Boston University vs Rhode Island School of Design
Boston University is highly selective with a 10.8% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Rhode Island School of Design (13.8%). Graduates of Boston University earn $15,098 more per year at the 10-year mark ($83,238 vs $68,140). For families earning $48k–$75k, Boston University is more affordable at $11,778 net price vs $36,834. Students at Boston University graduate with less debt ($23,250 vs $27,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Rhode Island School of Design has a higher yield rate (51.2%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Both schools have similar median SAT scores around 1470, so standardized test scores alone won't differentiate applicants.
Boston, MA
Providence, RI
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Boston University is more affordable at $9,500 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $47,504 vs $60,428.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Boston University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (18%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Boston University
- 1 Computer Science$84,994
- 2 Computer Engineering$82,440
- 3 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$70,829
- 4 Mechanical Engineering$68,858
- 5 Biomedical/Medical Engineering$67,660
Rhode Island School of Design
- 1 Architecture$50,439
- 2 Apparel and Textiles$41,937
- 3 Design and Applied Arts$36,166
- 4 Woodworking$30,228
- 5 Fine and Studio Arts$22,627
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Boston University
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Computer Science
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Economics
- 5 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
Rhode Island School of Design
- 1 Systems Science and Theory
- 2 Design and Applied Arts
- 3 Computer Software and Media Applications
- 4 Fine and Studio Arts
- 5 Architectural Sciences and Technology
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Boston University
- International students29%
- Tuition (international)$56,854
- Est. total cost/year$74,712
- School typePublic
Rhode Island School of Design
- International students37%
- Tuition (international)$53,820
- Est. total cost/year$69,320
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 37% international enrollment, Rhode Island School of Design likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Boston University or Rhode Island School of Design?
Boston University is more selective with a 10.8% acceptance rate, compared to 13.8%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Boston University or Rhode Island School of Design?
Boston University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $83,238 compared to $68,140. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Boston University or Rhode Island School of Design?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Boston University has a lower net price at $11,778 per year vs $36,834. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Boston University vs Rhode Island School of Design?
Boston University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 89.3%, compared to 88.5%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Boston University or Rhode Island School of Design?
Rhode Island School of Design has a larger international student population at 37% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Boston University and Rhode Island School of Design?
At Boston University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $84,994 within two years. At Rhode Island School of Design, the top-earning major is Architecture at $50,439. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.