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Colleges / RI / Providence
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Rhode Island School of Design

Private nonprofit Providence, RI · Urban · New England · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
89%
Graduation Rate
$68,140
Earnings (10yr)
$50,507
Net Price
19%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an acceptance rate of just 19%, Rhode Island School of Design attracts students who are passionate about the arts and design, as well as those looking to carve out a niche in technology through programs like Computer Science & IT. This school fits individuals who want to immerse themselves in creative disciplines, particularly in Visual & Performing Arts and Precision Production. The small student body of around 2,084 allows for a tight-knit community where collaboration and creativity can thrive.

After graduation, students from RISD find themselves on solid financial footing, with a 10-year earnings average of $68,140. This figure demonstrates that a degree from this institution can lead to meaningful career opportunities. While the cost of attendance is significant, the outcomes suggest that many graduates successfully navigate the job market and secure positions that allow them to move up in their fields.

When considering the practicalities, the net price sits at $50,507, and the median debt is $27,000, which can feel daunting. However, it’s worth noting that only 15% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a relatively lower reliance on federal aid among the student body. Those who tend to thrive here are often self-motivated and passionate about their chosen fields, ready to take advantage of the rich resources and connections that RISD has to offer.

Rankings

How Rhode Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation89%Earnings 10yr$68KNet Price$51KRetention95%Median Debt$27KPell Grant Rate15%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$29K$0-30K$30K$30-48K$26K$48-75K$64K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%411.4%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%3255.2%MOBILITY133.92%

Cost & Financial Aid

$62,688
In-State Tuition
$62,688
Out-of-State
$50,507
Avg Net Price
$27,000
Median Debt
15%
Pell Grant Rate
29%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$29,135
Family Income $0–$30K
$30,233
Family Income $30K–$48K
$25,872
Family Income $48K–$75K
$64,493
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$45,932
6 Years After Entry
$58,975
8 Years
$68,140
10 Years
0.4x
Debt-to-Earnings
66%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$45,932 6yr $58,975 8yr $68,140 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

133.92%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
3255.2%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
411.4%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$142,800
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.86
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
7.9%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

2.041%
Inventor Rate
154
Total Patents
309
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 19%
Retention Rate 95%
SAT Average 1473
ACT Midpoint 31
SAT Range 1396–1530
ACT Range 31–34
Full-Time Faculty 39%
Faculty Salary (mo) $11,226
Diversity Index 0.77
First-Gen Students 11%

Top Programs

Visual & Performing Arts 53%
Computer Science & IT 12%
Precision Production 5%