Rhode Island School of Design

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in Providence, Rhode Island, is one of the premier institutions for art and design education in the world. Renowned for its rigorous curriculum and vibrant creative community, RISD is a hub for innovation and artistic expression.

2,540

Students

16%

Acceptance Rate

Undergrads

2,092

Classification

Comprehensive

Type

Private, Non-Profit

Religious Affiliation

None

Website

risd.edu

Located in the heart of Providence, a city known for its rich cultural scene, RISD provides an inspiring environment for artists and designers to develop their skills and push creative boundaries. The campus, which includes historic buildings and state-of-the-art facilities, fosters a close-knit community where collaboration and individuality thrive. Students here are immersed in an educational experience that combines intensive studio work with a robust liberal arts education, equipping them with both practical skills and intellectual versatility. Throughout its history, RISD has maintained a commitment to diversity, sustainability, and civic engagement, ensuring its graduates are both highly skilled in their craft and socially conscious. The school’s alumni network includes some of the most influential names in art, design, and various creative industries.

Admissions

Do you have the credentials necessary to get into Rhode Island School of Design?

16% acceptance rate

Very Selective

Admission Standards

Grades & Testing

Average SAT score

1450

Testing

Test Optional

Average High School GPA

3.7

Application Deadlines

Regular Application Deadline

January 16

Early Decision / Early Action?

Yes

The most important factors Rhode Island School of Design considers when admitting students are:

•Academic GPA
•Rigor of Secondary School Record
•Talent/Ability

Learn more about what it takes to get into Rhode Island School of Design

Financials

See what it costs to attend Rhode Island School of Design.

$ 81,810

Overall list price

$ 42,106

Average net price

$ 81,810

Merit Price™

Very Stingy

Merit Meter™

View tuition and cost breakdowns

Social & Lifestyle

What's it like attending Rhode Island School of Design?

Urban

Campus Setting

Democrat

State vote for president

Weather

Sunny days

Average

Average winter temp

34°

Average summer temp

71°

Learn more about life at Rhode Island School of Design

Academics

What to expect in the classroom at Rhode Island School of Design.

8:1

Student to faculty ratio

58%

4-year grad rate

88%

6-year grad rate

The most popular majors at RISD are:

Systems Science and Theory
Illustration
Computer Graphics

Learn more about academics at Rhode Island School of Design

Demographics

Who attends Rhode Island School of Design?

48

States represented

39

Countries represented

No

State DEI laws

Student Body

Students

2,540

Women

70%

Men

30%

View demographic details

Housing

What's it like living at Rhode Island School of Design?

$15,850

Room & Board

65

%

Students on campus

Explore housing at Rhode Island School of Design

FAQs

What GPA is needed to get into Rhode Island School of Design?

The average GPA of the most recently accepted class was 3.7.

How much does Rhode Island School of Design cost?

For the most recent year, it cost $81,810 to attend RISD.

How many people attend Rhode Island School of Design?

2,540 people attend RISD. 2,092 are undergraduate students and 448 are graduate students.

Where is Rhode Island School of Design located?

Rhode Island School of Design is located in Providence, Rhode Island. It is in an Urban environment.

Can I get into Rhode Island School of Design with a 3.5 GPA?

In the most recent class of admissions, 80% of students submitted a 3.5 GPA or higher.

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