Yale vs Rhode Island - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Rhode Island accepts most of the applications it receives (72.2%), while Yale turns away the overwhelming majority (4.7%).
The share of international students differs sharply: 10.6% (Yale) against 1.2% (Rhode Island).
For an applicant from outside the US the difference is financial: Yale awards international students $84,185 on average, Rhode Island awards $26,565.
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Yale lists $98,900 against $54,758 (Rhode Island), but after average aid what remains is $24,547 against $37,163.
These numbers describe the cohorts already enrolled, not your chances; treat them as a starting point rather than a forecast.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Yale is the more selective of the two (4.7% vs 72.2% acceptance). Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#11 vs #801-900). Yale graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($101K vs $70K). Rhode Island has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,398 vs $72,500 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 Yale 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
Yale is more selective (4.7% vs 72.2% acceptance); Yale has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1160).
Yale graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($101K vs $70K); Yale has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.7% vs 73.3%).
Rhode Island has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,398 vs $72,500); Yale offers a larger average aid package ($74,353 vs $17,595).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Yale | Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #11 | #801-900 |
| Rank · THE | #10 | - |
| Acceptance rate | 4.7% | 72.2% |
| Yield rate | 68.4% | 16.4% |
| Median SAT | 1540 | 1160 |
| Avg. GPA | - | 3.65 |
| Number of applications | 50,264 | 28,021 |
| International students | 10.6% | 1.2% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $70K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $66K | $44K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $194K | $102K |
| Graduation rate | 95.7% | 73.3% |
| Retention rate | 99.4% | 85% |
| Median debt | $12,975 | $22,250 |
| Tuition · year | $72,500 | $38,398 |
| Avg. aid package | $74,353 | $17,595 |
| % of need met | 100% | 57% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,185 | $42,945 |
| Application fee | $80 | $65 |
| Enrollment | 15,657 | 14,466 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Yale or Rhode Island?
It's harder to get into Yale. Yale accepts 4.7% of applicants, while Rhode Island accepts 72.2%.
Do Yale or Rhode Island graduates earn more?
Yale graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $101K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Yale vs Rhode Island?
Sticker-price tuition is $72,500 per year at Yale and $38,398 per year at Rhode Island.
What SAT score do you need for Yale or Rhode Island?
The median admitted SAT score is 1540 at Yale and 1160 at Rhode Island; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Yale or Rhode Island?
Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #11 for Yale vs #801-900 for Rhode Island.
Which university offers more financial aid - Yale or Rhode Island?
The average aid package is $74,353 at Yale and $17,595 at Rhode Island.
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