Westfield State University vs. RIC

Comparable Facts

Compare Westfield State University in Westfield, MA with Rhode Island College in Providence, RI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rhode Island College is larger than Westfield State University based on total student enrollment (6,155 students vs. 4,588 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Westfield State University is located in Westfield, MA (Large Suburban setting); Rhode Island College is in Providence, RI (Large Suburban setting).
• Westfield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Rhode Island College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Westfield State University 17:1; Rhode Island College 15:1.

Westfield State University vs. RIC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Westfield State University or RIC? 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 Rhode Island College than Westfield State University ($10,346 vs. $17,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rhode Island College are 4.3% lower than at Westfield State University ($13,414 vs. $14,018).
• Westfield State University is 7.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than RIC (about $879 more per year; $12,179.00 vs. $11,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.5% higher at RIC than at Westfield State University (about $9,040 more per year; $27,299.00 vs. $18,259.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rhode Island College than at Westfield State University (95% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Westfield State University students is 35% larger than aid received by Rhode Island College students ($9,054 vs. $6,706).

Westfield State University vs. RIC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Westfield State University or RIC? 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 RIC and Westfield State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Westfield State University (1090) is 90 points higher than at RIC (1000).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Westfield State University 980/1190; Rhode Island College 870/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Westfield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Westfield State University - Test optional; RIC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Westfield State University Mar 1, 2027; RIC Mar 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Westfield State University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at RIC (3.08).
• RIC has a higher acceptance rate (91.8%) than Westfield State University (81.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.2% at Westfield State University vs. 23.1% at RIC.

Westfield State University vs. RIC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Westfield State University and RIC? 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).

• Westfield State University's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Rhode Island College's (44%).
• Graduates from Westfield State University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than RIC graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,800 vs. $42,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rhode Island College graduates have a $1,550 lower median loan debt than Westfield State University graduates ($21,200 vs. $22,750).
• Among borrowers, RIC graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Westfield State University graduates ($219 vs. $235).
• More Westfield State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former RIC students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 59%)

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.