Graphic Design Schools in Rhode Island

Rhode Island is the smallest state in the U.S. based on land size, and it is home to just over 1 million residents. While Rhode Island doesn’t have the smallest population in the U.S., it is still on the list of top ten smallest states by population. However, Rhode Island is larger than seven other states on the list (WY, DE, VT, AK, SD, MT, ND) and D.C. Although small, Rhode Island is a perfect example of the saying “big things come in small packages.” This is especially true when it comes to the world of art and design!

Rhode Island is home to more than 6,000 salaried artists and designers. They, along with other art enthusiasts, enjoy exploring the prestigious Museum of Art of the Rhode Island School of Design, the Newport Art Museum, Rhode Island Museum of Science and Art (RIMOSA), and The Warwick Museum of Art (WMOA). The Ocean State is also home to the active Rhode Island Film & TV Office, multiple art associations, and dozens of top creative agencies. Just a few popular agencies include Black Door Creative, The Fenton Group, Fleming + Company, eDesign, Glad Works, and Ninedot.

In addition to an active art and design scene and a sizable design community, Rhode Island is home to a number of schools that offer top-tier programs for artists and designers. Rhode Island School of Design considered the best. Other top schools for artists and designers include the New England Institute of Technology and the University of Rhode Island.

Rhode Island Graphic Design Schools

Rhode Island is home to only 13 Title IV colleges and universities. However, the state has no shortage schools for aspiring graphic designers. While Rhode Island School of Design is considered the best, several other colleges rank high as well. Scroll through the list below to review Rhode Island’s best schools for graphic designers and what they have to offer.

Bristol
Roger Williams University - Degrees Offered: B. A. Graphic Design Communication, B. F. A. Visual Arts Studies with Concentration in Film, Animation and Video or Photography and Digital Media

Newport
Salve Regina University – Degrees Offered: B. A. Studio Art with Concentration in Graphic Design

Providence
Rhode Island School of Design - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Film/Animation/Video, Graphic Design, Illustration; M. F. A. Digital + Media, Graphic Design; Certificate Animation

Rhode Island College - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Studio Art with Concentration in Graphic Design

Employment and Salary Trends for Rhode Island Graphic Designers

The U.S. is home to 191,550 salaried graphic designers, up from 141,830 in 2002. They average $48,690, up from $41,380 in 2002. The lowest paid graphic designers earned less than $26,210 and the highest 10 percent earned $77,370.

Rhode Island has experienced an increase in the population of graphic designers and salaries as well. Rhode Island is home to 6,110 artists earning an average salary of $52,030. Of the state’s 6,110 artists, 560 are graphic designers. They average $52,840 per year, up from $42,290 in 2002 when the population was 510. It is important to note that the Bureau lists average salaries only, so salaries can be higher or lower depending on a variety of factors such as seniority, company, location, industry, and more.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “senior designers, who may supervise junior staff or have some decision-making authority that reflects their knowledge of graphic design,” earned a median salary of $60,000. “Solo designers who freelanced or worked under contract reported median earnings of $57,000. Design directors, the creative heads of design firms or in-house corporate design departments,” earn $95,000. “Graphic designers with ownership or partnership interests in a firm or who are principals of the firm in some other capacity” average $95,000 per year.