Rhode Island School of Design
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
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
21.9 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-9%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The Rhode Island School of Design has a high tuition cost. The in-state tuition is $59,760. However, the one-year post-graduation earnings are $22,778. Five-year post-graduation earnings are $45,932, and ten-year post-graduation earnings are $68,140. The median debt for students is $27,000.
The school has a high acceptance rate of 13.8% and a high graduation rate of 89.8%. The retention rate is 92.9%. 28.6% of students receive financial aid.
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
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts. | $239,040 | $55,647 | 73% |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | $239,040 | $27,691 | N/A |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology. | $239,040 | $0 | N/A |
| Systems Science and Theory. | $239,040 | $0 | N/A |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | $239,040 | $45,571 | -12% |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology. | $239,040 | $0 | N/A |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | $239,040 | $35,029 | -100% |
| Architecture. | $239,040 | $61,485 | 122% |
| Apparel and Textiles. | $239,040 | $0 | N/A |
| Systems Science and Theory. | $239,040 | $0 | N/A |
| Sustainability Studies. | $239,040 | $0 | N/A |
| Woodworking. | $239,040 | $51,606 | 39% |
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)
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.