lower than at Rhode Island School of Design ($14,378 vs. $16,626).
• Rhode Island School of Design is 61.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Soka University of America (about $23,960 more per year; $62,688.00 vs. $38,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 61.9% higher at RISD than at Soka University of America (about $23,960 more per year; $62,688.00 vs. $38,728.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Soka University of America than at Rhode Island School of Design (100% vs. 31%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Soka University of America students is 3% larger than aid received by Rhode Island School of Design students ($39,373 vs. $38,223).

RISD vs. Soka University of America Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, RISD or Soka University of America? 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 Soka University of America and RISD.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rhode Island School of Design (1460) is 40 points higher than at Soka University of America (1420).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rhode Island School of Design 1396/1530; Soka University of America 1333/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rhode Island School of Design 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: RISD - Test optional; Soka University of America - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: RISD Feb 1, 2027; Soka University of America Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman RISD students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Soka University of America (3.7).
• Soka University of America has a higher acceptance rate (43.4%) than RISD (18.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 41.5% at RISD vs. 45.8% at Soka University of America.

RISD vs. Soka University of America Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for RISD and Soka University of America? 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).

• The graduation rate at RISD is the same as at Soka University of America (87% vs. 87%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Soka University of America graduates have a $4,712 lower median loan debt than RISD graduates ($22,288 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Soka University of America graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RISD graduates ($230 vs. $279).
• More RISD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Soka University of America students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 86%)

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.