Rhode Island School of Design campus
Rhode Island School of Design logo

Rhode Island School of Design

Providence, RI · Private · 2,084 students

RISD is a college and museum located in Providence, Rhode Island.

Acceptance rate

18.7%

SAT (mid 50%)

1396–1530

Avg net price

$50,507

after aid

Testing

Optional

2027 cycle

Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and the Rhode Island School of Design admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

Rhode Island School of Design admitted 18.7% of applicants in its most recent reported class. That’s a low rate. Treat it as a reach unless the rest of your profile is very strong.

Here’s where admitted students landed on tests. The middle 50% score 1396–1530 on the SAT and 31–34 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention. They don’t decide it.

The real question isn’t your odds. It’s your move. That’s where Spike comes in. It reads your profile against what Rhode Island School of Design actually rewards, then tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

What they value

Making begins with a question

An immersive, cross-disciplinary environment where making begins with a question.

The foundation curriculum centers studio and liberal arts courses, often within a historical context.

  • UndergraduateArt, Design, Studio
  • GraduateCreative Process, Studio Practice
  • Continuing EducationCreative Development

Verified from risd.edu and risd.edu and risd.edu and risd.edu and risd.edu and risd.edu and risd.edu and risd.edu and risd.edu.

Applying

Here’s what to send, and when.

  • TestingOptional (2027 cycle)

Verified from https://www.risd.edu.

Cost and aid

What will you actually pay?

The sticker price is about $81,727. That isn’t what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $50,507.

RISD’s Student Financial Services Office (SFS) works with students and parents to help them seek, obtain, and make the best use of all available resources to finance the costs of attending RISD.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $68,140.

Verified from https://www.risd.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

Academics

These are the most popular majors.

  • Fine and Studio Arts26% of degrees
  • Systems Science and Theory17% of degrees
  • Design and Applied Arts17% of degrees
  • Computer Software and Media Applications14% of degrees
  • Architectural Sciences and Technology9% of degrees
  • Film/Video and Photographic Arts8% of degrees

Campus life

Here’s the feel of the place.

“Making begins with a question in an immersive, cross-disciplinary environment, where students challenge ideas and think about the future.”

Quick answers

What do people ask about Rhode Island School of Design?

Is Rhode Island School of Design test-optional?
For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at Rhode Island School of Design is optional.
How hard is it to get into Rhode Island School of Design?
Very hard. Rhode Island School of Design admits 18.7% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students score 1396 to 1530 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
How much does Rhode Island School of Design cost?
The list price is about $81,727. After aid, families pay $50,507 on average.
Is Rhode Island School of Design worth it?
Graduates earn a median of $68,140 ten years after enrolling. 89% of students graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals. That’s what Spike helps you weigh.

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Ask Spike anything about Rhode Island School of Design.

Spike answers from Rhode Island School of Design’s own site, then helps you figure out your move.