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17.4%Acceptance
$59,760Tuition
2,090Students
89%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$68,140Earnings
#2 in Rhode IslandPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

Cost Details

In-State Tuition
$59,760
Out-of-State Tuition
$59,760
Average Net Price
$46,253
Students Receiving Financial Aid
14.0%
Room & Board (On Campus)
$15,850
Room & Board (Off Campus)
$15,850
Books & Supplies
$2,700
Total Cost of Attendance
$78,310
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
$286/mo
Loan Repayment Rate
86.9%
Students Taking Federal Loans
28.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
14.0%

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after grants and scholarships. Source: U.S. Department of Education

Net price by family income bracket
Family Income Average Net Price
$0 – $30,000 $33,653
$30,001 – $48,000 $31,023
$48,001 – $75,000 $36,834
$75,001 – $110,000 $46,882
$110,001+ $60,428

Cost Estimator

Family Income
Residency
Housing

Cost Overview

Most families pay far less than Rhode Island School of Design's $78,310 sticker price. The average net price is $46,253, which means a four-year education costs about $185,000. Families earning under $30,000 pay around $33,653 per year, while those making over $110,000 pay closer to $60,428. Only 14% of students receive need-based aid, which tells you this school draws heavily from wealthy families who can afford full freight.

Graduates leave with a median debt of $27,000, translating to monthly payments of $286. That's manageable given the median salary of $68,140 ten years after graduation, though the first-year median of $22,778 shows the financial reality of starting an art career. Students from lower-income families get the best deal here, paying less than half the full cost, but you need strong artistic talent to win admission with a 17% acceptance rate.

Official Net Price Calculator

Get a personalized cost estimate from Rhode Island School of Design:

Visit Official Net Price Calculator

This links to the school's federally-required net price calculator for a personalized estimate.