Rhode island vs Texas rio grande valley — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rhode island is the more selective of the two (72.2% vs 94.2% acceptance). Rhode island graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $50K). Texas rio grande valley has lower sticker-price tuition ($19,827 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 Texas rio grande valley for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rhode island is more selective (72.2% vs 94.2% acceptance); Rhode island has a higher median SAT (1160 vs 985).
Rhode island graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $50K); Rhode island has a higher 6-year graduation rate (73.3% vs 50.9%).
Texas rio grande valley has lower sticker-price tuition ($19,827 vs $37,146); Rhode island offers a larger average aid package ($17,388 vs $11,242).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rhode island | Texas rio grande valley |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #801-900 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 72.2% | 94.2% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 55.4% |
| Median SAT | 1160 | 985 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.60 | — |
| Number of applications | 26,987 | 12,137 |
| International students | 3% | 3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $50K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $58K | $44K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $67K |
| Graduation rate | 73.3% | 50.9% |
| Retention rate | 83.6% | 78.9% |
| Median debt | $22,250 | $12,950 |
| Tuition · year | $37,146 | $19,827 |
| Avg. aid package | $17,388 | $11,242 |
| % of need met | 60% | 72% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $40,247 | $14,589 |
| Application fee | $65 | — |
| Enrollment | 17,649 | 31,864 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rhode island or Texas rio grande valley?
It's harder to get into Rhode island. Rhode island accepts 72.2% of applicants, while Texas rio grande valley accepts 94.2%.
Do Rhode island or Texas rio grande valley graduates earn more?
Rhode island graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $70K vs $50K.
How much is tuition at Rhode island vs Texas rio grande valley?
Sticker-price tuition is $37,146 per year at Rhode island and $19,827 per year at Texas rio grande valley.
What SAT score do you need for Rhode island or Texas rio grande valley?
The median admitted SAT score is 1160 at Rhode island and 985 at Texas rio grande valley; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rhode island or Texas rio grande valley?
The average aid package is $17,388 at Rhode island and $11,242 at Texas rio grande valley.
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