Woodworking at Rhode Island School of Design

Providence, RI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
10 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
10
Optimistic
10
Base Case
12
Pessimistic
Earnings $19,151/yr (0% vs median)
AI Risk Low (10% exposed)
Job Market Medium (23,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #1 of 1 Woodworking programs Top 1%

Program Analysis

At RISD, your woodworking education extends far beyond traditional carpentry. The program's elite reputation means you'll develop a unique artistic voice, focusing on conceptual design, material innovation, and fine art applications, rather than just production. This specialization means your early career earnings, while matching the national average for the field, reflect the bespoke, artisan market where high craft and custom commissions define value. You'll enter a network known for pushing boundaries in furniture design, sculptural work, and architectural millwork, with graduates often establishing independent studios or working with high-end design firms. The low AI risk highlights the irreplaceable human skill and artistic judgment central to this craft. To thrive, leverage RISD's strong faculty and alumni connections to cultivate a distinctive portfolio and build entrepreneurial skills, securing your place in the niche market for exceptional, handcrafted pieces.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Woodworking graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $561K $559K $531K
Earnings Multiple 2.3x 2.3x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 47% 46% 44%
DegreeOutlook Score 10 10 12

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
$26,558
16.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,712
144% growth from Year 1

About Rhode Island School of Design

Only 14% of applicants gain admission to Rhode Island School of Design, reflecting elite selectivity, 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

Patternmakers, wood $52,520/yr
Model makers, wood $51,850/yr
Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters $46,020/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Other Majors at Rhode Island School of Design

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Woodworking at Rhode Island School of Design?
A score of 10/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Woodworking. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Woodworking at Rhode Island School of Design worth the student debt?
Median debt of $26,558 against $19,151/yr starting salary means roughly 1.4 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
What makes Rhode Island School of Design's Woodworking program stand out?
Ranked #1 of 1 programs nationally, Rhode Island School of Design lands in the top 1%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →