Northwestern University vs Rhode Island School of Design
Northwestern University is extremely selective with a 7.1% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Rhode Island School of Design (13.8%). Graduates of Northwestern University earn $21,223 more per year at the 10-year mark ($89,363 vs $68,140). For families earning $48k–$75k, Northwestern University is more affordable at $7,898 net price vs $36,834. Students at Northwestern University graduate with less debt ($15,000 vs $27,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Northwestern University has a higher yield rate (57.0%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Northwestern University has a higher median SAT (1530 vs 1490).
Evanston, IL
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), Northwestern University is more affordable at $1,764 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $48,777 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. Northwestern University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (19%), 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.
Northwestern University
- 1 Computer Science$98,403
- 2 Computer Engineering$85,918
- 3 Information Science/Studies$83,546
- 4 Industrial Engineering$79,849
- 5 Chemical Engineering$79,688
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.
Northwestern University
- 1 Economics
- 2 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- 3 Computer Science
- 4 Psychology, General
- 5 Biology, General
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.
Northwestern University
- International students21%
- Tuition (international)$56,286
- Est. total cost/year$74,356
- 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 Northwestern University or Rhode Island School of Design?
Northwestern University is more selective with a 7.1% acceptance rate, compared to 13.8%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Northwestern University or Rhode Island School of Design?
Northwestern University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $89,363 compared to $68,140. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Northwestern University or Rhode Island School of Design?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Northwestern University has a lower net price at $7,898 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 Northwestern University vs Rhode Island School of Design?
Northwestern University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 95.5%, 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: Northwestern 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 Northwestern University and Rhode Island School of Design?
At Northwestern University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $98,403 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.