Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $29,489 track close to the $33,862 national median for Design and Applied Arts programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
An earnings multiple of 3.0x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.
AI risk is moderate — 38% task exposure — and the 12% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $27,000 debt-to-$29,489 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #228 out of 290 programs, Rhode Island School of Design's financial outcomes for Design and Applied Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $29,489 to $68,157 over five years (131% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.