Rhode island vs Southern california — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Southern california is the more selective of the two (9.8% vs 72.2% acceptance). Southern california ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#801-900 vs #62). Southern california graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($92K vs $70K). Rhode island has lower sticker-price tuition ($37,146 vs $72,097 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 Southern california 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
Southern california is more selective (9.8% vs 72.2% acceptance); Southern california has a higher median SAT (1495 vs 1160).
Southern california graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($92K vs $70K); Southern california has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.8% vs 73.3%).
Rhode island has lower sticker-price tuition ($37,146 vs $72,097); Southern california offers a larger average aid package ($71,169 vs $17,388).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rhode island | Southern california |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #62 |
| Rank · THE | — | #72 |
| Acceptance rate | 72.2% | 9.8% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 43.3% |
| Median SAT | 1160 | 1495 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.60 | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 26,987 | 82,027 |
| International students | 3% | 27% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $92K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $58K | $89K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $141K |
| Graduation rate | 73.3% | 91.8% |
| Retention rate | 83.6% | 95.6% |
| Median debt | $22,250 | $18,000 |
| Tuition · year | $37,146 | $72,097 |
| Avg. aid package | $17,388 | $71,169 |
| % of need met | 60% | 99.3% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $40,247 | $27,678 |
| Application fee | $65 | $85 |
| Enrollment | 17,649 | 46,566 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rhode island or Southern california?
It's harder to get into Southern california. Rhode island accepts 72.2% of applicants, while Southern california accepts 9.8%.
Do Rhode island or Southern california graduates earn more?
Southern california graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $92K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Rhode island vs Southern california?
Sticker-price tuition is $37,146 per year at Rhode island and $72,097 per year at Southern california.
What SAT score do you need for Rhode island or Southern california?
The median admitted SAT score is 1160 at Rhode island and 1495 at Southern california; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rhode island or Southern california?
Southern california ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #801-900 for Rhode island vs #62 for Southern california.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rhode island or Southern california?
The average aid package is $17,388 at Rhode island and $71,169 at Southern california.
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