Wesleyan University vs. RISD

Comparable Facts

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

Wesleyan University is larger than RISD based on total student enrollment (4,011 students vs. 2,520 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wesleyan University is located in Middletown, CT (Small City setting); Rhode Island School of Design is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
• Wesleyan 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: Wesleyan University 8:1; Rhode Island School of Design 8:1.

Wesleyan University vs. RISD Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wesleyan 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 Wesleyan University than RISD ($23,025 vs. $43,492).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rhode Island School of Design are 16.3% lower than at Wesleyan University ($16,626 vs. $19,872).
• Wesleyan University is 12.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than RISD (about $7,654 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $62,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.2% higher at Wesleyan University than at Rhode Island School of Design (about $7,654 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $62,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wesleyan University than at Rhode Island School of Design (42% vs. 31%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wesleyan University students is 72.7% larger than aid received by Rhode Island School of Design students ($65,995 vs. $38,223).

Wesleyan University vs. RISD Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wesleyan University (1480) is 20 points higher than at RISD (1460).
• Incoming Wesleyan University 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: Wesleyan University 1415/1540; Rhode Island School of Design 1396/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 33/35; Rhode Island School of Design 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wesleyan University - Test optional; RISD - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027; RISD Feb 1, 2027.
• RISD has a higher acceptance rate (18.7%) than Wesleyan University (16.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Wesleyan University vs. 41.5% at RISD.

Wesleyan University vs. RISD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wesleyan 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).

• Wesleyan University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Rhode Island School of Design's (87%).
• Graduates from Wesleyan University earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than RISD graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,000 vs. $51,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have a $9,500 lower median loan debt than RISD graduates ($17,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $99 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RISD graduates ($180 vs. $279).
• More Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former RISD students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 89%)

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.