Rhode Island School of Design ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$239,040
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$10,932/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
21.9 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-9%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, Rhode Island School of Design graduates earn a median of $22,778, while the annual tuition cost is $59,760. Five years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $45,932. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $68,140. The median debt for graduates is $27,000.
The debt-to-income ratio for graduates one year after graduation is approximately 1.18, calculated by dividing the median debt by the median earnings. The debt-to-income ratio decreases to approximately 0.59 five years after graduation and to 0.40 ten years after graduation.
Based on the provided data, it would take approximately 1.2 years for a graduate to earn an amount equal to their median debt, calculated by dividing the median debt by the median earnings one year after graduation.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$59,760
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$45,932
Graduation Rate
90%
Receive Financial Aid
29%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts | $86,935 | 335% |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $35,029 | -100% |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology | $0 | N/A |
| Systems Science and Theory | $0 | N/A |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $45,571 | -12% |
| Architecture | $70,879 | 200% |
| Woodworking | $51,606 | 39% |
| Apparel and Textiles | $0 | N/A |
| Sustainability Studies | $0 | N/A |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $0 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $0 | N/A |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
-9%
20yr ROI
54%
20yr ROI
52%
20yr ROI
52%
20yr ROI
8%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.