Location: Providence, RI•In-State Tuition: $59,760•Admission Rate: 14%•Avg SAT: 1480
Median Earnings (1yr)
$14,537
5th percentile
Median Debt
$27,000
9% above national median
D/E Ratio: 1.86 ElevatedSample: 20 graduates Limited data

Analysis

At $14,537 in first-year earnings, RISD's apparel program produces outcomes that should alarm any parent considering the investment. This falls short of even Rhode Island's already-modest state median of $23,849—and the program ranks in just the 10th percentile among the state's limited options. Nationally, where the median for apparel programs is $36,945, RISD graduates earn less than half that figure. The University of Rhode Island's comparable program shows graduates earning $33,161, more than double RISD's outcome.

The $27,000 debt load compounds the problem. While slightly above state and national medians, it creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.86—meaning graduates owe nearly twice their first year's income. For context, RISD is one of the nation's most selective art schools (14% admission rate, 1480 average SAT), yet its apparel graduates face financial outcomes typically associated with for-profit institutions.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift year to year, but they're troubling enough to warrant serious hesitation. If your child is talented enough to get into RISD, they're likely competitive for merit aid at other fashion programs with stronger earnings trajectories. Unless there's substantial family wealth to absorb low early earnings, this program presents a high financial risk.

Where Rhode Island School of Design Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all apparel and textiles bachelors's programs nationally

Rhode Island School of DesignOther apparel and textiles programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Rhode Island School of Design graduates compare to all programs nationally

Rhode Island School of Design earns $15k — 5th percentile among apparel and textiles bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Rhode Island

Apparel and Textiles bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Rhode Island (2 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Rhode Island School of DesignProvidence$59,760$14,537—$27,0001.86
University of Rhode IslandKingston$16,408$33,161$53,238$24,1250.73
National Median—$36,945—$24,7500.67

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with apparel and textiles graduates

Marketing Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.

$159,660/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Materials Scientists

Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.

$86,620/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in childcare, family relations, finance, nutrition, and related subjects pertaining to home management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Fashion Designers

Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.

$80,690/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.

$76,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Search Marketing Strategists

Employ search marketing tactics to increase visibility and engagement with content, products, or services in Internet-enabled devices or interfaces. Examine search query behaviors on general or specialty search engines or other Internet-based content. Analyze research, data, or technology to understand user intent and measure outcomes for ongoing optimization.

$76,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Interior Designers

Plan, design, and furnish the internal space of rooms or buildings. Design interior environments or create physical layouts that are practical, aesthetic, and conducive to the intended purposes. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.

$63,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers

Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Rhode Island School of Design, approximately 14% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 20 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.