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