UConn vs URI: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Connecticut and University of Rhode Island, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
UConn vs URI at a glance
UConn admits 52.4% of applicants and URI 72.2% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $24,342 at UConn and $22,469 at URI. Six-year graduation rates are 83.5% and 72.3%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- UConn admits 52.4% of applicants and URI 72.2%, so UConn is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $24,342 a year at UConn and $22,469 at URI; URI costs $1,873 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $13,649 at UConn and $15,297 at URI.
- 83.5% of students graduate within six years at UConn, against 72.3% at URI.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $82,098 for UConn and $73,439 for URI; UConn is $8,659 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,313 at UConn and $20,500 at URI.
- UConn enrolls 19,835 students (large suburb) and URI 13,381 (large suburb).
Side by side
UConn and URI in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | UConn | URI |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 52.4% | 72.2% |
| Applicants | 36,753 | 25,105 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1210–1440 | 1020–1280 |
| ACT middle 50% | 28–33 | 25–30 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $24,342 | $22,469 |
| Tuition, in state | $21,334 | $17,476 |
| Tuition, out of state | $44,002 | $38,398 |
| Cost of attendance | $40,744 | $36,252 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $13,649 | $15,297 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $13,415 | $15,468 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $17,169 | $17,805 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $26,207 | $23,068 |
| Over $110,000 | $36,552 | $31,501 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 83.5% | 72.3% |
| First-year retention | 92.5% | 83.6% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $82,098 | $73,439 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,313 | $20,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $231 | $233 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 19,835 | 13,381 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | Suburb: Large | Suburb: Large |
| Location | Storrs, CT | Kingston, RI |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
UConn reports 85 bachelor's programs and URI 77; 55 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about UConn vs URI
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into UConn or URI?
UConn is harder to get into by acceptance rate: UConn admits 52.4% of applicants and URI admits 72.2%. Middle 50% SAT scores: UConn 1210–1440; URI 1020–1280.
Which is cheaper, UConn or URI?
URI has the lower average net price after grants: $24,342 a year at UConn against $22,469 at URI. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $13,649 and $15,297. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do UConn or URI graduates earn more?
UConn graduates earn more at the median: $82,098 ten years after entry for UConn and $73,439 for URI. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,313 and $20,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, UConn or URI?
UConn does: 83.5% of UConn students graduate within six years, against 72.3% at URI.
How big are UConn and URI?
UConn has 19,835 students in Storrs, CT and URI has 13,381 students in Kingston, RI.