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Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Rhode Island School of Design

RISD is known for studio-first learning where ideas get tested in real time. Students build skills across making, digital media, and research, then sharpen it through critiques that prize clarity and craft. The urban campus stretches from College Hill to downtown with light filled studios, shops, a library, and an on campus art museum. Advising, tutoring, wellness services, and a career office keep students supported.

Life here runs late, with student-run shows and pop up critiques alongside gallery openings, river paths, and coffee-fueled nights. Providence's arts scene sits right outside, with chances to collaborate, intern, and show work with local partners. The culture is intense yet generous. Traditions center on portfolio reviews and campus exhibitions. Notable alumni include Shepard Fairey, Brian Chesky, and Chris Van Allsburg. It's a lot, in the best way.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 20 Washington Place, Providence, Rhode Island, 02903, USA
Website: risd.edu
Unit ID: 217493

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation: NECHE
Length of Study: Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System: 4-1-4 plan (two four-month terms with a one-month term in between)
Award Levels: Bachelor's, Master's
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Master's - Large programs
Campus Setting: Located in a midsize city (population between 100,000 and 249,999)
Tuition: In-state: $59,760 (Tuition $58,690 + Fee $1,070) · Out-of-state: $59,760 (Tuition $58,690 + Fee $1,070)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 2,540
Undergraduate: 2,090
Graduate/Other: 450
Male: 771 Female: 1,769
Applications:
Total Applicants: 7,126
Admitted: 984
Enrolled: 504
Acceptance: 13.8% Yield: 51.2%
Staff:
Total: 1,244 Full-time: 883 Part-time: 361

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Rhode Island. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in Rhode Island vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Arts (19)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0410 Illustration. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals to use artistic techniques to develop and execute interpretations of the concepts of authors and designers to specifications. Includes instruction in book illustration, fashion illustration, map illustration, rendering, exhibit preparation, textual layout, cartooning, and the use of various artistic techniques as requested by clients.

Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Rhode Island Avg RI vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $102,090 -$150 (-0.1%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 N/A N/A
27-1027 Set and Exhibit Designers $78,450 N/A N/A
27-1029 Designers, All Other $78,000 $64,630 -$13,370 (-17.1%)
50.0605 Photography. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the principles and techniques of communicating information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the creation of images on photographic film, plates, and digital images and that may prepare individuals to be professional photographic artists. Includes instruction in camera and equipment operation and maintenance, film and plate developing, light and composition, films and printing media, color and special effects, photographic art, photographic history, use of computer applications to record or enhance images and applications to the photography of various subjects.

Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Rhode Island Avg RI vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $102,090 -$150 (-0.1%)
27-4021 Photographers $55,650 $54,190 -$1,460 (-2.6%)
50.0699 Film/Video and Photographic Arts, Other. (Cert2y+)
Any instructional program in film/video and photographic arts not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Rhode Island Avg RI vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $102,090 -$150 (-0.1%)
50.0708 Painting. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by the application of paints and related chemical color substances to canvases or other materials. Includes instruction in color and color mixing, surface preparation, composition, oil and acrylic media, watercolor media, painting techniques, and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Rhode Island Avg RI vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $102,090 -$150 (-0.1%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 N/A N/A
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 N/A N/A
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 $68,390 -$41,720 (-37.9%)
50.0709 Sculpture. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by creating three-dimensional art works. Includes instruction in the analysis of form in space; round and relief concepts; sculptural composition; modern and experimental methods; different media such as clay, plaster, wood, stone, and metal; techniques such as carving, molding, welding, casting, and modeling; and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Rhode Island Avg RI vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $102,090 -$150 (-0.1%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 N/A N/A
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 N/A N/A
50.0710 Printmaking. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by rendering art concepts onto surfaces and transferring images, via ink or dyes, onto paper or fabric. Includes instruction in monochrome and color printing; tonality; chemistry; equipment set-up and maintenance; techniques such as serigraphy, lithography, intaglio, woodcut, block, stencil, relief, etching, and composite; and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Rhode Island Avg RI vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $102,090 -$150 (-0.1%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 N/A N/A
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 N/A N/A
50.0711 Ceramic Arts and Ceramics. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by producing art works out of clay and similar materials. Includes instruction in handbuilt and wheelthrown techniques; molding; slips and glazes; trimming and decorating; firing and kiln operation; oxidation; mixed media; ceramic murals; and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Rhode Island Avg RI vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $102,090 -$150 (-0.1%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 N/A N/A
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 N/A N/A
50.0712 Fiber, Textile and Weaving Arts. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by constructing art works from woven or non-woven fabrics and fibrous materials. Includes instruction in weaving techniques and loom operation; non-woven techniques such as knitting, coiling, netting, and crocheting; quilting; dyeing and pigmentation; printing and other finishing techniques; pattern design; tapestry; and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Rhode Island Avg RI vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $102,090 -$150 (-0.1%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 N/A N/A
50.0713 Jewelry Arts. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by fashioning jewelry from gems, other stones, and precious metals. Includes instruction in design concepts, electroforming, enameling, gemology, lapidary technique and art, metal and non-metal casting and molding, metal coloring, metalsmithing and finishing, personal style development, photo etching, and stone cutting and polishing.

Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Rhode Island Avg RI vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $102,090 -$150 (-0.1%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 N/A N/A
51-9071 Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers $55,030 $49,250 -$5,780 (-10.5%)
50.0799 Fine Arts and Art Studies, Other. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Any instructional program in fine arts and art studies not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Rhode Island Avg RI vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $102,090 -$150 (-0.1%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 N/A N/A
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 N/A N/A
Interdisciplinary (5)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
30.0601 Systems Science and Theory. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program with a multidisciplinary approach to the analysis and solution of complex problems, requiring a combined approach using data and models from the natural, social, technological, behavioral and life sciences, and other specialized fields.

Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Rhode Island Avg RI vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $157,310 +$7,420 (+5%)
25-1199 Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $94,470 $88,960 -$5,510 (-5.8%)
30.2601 Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis. (PostBacCert)
An interdisciplinary program that focuses on the analysis and critique of culture in its varied forms, including values, ideas, belief systems, and expressive acts, and the relationship between cultural forms, everyday life, and structures of power. Includes instruction in anthropology, communications, history, literary studies, philosophy, political economy, and sociology, as well as recent theories and methodologies such as semiotics, deconstruction, postcolonial studies, gender theory, and ethnography.

Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Rhode Island Avg RI vs US
19-3099 Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $106,440 $83,580 -$22,860 (-21.5%)
25-1062 Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $97,350 $110,650 +$13,300 (+13.7%)
25-1199 Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $94,470 $88,960 -$5,510 (-5.8%)
30.3301 Sustainability Studies. (PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the concept of sustainability from an interdisciplinary perspective. Includes instruction in sustainable development, environmental policies, ethics, ecology, landscape architecture, city and regional planning, economics, natural resources, sociology, and anthropology.

Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Rhode Island Avg RI vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $157,000 -$16,500 (-9.5%)
19-1031 Conservation Scientists $74,310 $90,090 +$15,780 (+21.2%)
19-2041 Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $88,640 $95,000 +$6,360 (+7.2%)
19-3051 Urban and Regional Planners $89,730 $85,440 -$4,290 (-4.8%)
19-3099 Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $106,440 $83,580 -$22,860 (-21.5%)
19-4042 Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $56,770 $59,830 +$3,060 (+5.4%)
25-1053 Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary $100,360 N/A N/A
25-1199 Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $94,470 $88,960 -$5,510 (-5.8%)
30.9999 Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. (PostBacCert)
Any instructional program in multi/interdisciplinary studies not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Rhode Island Avg RI vs US
99-9999 NO MATCH N/A N/A N/A
Architecture (2)
Architectural Design and Construction Planning Services
04.0902 Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the application of advanced technology to building design and construction, retrofitting existing buildings, and efficient operation of buildings, including lighting and daylight design, acoustics, solar design, building conservation, and energy-conscious design. Includes instruction in architecture, building technology, civil and structural engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental control systems, sustainability, and computer tools and applications.

Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Rhode Island Avg RI vs US
11-9041 Architectural and Engineering Managers $175,710 $175,730 +$20 (+0%)
17-3011 Architectural and Civil Drafters $68,860 $74,740 +$5,880 (+8.5%)
25-1031 Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary $110,360 $106,490 -$3,870 (-3.5%)
Computer & IT (2)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.0803 Computer Graphics. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the software, hardware, and mathematical tools used to represent, display, and manipulate topological, two-, and three-dimensional objects on a computer screen and that prepares individuals to function as computer graphics specialists. Includes instruction in graphics software and systems; digital multimedia; graphic design; graphics devices, processors, and standards; attributes and transformations; projections; surface identification and rendering; color theory and application; and applicable geometry and algorithms.

Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Rhode Island Avg RI vs US
15-1251 Computer Programmers $103,640 $102,600 -$1,040 (-1%)
25-1194 Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $68,710 $70,090 +$1,380 (+2%)
27-1024 Graphic Designers $68,610 $68,850 +$240 (+0.3%)
Production (2)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
48.0702 Furniture Design and Manufacturing. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to prepare and execute furniture design projects, assemble and finish furniture articles or subassemblies, repair furniture, and use a variety of hand and power tools.

Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Rhode Island Avg RI vs US
51-7021 Furniture Finishers $44,310 $58,750 +$14,440 (+32.6%)
51-7099 Woodworkers, All Other $43,730 N/A N/A
Human Sciences (1)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
19.0901 Apparel and Textiles, General. (Cert2y+)
A general program that focuses on the development of textile products and their distribution and use in terms of the psychological, social, economic, and physical needs of consumers. Includes instruction in the production, distribution, marketing, and end use of various apparel and textile products.

Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Rhode Island Avg RI vs US
25-1192 Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $84,450 N/A N/A
25-9021 Farm and Home Management Educators $60,470 N/A N/A
Education (1)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
13.1302 Art Teacher Education. (PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals to teach art and art appreciation programs at various educational levels.

Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Rhode Island Avg RI vs US
25-1081 Education Teachers, Postsecondary $78,500 $89,630 +$11,130 (+14.2%)
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $102,090 -$150 (-0.1%)
25-2022 Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $70,040 $79,570 +$9,530 (+13.6%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $81,330 +$7,630 (+10.4%)
Communication (1)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
09.0702 Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. (PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the development, use, critical evaluation, and regulation of new electronic communication technologies using computer applications; and that prepares individuals to function as developers and managers of digital communications media. Includes instruction in computer and telecommunications technologies and processes; design and development of digital communications; marketing and distribution; digital communications regulation, law, and policy; the study of human interaction with, and use of, digital media; and emerging trends and issues.

Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Rhode Island Avg RI vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $157,310 +$7,420 (+5%)
15-1255 Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,450 $114,040 +$2,590 (+2.3%)
25-1122 Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $90,340 $95,020 +$4,680 (+5.2%)
27-3099 Media and Communication Workers, All Other $84,870 N/A N/A

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$81,810
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$81,810
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$59,760
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$59,760
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$15,850
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$2,700
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$3,500
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$4,500
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$59,760
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$59,760
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

23%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$36,743
Avg. Loan
$8,586
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,445
Additional
Students with Any Grant
159
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
145
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
76
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$33,895
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

88%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
93%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$29,793 – $108,226
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$29,793 (25th %) $108,226 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $68,140
Median Salary After 6 Years
$45,932
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$68,140
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
86.9%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
89.9%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$27,000
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 73.7%
Middle 85.0%
High 92.8%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 88.8%
Independent 50.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

How much does it cost to attend Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)?

The annual tuition at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is $59,760 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $81,810 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $15,850 and books and supplies $2,700.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Rhode Island School of Design offer?

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) offers 35 academic programs across 8 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (19 programs)
  • Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs (5 programs)
  • Architectural Design and Construction Planning Services (2 programs)
  • Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (2 programs)
  • Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts (2 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for Rhode Island School of Design?

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) has an 13.8% acceptance rate and a 51.2% yield rate, making it highly selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 7,126
  • Students admitted: 984
  • Students enrolled: 504

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Rhode Island School of Design?

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) provides financial aid to 23% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $36,743 and average loans of $8,586.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,810
  • State/Local grants: $1,000
  • Institutional grants: $33,895
  • Federal loans: $5,445

The university supports 159 students with grants and 145 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Rhode Island School of Design graduates?

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) graduates earn a median salary of $45,932 after 6 years and $68,140 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $29,793 (25th percentile) to $108,226 (75th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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