RISD Academic Snapshot

Admission Selectiveness:

  • Admission Rate: 18.66%. Very selective, indicating a competitive admission process.
  • SAT Average: 1480. Excellent SAT scores, indicating highly competitive applicants and often placing them in the top percentiles nationally.

Tuition Overview:

  • Tuition: $62,688
  • Tuition rates are on the higher end, which may reflect the institution's resources or prestige.

Student Population at RISD:

  • Total Enrollment: 2,520
  • 2,087 Undergraduate, 433 Graduate
  • Gender Distribution: 28.8% men, 71.2% women.
  • This is a small institution, fostering a close-knit community and individualized attention.

Graduation & Retention Rate

  • Graduation Rate: 89%. High graduation rate, indicating strong student support and academic success.
  • Transfer-Out Rate: 4%. Few students transfer out, suggesting most students remain through graduation.
  • First-Year Retention Rate: 95%. Excellent retention, indicating students are satisfied and supported.

Programs & Degrees Offered

  • Programs Offered: 33 academic programs available.
  • Graduate Programs: 18 graduate-level programs offered.
  • Degrees Awarded: Bachelor's, Master's.

RISD Overview

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Providence, RI. Rhode Island School of Design was newly reclassified as an Research College/University (Master's College and University (larger programs)) in 2025 due to changes in its research activities and doctoral program offerings.

The RISD's tuition & fees is $62,688 for the academic year 2024-2025. 36% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $35,676.

The school has a total enrollment of 2,520 and the students to faculty ratio is 8 to 1 (12.50%).

RISD's acceptance rate is 18.66% and the yield (enrollment rate) is 41.47%. The median SAT score is 1480 and the ACT score is 32.

Rhode Island School of Design is accredited by National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation.

2025 Tuition & Fees and 2026 Estimation

For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of Rhode Island School of Design is $62,688. For graduate programs, its 2025 graduate school tuition & fees is $62,688.

The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $65,759 based on the current year tuition changes from last year. The estimated 2026 graduate school tuition & fees is $65,759.

Undergraduate$62,688
Graduate$62,688
Undergraduate$65,759
Graduate$65,759

The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.


Admission Key Statistics

Acceptance Rate »18.66% Acceptance Rate / 41.47% Yield
Test Scores »1,480 SAT / 32 ACT
Graduation Rate »89%
Transfer-out Rate4%
Retention Rate95%(full-time)
Student to Faculty Ratio12.50% (8 to 1)
Student Population »2,520 (2,087 undergraduate)
Average Financial Aid »$35,676

Data source: IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), College Scorecard

Learning Opportunities and Campus Services

Rhode Island School of Design offers online classes (distance learning opportunities) for both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Special Learning Opportunities at RISD
Learning Opportunities
ROTCNo
Weekend/Evening CollegeNo
Teacher CertificationYes
Study AbroadYes
On-Campus Services
Academic/career counseling serviceYes
Employment services for studentsYes
Placement services for completersYes
On-campus day care for students' childrenNo

Rhode Island School of Design Directory Information

Address2 College St, Providence, RI 02903-2784
Phone401-454-6100
WEBSchool's Website
AdmissionAdmission Information
Online ApplicationApply Online
Financial AidDeadlines and Applications
Net Price CalculatorNet Price Calculator
Veterans TuitionVeterans Benefit Information
Disability ServiceDisability Services
School Typefour-year, private (not-for-profit)
Carnegie CategoryMaster's College and University (larger programs)
Highest Degree OfferedMaster's degree

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