Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Providence, Rhode Island |
| Online | risd.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize City |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Established in 1877, the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is a private art and design college in Providence, Rhode Island. Contemporary with a campus that showcases a blend of historic and modern architecture, RISD provides a comprehensive environment for artistic expression and innovation. Renowned for its rigorous programs, RISD offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees, with notable focuses on fine arts, architecture, design, and art education. Situated within the greater Providence area, RISD benefits from its proximity to the cultural and educational resources of the adjacent Brown University and is just an hour's drive from Boston. The campus includes residential halls that house a significant portion of the student body, fostering an immersive educational experience. RISD maintains a highly selective admissions process, seeking to enroll a diverse and talented student cohort. While RISD is not widely known for athletics, its educational programs and contributions to the art world are internationally recognized, solidifying its prestige as an institution dedicated solely to the visual arts and design.
In the most recent statistical year 5,099 prospective students applied, and 888 were granted admission. Of those admitted 481 enrolled in the school. 2,620 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 0 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $56,435 plus fees of $1,070. RISD is ranked 96 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
RISD is rated within the top 20% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 9 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Rhode Island School of Design within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#96 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#83 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#2 in Best Colleges in Rhode Island
#2 in Best Private Colleges in Rhode Island
#328 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#2 in Best Value Colleges in Rhode Island
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1340/1525 |
| ACT | 29/33 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.71 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Feb 1, 2024 |
| Applicant Competition | Very High |
| Application Fee | $60 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $2,700 |
| Other Fees | $1,070 |
| Room and Board | $15,234 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,500 |
| Total One Year Cost | $78,939 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Visual and Performing Arts | 73% |
| Architecture | 18% |
| Work and Family Studies | 5% |
| Precision Production Trades | 4% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering RISD are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=217493 IPEDS survey data for Rhode Island School of Design.
Current students may use the Rhode Island School of Design GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.