Also in Rhode Island: All fashion schools in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has only two colleges that report fashion design programs, but one of them is among the most famous art and design schools in the world. The other is the state’s public university, at a far lower price. This page compares the two on cost after grants and explains how different they are.
Fashion Design programs in Rhode Island
| School | City | Type | Tuition (in-state) | Average net price | Program focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Rhode Islandfederal data | Kingston | Public | $17,476 | $22,469 | Design and merchandising |
| Rhode Island School of Designfederal data | Providence | Private | $65,136 | $50,513 | Design |
Source: tuition and average net price (yearly cost after grants, for students receiving federal aid) from College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education, retrieved November 1, 2026. Program lists: IPEDS completions, 2022-23 and 2023-24. Each “federal data” link opens that school’s record.
What it costs
2 colleges in Rhode Island report a program covering fashion design. Net price, what students actually pay after grants, ranges from $22,469 at University of Rhode Island to $50,513 at Rhode Island School of Design, with a median of $36,491 a year. Net price includes living costs, so students who live at home usually pay less. Published tuition and the full list of Rhode Island schools are on the Rhode Island fashion schools guide, and the national fashion design directory lets you compare these programs with options in neighbouring states, which can be cheaper even at out-of-state rates.
The two programs
Rhode Island School of Design in Providence offers apparel design within a highly selective art and design college; its average net price of $50,513 a year is the higher of the two, so it suits students with strong portfolios who can secure significant aid. The University of Rhode Island in Kingston teaches textiles, fashion merchandising and design within a public university, at a much lower price for state residents.
Public, private or community college?
The one public college on this list averages $22,469 a year in net price, against $50,513 for the one private college. The lowest-priced private option, Rhode Island School of Design, still averages $50,513, so private study in fashion design usually costs more even after aid. None of these programs is at a two-year college, so students who want to save money can take general education courses at a local community college first and transfer into one of the universities above.
Before you apply in Rhode Island
The two programs suit very different applicants. RISD admits on a demanding portfolio and expects students to commit to an intensive studio education; URI admits on academic record and lets students combine fashion with other subjects at a public price. Students from other New England states may qualify for reduced tuition at URI through the New England Board of Higher Education’s regional tuition program for certain majors, so ask before ruling it out.
Design careers from Rhode Island
Providence has a long history in jewelry and textile manufacturing, and it remains a city of designers, makers and small studios. Most graduates who want apparel design careers aim for New York, about three hours away by train, or Boston, an hour away; design internships in those cities are a normal part of studying in Rhode Island. The New York City guide covers the industry there.
Studying fashion design online
Design is the hardest part of fashion to study online, because construction, draping and fittings need a studio. If none of the programs above is within reach, a common route is to take general education and fashion business courses online and construction classes in person at the nearest community college. The online fashion degrees guide explains which parts of a design education travel and which do not.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest fashion design program in Rhode Island?
University of Rhode Island in Kingston has the lowest net price on this list, $22,469 a year.
How many Rhode Island colleges offer fashion design?
2 colleges on our list offer a program covering fashion design, 1 of them public.
Do I need a portfolio for a fashion design program?
Most bachelor’s design programs ask for a portfolio or review one during the first year, while community college programs usually admit without one. Check each school’s requirements.