About Rhode Island School of Design
RISD has built its reputation as one of the most demanding art schools in America, where 2,090 students push through a famously tough foundation program that many consider the best preparation for a creative career. The school sits in Providence's arts district, and graduates like glass sculptor Dale Chihuly and visual artist Kara Walker show what's possible when raw talent meets serious training. With an acceptance rate of just 17.42%, getting in requires both strong artistic ability and academic strength, as shown by the average SAT score of 1433.
The sticker price hits $78,310 per year, but the average student pays $46,253 after aid. That's still steep, but graduates typically earn $68,140 ten years out, making the investment more manageable than at many art schools. Most students graduate with $27,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $286. Only 14.04% of students receive need-based aid, which means most families here have significant financial resources.
The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get serious attention from working artists and designers. With 89.75% of students finishing in four years and a 92.92% retention rate, most people who start here stick with the demanding program. The student body is 68.90% female and diverse, with Asian students making up 24.74% of enrollment.
The sticker price hits $78,310 per year, but the average student pays $46,253 after aid. That's still steep, but graduates typically earn $68,140 ten years out, making the investment more manageable than at many art schools. Most students graduate with $27,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $286. Only 14.04% of students receive need-based aid, which means most families here have significant financial resources.
The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get serious attention from working artists and designers. With 89.75% of students finishing in four years and a 92.92% retention rate, most people who start here stick with the demanding program. The student body is 68.90% female and diverse, with Asian students making up 24.74% of enrollment.
Academics & Faculty
RISD is one of the most selective art schools in the country, accepting just 17.42% of applicants who typically score 1433 on the SAT. Every student starts with the same rigorous foundation year that covers drawing, design principles, and critical thinking before moving into specialized studios like industrial design, illustration, or fine arts. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means you get direct mentorship from working artists and designers in small studio classes. With an 89.75% four-year graduation rate, most students complete their intensive programs on time despite the demanding workload. RISD graduates become leaders in fields from glass sculpture (like Dale Chihuly) to children's book illustration (David Macaulay).
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 8:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 38.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 89.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 88.5%
- Retention Rate
- 92.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $68,140
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts. | Master | $68,219 |
| Interior Architecture. | Master | $54,035 |
| Architecture. | Bachelor | $50,439 |
| Architecture. | Master | $48,198 |
| Apparel and Textiles. | Bachelor | $41,937 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $36,166 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $35,060 |
| Woodworking. | Bachelor | $30,228 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Master | $28,055 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $22,627 |
Campus Life
RISD's campus sits in the heart of Providence, with studio buildings scattered throughout the city's historic Federal Hill neighborhood. You'll walk between converted industrial buildings and modern facilities, often carrying oversized art projects through busy streets. The school houses 1,452 students on campus, which means about 70% of the 2,090 enrolled students live in dorms that range from converted mansions to modern residence halls. Providence gets cold New England winters (pack that heavy coat) and humid summers, but you'll spend most of your time indoors in studios anyway.
Weekend life revolves around studio work and the city itself. Providence offers coffee shops, galleries, and cheap eats within walking distance, while Boston sits just an hour north by train. Many students barely leave their studios on weekends, especially during the intense foundation year that all freshmen must complete. The school's Four-One-Four calendar includes a unique January "Wintersession" where students can explore experimental projects or take unusual classes. With nearly 69% women, the campus leans heavily female, and you'll find students from across the globe (only 1.45% are from Rhode Island) creating a tight-knit but international community focused on making art.
Weekend life revolves around studio work and the city itself. Providence offers coffee shops, galleries, and cheap eats within walking distance, while Boston sits just an hour north by train. Many students barely leave their studios on weekends, especially during the intense foundation year that all freshmen must complete. The school's Four-One-Four calendar includes a unique January "Wintersession" where students can explore experimental projects or take unusual classes. With nearly 69% women, the campus leans heavily female, and you'll find students from across the globe (only 1.45% are from Rhode Island) creating a tight-knit but international community focused on making art.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,452 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1877
Campus Safety (2023)
11 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–38°F
- July Avg
- 65°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 36.6"
Student Demographics
RISD draws serious art students from around the world, with only 1.45% coming from Rhode Island itself. The school attracts twice as many women as men, reflecting the gender patterns common in art and design fields. About one in four students is Asian, and the student body spans economic backgrounds with 14% receiving Pell Grants. These artists pay $78,310 total to attend, showing families invest heavily in creative careers. Students here aren't casual about art - they're committed to mastering their craft through RISD's famously intense foundation year.
- Men
- 31.1%
- Women
- 68.9%
- White
- 22.1%
- Black
- 4.6%
- Hispanic
- 8.8%
- Asian
- 24.7%
- In-State Students
- 1.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 14.0%
Location
Rhode Island School of Design sits in Providence, the capital city of Rhode Island with about 190,000 residents. The campus is 50 miles south of Boston, making weekend trips to one of America's major cultural centers easy by train or car. Providence has transformed from an industrial city into a food and arts center, with more restaurants per capita than most American cities. The school sits on College Hill alongside Brown University, creating a true college neighborhood in the heart of the city. RISD students get both urban amenities and a walkable campus feel. Students considering colleges in Rhode Island may also compare Rhode Island School of Design with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Providence, Rhode Island 02903-2784
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $68,140
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $58,302
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $42,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 86.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Rhode Island School of Design?
RISD accepts just 17.42% of applicants, making it one of the most selective art schools in the country. Students need strong portfolios and academic credentials, with accepted students averaging 1433 on the SAT.
How much does Rhode Island School of Design cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $46,253 after aid, though few students receive help since only 14.04% get financial aid. The total cost reaches $78,310 annually, reflecting RISD's position as a premium art institution.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Rhode Island School of Design?
RISD maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, enabling intensive studio mentorship that defines the school's hands-on approach. The small class sizes support the rigorous foundation program that all students must complete.
Where do Rhode Island School of Design graduates work after college?
Alumni earn a median of $68,140 ten years after graduation, with 85.7% finding employment in creative fields. RISD graduates include well-known artists like Dale Chihuly and fashion designer Nicole Miller.
Does Rhode Island School of Design have on-campus housing?
The school houses 1,452 students on campus, accommodating most of the 2,090 total enrollment in Providence's active arts district. Women make up 68.90% of students, typical for art and design programs.
What makes Rhode Island School of Design's academic calendar unique?
RISD follows a Four-One-Four calendar system with an intensive January term called Wintersession. Students typically use this month-long break to pursue independent projects or study abroad, enhancing their creative development.
