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Sarasota, FL · Private University

Is Ringling College of Art and Design Worth It?

ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data

Below AverageRanked #3451 of 3,472 schools by ROI

Key Numbers

10-Year Earnings

$43,325

median, 10 years after enrollment

In-State Tuition

$55,480

per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$55,480

per year

Total 4-Year Cost

$221,920

tuition only (4 years)

ROI Ratio

0.78x

earnings ÷ annual tuition

Payback Period

26.7 yrs

years to recoup total cost

Graduation Rate

70.8%

6-year graduation rate

Median Debt

$27,000

at graduation

Avg Net Price

$55,390

after aid & scholarships

Earnings vs. Annual Cost

10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition

Median Earnings (10yr)$43,325
Annual Tuition$55,480
National Median Earnings$45,000

Ringling College of Art and Design graduates earn $1,675 less 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

Under $30,000$50,332/yr
$30,000 – $48,000$50,588/yr
$48,000 – $75,000$55,349/yr
$75,000 – $110,000$57,165/yr
Over $110,000$60,033/yr

Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.

Highest-Earning Majors

Top programs at Ringling College of Art and Design ranked by graduate earnings

1
Graphic Communications.$69,773

87 graduates

2
Design and Applied Arts.$43,045

184 graduates

3
Fine and Studio Arts.$18,932

34 graduates

4
Film/Video and Photographic Arts.$17,575

41 graduates

Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.

ROI by Major at Ringling College of Art and Design

All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.

MajorEarningsROI
Graphic CommunicationsBest ROI$69,7731.3x
Design and Applied Arts$43,0450.8x

Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.

The Bottom Line

Ringling College of Art and Design carries higher costs relative to graduate earnings, warranting careful consideration. Graduates earn $43,325 10 years after starting, $1,675 below the national median of $45,000. At the current earnings trajectory, it takes approximately 26.7 years to recover the total cost of attendance.

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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.