Best Industrial Design Schools in Rhode Island (2026)

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Rhode Island Industrial Design At a Glance

Metric Detail
Median Industrial Design Salary $101,177
Salary Outlook Rhode Island offers competitive wages for industrial design professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing Body Rhode Island Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation Required Institutional + Regional

Earning an online industrial design degree in Rhode Island offers a flexible path into industrial design careers. Rhode Island offers competitive wages for industrial design professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, Rhode Island students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Industrial Design Schools in Rhode Island

The following schools offer accredited online industrial design programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Rhode Island.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

Ranked by BOC Score — U.S. Dept. of Education outcome data. Advertising never affects rankings.

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#1

Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Providence, RI
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
33.7 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 88%
Graduation rate 55%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $43,418
Avg net price $31,027/yr
Tuition
In‑state$42,419
Out‑of‑state$42,419
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 79%
  • Programs offered: 68

Source:Accreditor: New England Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Rhode Island

Industrial Design professionals in Rhode Island experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Rhode Island.

Occupation Median Annual Salary (Rhode Island)
Commercial and Industrial Designers $101,140
Industrial Engineers $109,350
Graphic Designers $78,220
Mechanical Drafters $69,290
Interior Designers $58,100
Architectural and Engineering Managers $175,910
Mechanical Engineers $116,230

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Industrial Design Degree in Rhode Island?

Choosing a program in Rhode Island can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Rhode Island offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the Rhode Island economy and job market.


Frequently Asked Questions

Are online industrial design programs in Rhode Island accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Industrial Design pay in Rhode Island compare to other states?

Rhode Island offers competitive wages for industrial design professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Rhode Island a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for industrial design in Rhode Island?

The Rhode Island Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Rhode Island. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


Online Industrial Design Programs by City in Rhode Island

Explore city-level guides with local salary data and school options:

Cranston · East Providence · Newport · Pawtucket · Providence · Warwick · Woonsocket


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