Emory vs Rhode Island - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
These are two different admissions games: Emory admits 10.3% of applications, Rhode Island admits 72.2%.
The more international environment is at Emory (16.7% international students) than Rhode Island (1.2%).
Average aid for an international student is $54,457 (Emory) and $26,565 (Rhode Island).
The order of prices reverses once aid is counted: Emory starts at $90,574 against $54,758 and ends at $23,245 against $37,163 (Rhode Island).
None of these figures decides on its own; what decides is which course you want to be on, and on what budget.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Emory is the more selective of the two (10.29% vs 72.2% acceptance). Emory ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #801-900). Emory graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($80K vs $70K). Rhode Island has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,398 vs $68,056 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical - the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Emory for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Rhode Island for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Emory is more selective (10.29% vs 72.2% acceptance); Emory has a higher median SAT (1510 vs 1160).
Emory graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($80K vs $70K); Emory has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.1% vs 73.3%).
Rhode Island has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,398 vs $68,056); Emory offers a larger average aid package ($67,329 vs $17,595).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Emory | Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #801-900 |
| Rank · THE | - | - |
| Acceptance rate | 10.29% | 72.2% |
| Yield rate | 40.4% | 16.4% |
| Median SAT | 1510 | 1160 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.84 | 3.65 |
| Number of applications | 34,614 | 28,021 |
| International students | 16.7% | 1.2% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $80K | $70K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $58K | $44K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $120K | $102K |
| Graduation rate | 91.1% | 73.3% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 85% |
| Median debt | $18,250 | $22,250 |
| Tuition · year | $68,056 | $38,398 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,329 | $17,595 |
| % of need met | 99.9% | 57% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,562 | $42,945 |
| Application fee | $75 | $65 |
| Enrollment | 15,179 | 14,466 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Emory or Rhode Island?
It's harder to get into Emory. Emory accepts 10.29% of applicants, while Rhode Island accepts 72.2%.
Do Emory or Rhode Island graduates earn more?
Emory graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $80K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Emory vs Rhode Island?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,056 per year at Emory and $38,398 per year at Rhode Island.
What SAT score do you need for Emory or Rhode Island?
The median admitted SAT score is 1510 at Emory and 1160 at Rhode Island; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Emory or Rhode Island?
Emory ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Emory vs #801-900 for Rhode Island.
Which university offers more financial aid - Emory or Rhode Island?
The average aid package is $67,329 at Emory and $17,595 at Rhode Island.
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