Washington College vs. RISD

Comparable Facts

Compare Washington College in Chestertown, MD 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 Washington College based on total student enrollment (2,520 students vs. 923 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washington College is located in Chestertown, MD (Distant Town setting); Rhode Island School of Design is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
• Washington College 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: Washington College 8:1; Rhode Island School of Design 8:1.

Washington College vs. RISD Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Washington College 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 Washington College than RISD ($29,830 vs. $43,492).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rhode Island School of Design are 8.9% lower than at Washington College ($16,626 vs. $18,250).
• Rhode Island School of Design is 13.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washington College (about $7,362 more per year; $62,688.00 vs. $55,326.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.3% higher at RISD than at Washington College (about $7,362 more per year; $62,688.00 vs. $55,326.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington College than at Rhode Island School of Design (100% vs. 31%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington College students is 13.8% larger than aid received by Rhode Island School of Design students ($43,485 vs. $38,223).

Washington College vs. RISD Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Washington College 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 Washington College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rhode Island School of Design (1460) is 190 points higher than at Washington College (1270).
• Incoming RISD students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 29 at Washington College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington College 1140/1390; Rhode Island School of Design 1396/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington College 27/31; Rhode Island School of Design 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Washington College - Test optional; RISD - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Washington College Feb 15, 2027; RISD Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington College students have the same average high school GPA (3.71) as students at RISD (3.71).
• Washington College has a higher acceptance rate (56.9%) than RISD (18.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Washington College vs. 41.5% at RISD.

Washington College vs. RISD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Washington College 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 Washington College's (75%).
• Graduates from Rhode Island School of Design earn a median of about $300 more per year than Washington College graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $50,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington College graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than RISD graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Washington College graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RISD graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More RISD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washington College students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 85%)

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.