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Cheapest Fine and Studio Arts Colleges in Rhode Island

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Rhode Island College offers the state's most affordable Fine and Studio Arts program at just $10,988 net cost, while the Rhode Island School of Design commands $46,253 despite producing graduates earning only $22,627 annually. This $35,000 cost gap reflects the Ocean State's art education spectrum, from practical state university training to elite studio programs. Rhode Island's tourism industry and historic preservation sector create steady demand for visual artists, particularly in Newport's mansion district and Providence's cultural corridor.
8
Programs
$10,988 – $46,253
Net Price Range
$26,307
Avg. Program Earnings
73.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

8 Fine and Studio Arts Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,988 $10,986 46.2% 87.5%
2 $19,899 $16,408 71.0% 76.4%
3 $26,572 $68,230 95.9% 5.1%
4 $35,682 $47,930 74.9% 69.5%
5 $36,906 $35,625 57.5% 74.5%
6 $38,123 $42,666 66.6% 91.0%
7 $45,538 $60,848 87.9% 52.8%
8 $46,253 $59,760 88.5% 17.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between Rhode Island's cheapest and most expensive art programs?

Rhode Island College charges $10,988 while RISD costs $46,253, a spread of over $35,000 annually. The public university focuses on art education and practical skills, while RISD operates as an elite studio art institution with lower acceptance rates and higher overhead costs.

How do graduation rates compare across Rhode Island's art programs?

Brown University leads with a 95.9% graduation rate, followed closely by RISD at 88.5% and Providence College at 87.9%. In contrast, Rhode Island College graduates just 46.2% of its art students, reflecting the different student populations and academic support systems.

Do Rhode Island art graduates earn enough to justify their student debt loads?

Most programs show concerning debt-to-income ratios, with RISD graduates earning $22,627 while carrying $27,000 in debt. Brown University offers the best financial outcome with $32,925 earnings and only $17,300 in debt, while Rhode Island College provides the most affordable path at $10,988 net cost.

More Fine and Studio Arts Rankings

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All Fine and Studio Arts Programs Best Colleges in Rhode Island Best Fine and Studio Arts in Rhode Island

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.