Rhode island vs Kansas — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rhode island is the more selective of the two (72.2% vs 93.5% acceptance). Kansas ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#801-900 vs #301-400). Rhode island graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $62K). Kansas has lower sticker-price tuition ($30,432 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 higher graduation rate.
Choose Kansas for: a higher world ranking, higher retention, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rhode island is more selective (72.2% vs 93.5% acceptance); Kansas has a higher median SAT (1190 vs 1160).
Rhode island graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $62K); Rhode island has a higher 6-year graduation rate (73.3% vs 68.8%).
Kansas has lower sticker-price tuition ($30,432 vs $37,146); Kansas offers a larger average aid package ($19,700 vs $17,388).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rhode island | Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 72.2% | 93.5% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 25.5% |
| Median SAT | 1160 | 1190 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.60 | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 26,987 | 22,363 |
| International students | 3% | 7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $58K | $59K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $88K |
| Graduation rate | 73.3% | 68.8% |
| Retention rate | 83.6% | 86% |
| Median debt | $22,250 | $21,000 |
| Tuition · year | $37,146 | $30,432 |
| Avg. aid package | $17,388 | $19,700 |
| % of need met | 60% | 78.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $40,247 | $27,212 |
| Application fee | $65 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 17,649 | 29,792 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rhode island or Kansas?
It's harder to get into Rhode island. Rhode island accepts 72.2% of applicants, while Kansas accepts 93.5%.
Do Rhode island or Kansas graduates earn more?
Rhode island graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $70K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Rhode island vs Kansas?
Sticker-price tuition is $37,146 per year at Rhode island and $30,432 per year at Kansas.
What SAT score do you need for Rhode island or Kansas?
The median admitted SAT score is 1160 at Rhode island and 1190 at Kansas; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rhode island or Kansas?
Kansas ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #801-900 for Rhode island vs #301-400 for Kansas.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rhode island or Kansas?
The average aid package is $17,388 at Rhode island and $19,700 at Kansas.
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