Rhode island vs Virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Virginia is the more selective of the two (16.8% vs 72.2% acceptance). Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#801-900 vs #201-300). Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $70K). Rhode island has lower sticker-price tuition ($37,146 vs $59,512 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 Virginia 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
Virginia is more selective (16.8% vs 72.2% acceptance); Virginia has a higher median SAT (1480 vs 1160).
Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $70K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 73.3%).
Rhode island has lower sticker-price tuition ($37,146 vs $59,512); Virginia offers a larger average aid package ($37,123 vs $17,388).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rhode island | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 72.2% | 16.8% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 40% |
| Median SAT | 1160 | 1480 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.60 | — |
| Number of applications | 26,987 | 58,951 |
| International students | 3% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $87K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $58K | $79K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $130K |
| Graduation rate | 73.3% | 95.6% |
| Retention rate | 83.6% | 97.9% |
| Median debt | $22,250 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $37,146 | $59,512 |
| Avg. aid package | $17,388 | $37,123 |
| % of need met | 60% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $40,247 | $25,137 |
| Application fee | $65 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 17,649 | 26,470 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rhode island or Virginia?
It's harder to get into Virginia. Rhode island accepts 72.2% of applicants, while Virginia accepts 16.8%.
Do Rhode island or Virginia graduates earn more?
Virginia graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $87K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Rhode island vs Virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $37,146 per year at Rhode island and $59,512 per year at Virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Rhode island or Virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1160 at Rhode island and 1480 at Virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rhode island or Virginia?
Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #801-900 for Rhode island vs #201-300 for Virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rhode island or Virginia?
The average aid package is $17,388 at Rhode island and $37,123 at Virginia.
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