At $55,390/yr net price, Ringling College of Art and Design graduates earn $43,325/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,325/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $55,390 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $221,560 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,325/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,325/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 23.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 70.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $50,332/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $50,588/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $55,349/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $57,165/yr |
| $110,001+ | $60,033/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Communications. | Bachelor | $48,725 | $27,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $26,121 | $27,000 |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. | Bachelor | $20,140 | |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $19,592 | $27,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $14,627 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
70.8% of students at Ringling College of Art and Design graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 29% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Ringling College of Art and Design delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $43,325 ten years after graduation despite a staggering annual net price of $55,390. The math is brutal: you're paying premium prices for below-average outcomes in most programs.
Graphic Communications offers the only reasonable financial path, with graduates earning $48,725 annually. This program alone justifies the investment, though even here you're looking at a lengthy payback period. Every other major presents serious financial risk. Design and Applied Arts graduates earn barely half what Graphic Communications majors make, while Fine Arts graduates average just $14,627 annually with the same debt load.
The $27,000 median debt figure appears across multiple programs, suggesting consistent borrowing patterns regardless of earning potential. This creates particularly harsh economics for Film, Photography, and Fine Arts students who face identical debt burdens while earning poverty-level wages.
Only 21% of students receive financial aid, making this school financially viable primarily for wealthy families or students confident about pursuing Graphic Communications. The 70% graduation rate means three in ten students leave without completing their degree, often still carrying debt.
You should consider Ringling only if you can afford the full cost without borrowing or if you're specifically targeting the Graphic Communications program with strong portfolio work. Students interested in fine arts, film, or general design fields will find better financial outcomes at less expensive institutions. The school's Florida location doesn't provide the job market advantages that might justify these costs in major creative hubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ringling College of Art and Design worth the high tuition cost?
With a net price of $55,390 per year and median earnings of $43,325 ten years after graduation, Ringling's ROI is poor for most students. Only graphic communications graduates earn enough to justify the cost, while other programs lead to significant financial loss.
What are the best paying majors at Ringling College of Art and Design?
Graphic communications is the only program with decent earning potential at $48,725 annually. Design and applied arts graduates earn $26,121, while fine arts majors average just $14,627 - far below what's needed to repay educational costs.
How much debt do Ringling College of Art and Design graduates typically have?
The median debt is $27,000, which is manageable compared to many art schools. However, most graduates earn too little to comfortably repay even this amount, with starting salaries often below $30,000 in many programs.
Does Ringling College of Art and Design have good job placement after graduation?
While Ringling has industry connections and a 70.8% graduation rate, the low earnings data suggests many graduates struggle to find well-paying work in their fields. Art and entertainment careers often start with unpaid internships and low wages.