Providence, RI · Private University
Is Rhode Island School of Design Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$68,140
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$59,760
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$59,760
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$239,040
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.14x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
7.2 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
88.5%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$27,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$46,253
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Rhode Island School of Design graduates earn $23,140 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Rhode Island School of Design ranked by graduate earnings
20 graduates
162 graduates
24 graduates
44 graduates
26 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Rhode Island School of Design
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural Sciences and TechnologyBest ROI(1yr data) | $55,673 | 0.9x |
| Design and Applied Arts | $55,647 | 0.9x |
| Woodworking | $51,606 | 0.9x |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $45,571 | 0.8x |
| Systems Science and Theory(1yr data) | $34,265 | 0.6x |
| Fine and Studio ArtsLowest | $27,691 | 0.5x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Rhode Island School of Design delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $68,140 10 years after starting — $23,140 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 7.2 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.