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Ringling College of Art and Design

Sarasota, FL·Private nonprofit·1,719 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. a private nonprofit school with 1,719 students.

67%
Accept
1,719
Students
$55,390
Net Price
71%
Grad Rate
$43,100
Earnings
10 yr
$27,000
Debt

About This School

Ringling College of Art and Design is a private nonprofit institution located in Sarasota, Florida with approximately 1,719 undergraduate students enrolled. Ringling College of Art and Design has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 67%. The average net price after financial aid is $55,390 per year. The graduation rate is 71%, and the typical graduate earns $43,100 within 10 years of enrollment.

Ringling College of Art and Design is a private art and design school in Sarasota, Florida. It was founded by Ludd M. Spivey as an art school in 1931 as a remote branch of Southern College before their separation in 1933.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: while the small, focused campus in Sarasota offers a genuine immersion in art and design, the $55,390 average annual net price is steep when you consider graduates earn a median of $43,100 a decade out — meaning this degree takes real financial commitment to justify. The 71% graduation rate and 84% freshman retention suggest most students who enroll stay engaged, but not everyone makes it through. Worth considering if you're serious about a creative career and have a clear plan for the debt load, but run the numbers carefully before committing.

Founded
1931
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Visual & Performing Arts65%
English2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Bret IwanJeff FowlerMichelle Phan

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$55,480
Out-of-State Tuition
$55,480
Avg Net Price
$55,390
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants21%
Median debt at graduation$27,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
71%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
84%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$43,100
after enrollment
Median Debt
$27,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$27,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$36,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$43,100
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.6x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White44%
Black3%
Hispanic/Latino15%
Asian9%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,719 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Ringling College of Art and Design

2700 North Tamiami Trail

Sarasota, FL 34234-5895

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Florida

Browse all Florida schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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