Rhode Island School of Design is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Providence, Rhode Island with 2,084 undergraduates. It admits 19% of applicants, costs an average of $50,513 a year after grants and graduates 92% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Rhode Island School of Design acceptance rate and admissions
Rhode Island School of Design admitted 19% of applicants for fall 2024, about 1 in 5. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 688 to 750, math 708 to 780). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Rhode Island School of Design application deadlines 2026-27
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early decision | Nov 1, 2026 (passed) |
| Regular decision | Jan 20, 2027 |
Next deadline: Regular decision, Jan 20, 2027. Application fee through the Common App: $60 for U.S. applicants. Confirm dates on Rhode Island School of Design’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Rhode Island School of Design tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $65,136 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $17,400 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $85,455 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $50,513 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $50,513 a year after grants and scholarships, $34,942 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Rhode Island School of Design's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Rhode Island School of Design graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 92% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $69,341 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $26,898 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 39% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Rhode Island School of Design majors and what graduates earn
Rhode Island School of Design awarded bachelor's degrees in 8 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from graphic and industrial design ($67,771).
All 8 majors at Rhode Island School of Design
| Major | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic and industrial design | 101 | $27,941 | $67,771 | $27,000 |
| Apparel and Textiles | 15 | n/a | $59,372 | n/a |
| Film and photography | 53 | n/a | $51,278 | $27,000 |
| Fine and studio arts | 133 | $24,782 | $40,568 | $27,000 |
| Woodworking | 29 | n/a | $37,055 | n/a |
| Systems Science and Theory | 84 | $59,681 | n/a | $24,625 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | 62 | $40,844 | n/a | $24,523 |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology | 55 | n/a | n/a | $27,250 |
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Rhode Island School of Design
12 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 12 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural Sciences and Technology | Master's | 74 | $67,299 | $61,500 |
| Fine and studio arts | Master's | 34 | $42,820 | $41,000 |
| Sustainability Studies | Master's | 21 | n/a | n/a |
| Systems Science and Theory | Master's | 18 | n/a | n/a |
| Graphic and industrial design | Master's | 15 | n/a | n/a |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | Master's | 13 | n/a | n/a |
| Teacher education by subject | Master's | 13 | n/a | $20,500 |
| Woodworking | Master's | 10 | n/a | n/a |
| Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis | Master's | 7 | n/a | n/a |
| Film and photography | Master's | 7 | n/a | n/a |
| Radio, TV and digital media | Master's | 5 | n/a | n/a |
| Interdisciplinary studies, other | Master's | 0 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 2,084 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 71% women, 29% men
- 8 students for every faculty member
- Setting: midsize city
- Accredited by New England Commission on Higher Education
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Rhode Island School of Design?
Rhode Island School of Design admitted 19% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Rhode Island School of Design cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $65,136. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $50,513 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for Rhode Island School of Design?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 688 to 750 in reading and writing and 708 to 780 in math, and 31 to 34 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is Rhode Island School of Design test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Rhode Island School of Design reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Rhode Island School of Design?
92% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Rhode Island School of Design graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $69,341 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Rhode Island · colleges in Providence · Rhode Island School of Design on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.