Brown University vs Rhode Island School of Design
Brown University is extremely selective with a 5.2% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Rhode Island School of Design (13.8%). Graduates of Brown University earn $25,347 more per year at the 10-year mark ($93,487 vs $68,140). For families earning $48k–$75k, Brown University is more affordable at $7,757 net price vs $36,834. Students at Brown University graduate with less debt ($11,428 vs $27,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Brown University has a higher yield rate (63.1%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Brown University has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1490).
Providence, RI
Providence, RI
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Brown University is more affordable at $-2,158 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $45,823 vs $60,428.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Rhode Island School of Design enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (14%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Brown University
- 1 Computer Science$153,718
- 2 Applied Mathematics$88,506
- 3 Engineering, General$75,921
- 4 Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations$73,769
- 5 Economics$63,302
Rhode Island School of Design
- 1 Architecture$50,439
- 2 Apparel and Textiles$41,937
- 3 Design and Applied Arts$36,166
- 4 Woodworking$30,228
- 5 Fine and Studio Arts$22,627
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Brown University
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Applied Mathematics
- 3 Economics
- 4 Biology, General
- 5 International Relations and National Security Studies
Rhode Island School of Design
- 1 Systems Science and Theory
- 2 Design and Applied Arts
- 3 Computer Software and Media Applications
- 4 Fine and Studio Arts
- 5 Architectural Sciences and Technology
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Brown University
- International students20%
- Tuition (international)$59,254
- Est. total cost/year$76,604
- School typePublic
Rhode Island School of Design
- International students37%
- Tuition (international)$53,820
- Est. total cost/year$69,320
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 37% international enrollment, Rhode Island School of Design likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Brown University or Rhode Island School of Design?
Brown University is more selective with a 5.2% acceptance rate, compared to 13.8%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Brown University or Rhode Island School of Design?
Brown University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $93,487 compared to $68,140. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Brown University or Rhode Island School of Design?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Brown University has a lower net price at $7,757 per year vs $36,834. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Brown University vs Rhode Island School of Design?
Brown University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 96.0%, compared to 88.5%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Brown University or Rhode Island School of Design?
Rhode Island School of Design has a larger international student population at 37% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design?
At Brown University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $153,718 within two years. At Rhode Island School of Design, the top-earning major is Architecture at $50,439. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.