Student Financial Services

Brown RISD Dual Degree

Brown RISD Dual Degree

The Brown RISD Dual Degree (BRDD) Program offers students the opportunity to develop and integrate diverse spheres of academic and artistic interests by pursuing degrees at Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design over five years.  Prospective students apply to both institutions, which conduct separate evaluations before joint consideration for the Dual Degree Program.  

Cost of Attendance

Each year the Office of Financial Aid prepares an estimated Cost of Attendance (COA). Knowing the costs associated with a Brown education can help students and families plan ahead and find appropriate financial support.

2026-2027 Brown RISD Dual Degree Tuition & Fees

All tuition and financial aid for Dual Degree students will be based on Brown rates for the duration of the program. Students enrolled in the program must pay no fewer than ten semesters of Brown tuition.

Student account charges are billed per semester. The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is the only fee that is charged on an annual basis. See Student Accounts and EBill Schedule for billing and due dates. Student account charges are billed per semester, with the exception of the Student Health Insurance Plan which is billed annually. All payments and financial aid inquiries should be directed to Brown. 

Refer to the Description of Fees for more details on Brown University Fees.

Description of RISD Fees: The RISD Academic & Technology Fee supports technology, equipment, and necessary technology programs utilized in all academic departments across campus. The RISD Orientation Fee is charged once in the fall semester for first year students only. The fee covers the costs associated with programing, food, and activities offered during new student orientation.

2026 - 2027 Brown RISD Dual Degree Tuition & Fees   
ItemAnnualFallSpring
Tuition $74,568$37,284$37,284
Undergraduate Student Activities Fee$442$221$221
Undergraduate Student Resources Fee$1,136$568$568
Student Recreation Fee$110$55$55
Health Services Fee$1,296$648$648
Academic Records Fee$100$100 
Student Health Insurance Plan
Annual Premium Coverage Effective August 15, 2026 - August 14, 2027		$5,283 $5,283 
RISD Academic & Technology Fee$908$454$454
RISD Orientation Fee$300$300 

Housing & Dining

Review the Housing and Dining Guidelines for BRDD.

Year
Housing
Dining (Meal Plan)
First YearRISD HousingRISD Dining
Second YearBrown HousingBrown Meal Plan or Brown/RISD Flex Plan
Third through Fifth YearsStudents can live on either campus or off-campus (with permission)If living at RISD, must adhere to RISD meal plan requirements; If living at Brown or off campus, a meal plan is not required.

Additional Information

Students enrolled in the BRDD Program are considered active students at both institutions throughout their five years. BRDD students have access to the resources and services of both institutions. 

BRDD Academic Calendar

If a student leaves the program and continues at Brown, Brown rates will continue to apply.  If a student leaves the program and continues at RISD, RISD rates will apply.

Prior Year 2025-2026 Brown RISD Dual Degree Tuition & Fees