Apparel and Textiles at Rhode Island School of Design

Providence, RI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $14,537/yr (-60% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (133,800 openings/yr)
ROI 1.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #50 of 53 Apparel and Textiles programs

Program Analysis

RISD's Apparel and Textiles program is renowned for cultivating cutting-edge designers with a strong artistic vision and mastery of innovative techniques, rather than focusing on mass-market production. This emphasis on conceptual design, sustainable materials, and textile art means graduates often pursue niche, high-end, or independent ventures, where building a reputation and client base takes time. While Providence isn't a major fashion capital, RISD's global network is unparalleled, opening doors to design studios, textile innovation labs, and even roles in specialized materials science or creative direction. Your career path might involve contributing to avant-garde collections, developing smart textiles, or shaping brand identities. To maximize your potential, you'll need to proactively leverage RISD's connections, secure impactful internships, and continuously refine a distinctive portfolio that showcases your unique voice.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Apparel and Textiles graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $318K $337K $346K
Earnings Multiple 1.3x 1.4x 1.4x
Probability of Field Employment 54% 48% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$239,040
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$185,012
23% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
22.3 months of Year 1 earnings

About Rhode Island School of Design

With just 14% of applicants admitted, Rhode Island School of Design ranks among the nation's most selective schools, with a smaller student body of 2,090 in Providence, RI.

See all programs and financial aid at Rhode Island School of Design →

Top Career Paths

Marketing managers $161,030/yr
Materials scientists $104,160/yr
Fashion designers $80,690/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Apparel and Textiles at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Rhode Island School of Design's Apparel and Textiles program score?
This program scores 29/100 — on the lower end for Apparel and Textiles. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Rhode Island School of Design Apparel and Textiles graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.9x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is Apparel and Textiles to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Apparel and Textiles careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Apparel and Textiles earnings lower at Rhode Island School of Design?
Lower starting pay at Rhode Island School of Design may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →