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Systems Science and Theory at Rhode Island School of Design

Providence, RI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,265/yr (-31% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (23% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (120,200 openings/yr)
ROI 1.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #6 of 6 Systems Science and Theory programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Systems Science and Theory graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $438K $440K $423K
Earnings Multiple 1.8x 1.8x 1.8x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 53% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 38

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
$26,748
9.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $34,265 place Rhode Island School of Design below the $49,461 national median for Systems Science and Theory — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

At 1.8x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Systems Science and Theory career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $26,748 against $34,265/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Systems Science and Theory is offered at just 6 schools in our analysis. Rhode Island School of Design's #6 ranking should be read in that context.

About Rhode Island School of Design

Rhode Island School of Design's 14% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, 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

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
View all 2 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 6 schools offering Systems Science and Theory →

Systems Science and Theory at Other Schools

Carnegie Mellon University ($95,598) James Madison University ($65,683) La Salle University ($36,442) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ($35,239) Marshall University ($29,539)

Other Majors at Rhode Island School of Design

Architectural Sciences and Technology ($55,673) Design and Applied Arts ($29,489) Woodworking ($19,151) Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($17,701) Fine and Studio Arts ($16,510) Apparel and Textiles ($14,537)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Systems Science and Theory at Rhode Island School of Design?
At 31/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Systems Science and Theory programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Rhode Island School of Design a good choice for Systems Science and Theory despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Rhode Island School of Design's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →