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Private nonprofit · Providence, Rhode Island

Rhode Island School of Design

Urban campus · 2,084 undergraduates · 8 students per faculty member · Official website

Acceptance rate
19%
ACT middle 50%
31–34
Average net price
$50,507
per year, after grants
6-year graduation
89%
The Venetian Renaissance Waterman Building (1893) was the first permanent home for the school.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Is Rhode Island School of Design a reach, a target or a likely for your student?

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What Rhode Island School of Design costs

Net price is what a first-year student pays for a year after grants and scholarships, by family income. It is usually far below the sticker price.

Net price by family income

Under $30,000
$29,135
$30,001 – $48,000
$30,233
$48,001 – $75,000
$25,872
$75,001 – $110,000
$33,893
Over $110,000
$64,493

For students receiving federal aid.

These are averages for each income band. Your family's price at your income, next to every other school on your list, is in your account.See your family's price →

Price and aid

Full cost of attendance (sticker)
$81,727
Tuition and fees
$62,688
First-years given a grant by the school
30%
Average grant from the school
$37,227
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
The school's own net price calculator
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Admissions

Acceptance rate
19%
SAT middle 50%
1396–1530
ACT middle 50%
31–34
Test scores
Considered, not required
First-year retention
94%

Your student’s ACT puts them ? here

Below, inside or above the range, with the acceptance rate, decides reach, target or likely. U Shortlist works it out from your student’s own scores and keeps it separate from fit.

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Rhode Island School of Design athletics

No varsity teams

Participants reported to the U.S. Department of Education. A dash means no team for that side.

Academics and outcomes

Most popular fields

Visual & performing arts
63%
Multi/interdisciplinary studies
13%
Architecture
9%
Computer & information sciences
8%
Precision production
4%
Family & consumer sciences
2%

Share of bachelor’s degrees awarded.

6-year graduation rate
89%
First-year retention
94%
Median earnings 10 years after entry
$68,140
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
Students with a Pell grant
15%

Similar colleges nearby

Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (admissions, prices, outcomes), IPEDS Student Financial Aid 2023–24 (school grants) and Equity in Athletics 2024–25 (teams). No college paid to appear here or can pay to be ranked.

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Data: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS and Equity in Athletics. Photos: Wikimedia Commons. © 2026 U Shortlist.