Rhode Island School of Design
About Rhode Island School of Design
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is a private art and design college in Providence, Rhode Island. One of the most selective art schools in the world with a 17% acceptance rate, it is renowned for its programs in design, fine arts, and architecture.
Founded
1877
Location
Providence, Rhode Island
Students
2,517
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
18.7%
Very selective
Graduation Rate
88.8%
Above national average
Tuition
$62,688
Per year
Avg Net Price
$50,507
After financial aid
SAT Average
1473
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$68,140
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Highly Selective
About 5 students apply for every seat
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$60
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 20
Rhode Island School of Design admits about 18.7% of applicants, with an average SAT around 1473. Strong academics are a must, and your essays and activities will make the difference.
SAT Scores
1473/ 1600
ACT Scores
31/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
88.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
95%
4-Year Grad
70%
6-Year Grad
89%
Teaching Quality
9:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
38.9%
$/Student
$21.4K
Class Size
Small
70% graduate in 4 years, and 95% of freshmen return for year two. The retention rate suggests students are happy with their experience.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$62,688
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$16,626
Books & Supplies
$3,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$81,727
After Financial Aid
$50,507
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$29,135
Receive Grants
14.8%
Take Loans
28.6%
The total cost of attendance runs about $81,727/yr, including $16,626 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $50,507.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Rhode Island School of Design fund their education.
While in School
14.8%
Get Grants
Free money
28.6%
Take Loans
Must repay
$81,183
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$27,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$286/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $27,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $68K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Rhode Island School of Design.
Gender
70.6%
Female
29%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,084
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
433
Graduates
10.6%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
1.6%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 71% of the student body. 33.1% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
2,084
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
4-1-4 calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Rhode Island School of Designearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$68,140
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Fine and Studio Arts
$17K
143 grads
1yr Earnings
Systems Science and Theory
$34K
92 grads
1yr Earnings
Design and Applied Arts
$29K
91 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Software and Media Applications
—
78 grads
Architectural Sciences and Technology
$56K
48 grads
1yr Earnings
Film/Video and Photographic Arts
$18K
44 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $46K at six years, $49K at eight, and $68K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Rhode Island School of Design
What is the acceptance rate at Rhode Island School of Design?▾
How much does Rhode Island School of Design cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Rhode Island School of Design?▾
How much do Rhode Island School of Design graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.