About

About Rhode Island School of Design

art and design focusedsmall studio classeslow student faculty ratioprovidence arts community

Rhode Island School of Design is a private university in Providence, RI, known for its art and design focused, small studio classes, and low student faculty ratio. With an acceptance rate of 17%, RISD is highly selective, typically enrolling around 481 students each year. RISD is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1340–1525, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. RISD offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $31,642 per year; the sticker price of $77,280 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Rhode Island School of Design acceptance rate and admitted student profile

highly selective

17%
Overall Accept Rate
1433
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1340 – 1525 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Rhode Island School of Design

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Application Strategy
At RISD, your portfolio carries more weight than almost any other part of your application, so treat it as your primary focus and submit 12 to 20 pieces that show range, process, and genuine artistic curiosity rather than only polished final work.
Application Strategy
RISD requires a unique Drawing Examination as part of admission, separate from your portfolio, so practice observational drawing regularly and understand exactly what each prompt is asking before you submit.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Rhode Island School of Design actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$77k/yr$29.1k
30k-48k~$77k/yr$30.2k
48k-75k~$77k/yr$25.9k
75k-110k~$77k/yr$33.9k
110k+~$77k/yr$64.5k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

89%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$46k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
9:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
2,170
Undergrad Enrollment
Rhode Island School of Design Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch