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