Private nonprofit Institution

Rhode Island School of Design — Providence, Rhode Island

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Annual Tuition $59,760

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 13.8%

Most Selective

Enrollment 2,090

Active Students

Avg. Salary $68,140

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Providence, Rhode Island

Institution type Private nonprofit

Accreditation New England Commission on Higher Education

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Rhode Island School of Design stands as a pillar of higher education in Providence, providing a robust academic foundation for 2,090 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Rhode Island School of Design offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Rhode Island School of Design. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Visual & Performing Arts

50.8%

Enrollment Share

Multi/Interdisciplinary

17.3%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science

13.7%

Enrollment Share

Architecture

8.8%

Enrollment Share

Precision Production

5.3%

Enrollment Share

Family & Consumer Science

4.1%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at Rhode Island School of Design provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Multi/Interdisciplinary College

The Multi/Interdisciplinary program at Rhode Island School of Design provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Architecture College

The Architecture program at Rhode Island School of Design provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Precision Production College

The Precision Production program at Rhode Island School of Design provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Family & Consumer Science College

The Family & Consumer Science program at Rhode Island School of Design provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

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

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 13.8%

Difficulty Extremely High

Rhode Island School of Design maintains an acceptance rate of 13.8%, reflecting its status as a most selective institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 31.1%

Women Enrollment 68.9%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 680 - 760

SAT Mathematics 690 - 780

ACT English 29 - 35

ACT Mathematics 26 - 32

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Rhode Island School of Design cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $59,760

Out-of-State Tuition $59,760

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 14%

Median Student Debt $27,000

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $59,760, graduates see a median starting salary of $68,140, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Rhode Island.

What salary can Rhode Island School of Design graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $68,140

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 88.5%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $46,253

Median Salary (6yr) $45,932

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Rhode Island School of Design in Providence?

2,090 Students

Gender Comparison

31.1% Men

68.9% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

92.9%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.1%

Asian

24.7%

Black

4.6%

White

22.1%

Unknown

1.2%

Hispanic

8.8%

Two or More Races

4.9%

International

33.5%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 19

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First-Generation 10.6%

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Receive Pell Grant 37.6%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$80,568
Average Family Income	$111,677
Median Family Income	$81,183

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

52%

48%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Providence Campus Environment

Located at 20 Washington Place, Rhode Island School of Design offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Rhode Island. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does Rhode Island School of Design compare?

Direct Comparison Rhode Island School of Design vs Brown University →

Direct Comparison Rhode Island School of Design vs Johnson & Wales University-Providence →

Direct Comparison Rhode Island School of Design vs Providence College →

Direct Comparison Rhode Island School of Design vs Rhode Island College →

Common Questions about Rhode Island School of Design

Is Rhode Island School of Design a good college in Providence, Rhode Island?

Rhode Island School of Design is a recognized institution in Providence with an enrollment of 2,090 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in Rhode Island.

Is Rhode Island School of Design worth attending in 2026?

That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $68,140 on this page as a starting point for comparison.

How much does Rhode Island School of Design cost for Rhode Island residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Rhode Island School of Design is approximately $59,760. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $59,760. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Rhode Island School of Design after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Rhode Island School of Design for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 37.6% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Rhode Island School of Design good for Visual & Performing Arts and Multi/Interdisciplinary programs?

Rhode Island School of Design reports program activity in Visual & Performing Arts and Multi/Interdisciplinary. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.

What career can I get after attending Rhode Island School of Design?

Graduates of Rhode Island School of Design often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Visual & Performing Arts. With a median salary of $68,140, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Rhode Island School of Design?

Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on Rhode Island School of Design's official admissions website.

Does Rhode Island School of Design require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on Rhode Island School of Design's official admissions portal before applying.

What salary can Rhode Island School of Design graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Rhode Island School of Design earn a median salary of $68,140 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Rhode Island School of Design a good investment compared to other RI colleges?

Compare Rhode Island School of Design's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in Rhode Island to judge value for your goals.

Where is Rhode Island School of Design located and what is the campus like?

Rhode Island School of Design is located at 20 Washington Place in Providence, RI. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 2,090 learners.

Who typically attends Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI?

The student body at Rhode Island School of Design is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 10.6% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: Rhode Island

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Rhode Island School of Design with other leading institutions in Rhode Island across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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