Simmons University vs. RISD

Comparable Facts

Compare Simmons 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.

Simmons University is larger than RISD based on total student enrollment (4,666 students vs. 2,520 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Simmons University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Rhode Island School of Design is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
• Simmons 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: Simmons University 9:1; Rhode Island School of Design 8:1.

Simmons University vs. RISD Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Simmons 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 Simmons University than RISD ($28,691 vs. $43,492).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rhode Island School of Design are 5.6% lower than at Simmons University ($16,626 vs. $17,618).
• Rhode Island School of Design is 33.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Simmons University (about $15,814 more per year; $62,688.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.7% higher at RISD than at Simmons University (about $15,814 more per year; $62,688.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simmons 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 8.8% larger than aid received by Simmons University students ($38,223 vs. $35,123).

Simmons University vs. RISD Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rhode Island School of Design (1460) is 150 points higher than at Simmons University (1310).
• Incoming RISD students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 30 at Simmons University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simmons University 1220/1390; Rhode Island School of Design 1396/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simmons University 26/34; Rhode Island School of Design 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Simmons University - Test optional; RISD - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Simmons University Feb 1, 2027; RISD Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simmons University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at RISD (3.71).
• Simmons University has a higher acceptance rate (70%) than RISD (18.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.8% at Simmons University vs. 41.5% at RISD.

Simmons University vs. RISD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Simmons 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 Simmons University's (69%).
• Graduates from Simmons University earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than RISD graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,800 vs. $51,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Simmons University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than RISD graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Simmons 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 Simmons University students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 80%)

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.