Iowa state vs Rhode island — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rhode island is the more selective of the two (72.2% vs 88.7% acceptance). Iowa state ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #801-900). Rhode island graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $37,146 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 Iowa state for: a higher world ranking, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
Choose Rhode island for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rhode island is more selective (72.2% vs 88.7% acceptance); Iowa state has a higher median SAT (1204 vs 1160).
Rhode island graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $63K); Iowa state has a higher 6-year graduation rate (75.3% vs 73.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $37,146); Rhode island offers a larger average aid package ($17,388 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Iowa state | Rhode island |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #801-900 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 72.2% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 15.4% |
| Median SAT | 1204 | 1160 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | 3.60 |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 26,987 |
| International students | 8% | 3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $70K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $58K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $102K |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% | 73.3% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% | 83.6% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $22,250 |
| Tuition · year | $28,881 | $37,146 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,665 | $17,388 |
| % of need met | 78% | 60% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,475 | $40,247 |
| Application fee | $40 | $65 |
| Enrollment | 30,432 | 17,649 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Iowa state or Rhode island?
It's harder to get into Rhode island. Iowa state accepts 88.7% of applicants, while Rhode island accepts 72.2%.
Do Iowa state or Rhode island graduates earn more?
Rhode island graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $70K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Iowa state vs Rhode island?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,881 per year at Iowa state and $37,146 per year at Rhode island.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa state or Rhode island?
The median admitted SAT score is 1204 at Iowa state and 1160 at Rhode island; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Iowa state or Rhode island?
Iowa state ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Iowa state vs #801-900 for Rhode island.
Which university offers more financial aid — Iowa state or Rhode island?
The average aid package is $15,665 at Iowa state and $17,388 at Rhode island.
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