Overview
Rhode Island School of Design is a highly selective private four-year institution in Providence, Rhode Island. The school accepts 17.4% of applicants and enrolls 2,090 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 17.4%
- Average SAT
- 1,433
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,340–1,525
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 31
- Total Enrollment
- 2,090
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Your portfolio matters more than any other part of your application at RISD. The admissions committee wants to see your artistic development, risk-taking, and personal voice through 12-20 pieces that span different media and approaches. Include process work alongside finished pieces to show your thinking.
RISD requires three specific drawing assignments that change annually, posted on their website each fall. These assignments test your observational skills, creativity, and ability to follow directions. Don't treat them as afterthoughts or rush through them the night before the deadline. The bicycle drawing assignment from recent years, for example, challenged applicants to draw a bike from memory, then observe and redraw an actual bicycle, revealing how assumptions differ from reality.
Your written essays should connect your artistic practice to your life experiences and future goals. Reference specific RISD resources like the Nature Lab, where you can study preserved specimens for scientific illustration, or the Edna Lawrence Nature Lab's collection of 80,000 artifacts. Mention professors whose work aligns with your interests, or discuss how RISD's location in Providence's Arts and Entertainment District would improve your artistic development.
Don't assume RISD only cares about fine art. The school offers strong programs in industrial design, graphic design, and architecture. Your application should reflect understanding of your intended major's specific requirements and career paths. Architecture applicants, for instance, should show spatial thinking and interest in both design and social impact.
RISD's partnership with Brown University allows cross-registration in academic courses, making it unique among art schools. If you're interested in combining studio practice with liberal arts study, mention specific Brown courses or research opportunities that complement your artistic goals.
Apply Early Decision if RISD is your clear first choice. The school admits roughly half its class through ED, and the commitment demonstrates genuine interest in their specific community and approach to art education.
Don't submit work that looks like every other applicant's. RISD receives thousands of technically proficient portfolios featuring realistic portraits and still lifes. Show your personal perspective and willingness to experiment with unconventional materials or concepts.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $46,253/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $59,760
- Students Receiving Aid
- 14%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 88.5%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $68,140/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 92.9%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Rhode Island School of Design require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
RISD is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Your portfolio and academic record carry more weight in the admissions decision.
What is the portfolio requirement for Rhode Island School of Design applications?
RISD requires a portfolio of 12-20 pieces of your best artwork, plus two mandatory assignments called Drawing and Bicycle Drawing. The assignments must be completed specifically for your RISD application and cannot be reused from other schools.
Does Rhode Island School of Design offer early decision or early action?
RISD offers Early Decision with a deadline of November 1 and regular decision with a deadline of February 1. There is no early action option.
Can transfer students apply to Rhode Island School of Design mid-year?
RISD only accepts transfer applications for fall semester entry. Transfer students must submit portfolios and can potentially receive credit for previous coursework after evaluation by the appropriate department.