Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
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
Academic & Institutional
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.
Arts (19)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0410
Illustration.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island
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+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island
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+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island
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)
Graduate Career Earnings in Rhode Island
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
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
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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