Rhode island vs Connecticut — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Connecticut is the more selective of the two (52.4% vs 72.2% acceptance). Connecticut ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#801-900 vs #301-400). Connecticut graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($74K vs $70K). Rhode island has lower sticker-price tuition ($37,146 vs $43,712 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 Rhode island for: lower tuition.
Choose Connecticut for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Connecticut is more selective (52.4% vs 72.2% acceptance); Connecticut has a higher median SAT (1348 vs 1160).
Connecticut graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($74K vs $70K); Connecticut has a higher 6-year graduation rate (83.3% vs 73.3%).
Rhode island has lower sticker-price tuition ($37,146 vs $43,712); Connecticut offers a larger average aid package ($21,535 vs $17,388).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rhode island | Connecticut |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 72.2% | 52.4% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 15.4% |
| Median SAT | 1160 | 1348 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.60 | — |
| Number of applications | 26,987 | 55,479 |
| International students | 3% | 11% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $74K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $58K | $66K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $109K |
| Graduation rate | 73.3% | 83.3% |
| Retention rate | 83.6% | 92% |
| Median debt | $22,250 | $21,500 |
| Tuition · year | $37,146 | $43,712 |
| Avg. aid package | $17,388 | $21,535 |
| % of need met | 60% | 61.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $40,247 | $28,506 |
| Application fee | $65 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 17,649 | 28,306 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rhode island or Connecticut?
It's harder to get into Connecticut. Rhode island accepts 72.2% of applicants, while Connecticut accepts 52.4%.
Do Rhode island or Connecticut graduates earn more?
Connecticut graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $74K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Rhode island vs Connecticut?
Sticker-price tuition is $37,146 per year at Rhode island and $43,712 per year at Connecticut.
What SAT score do you need for Rhode island or Connecticut?
The median admitted SAT score is 1160 at Rhode island and 1348 at Connecticut; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rhode island or Connecticut?
Connecticut ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #801-900 for Rhode island vs #301-400 for Connecticut.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rhode island or Connecticut?
The average aid package is $17,388 at Rhode island and $21,535 at Connecticut.
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