Rhode Island School of Design

At a glance

Admission rate

19%

Total (middle 50%)

1396–1530

Undergraduates

2,084

Setting

City: Midsize

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Test policy

Test optional Applicants may choose whether to send a score.

Under RISD's '2027 application requirements', all applicants (domestic and international) may apply without submitting SAT or ACT results. Applicants who speak English as a second language must submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo (minimums TOEFL 5 (previously 93), IELTS 7, Duolingo 120); SAT/ACT can satisfy the English requirement. (Verified on the official admissions website on 2026-11-06.)

Policy source: risd.edu

SAT scores

Total (middle 50%)

1396–1530

Reading and Writing

688–750

Math

708–780

Average total

1473

ACT composite (middle 50%)

31–34

The middle 50%: a quarter of admitted students who sent scores scored below the first number, a quarter above the second. The total adds up the two sections' ranges, so it's approximate.

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Admissions

Accepts

Common App$60 nonrefundable Common Application fee plus $10 SlideRoom portfolio fee.

Application fee

$60

Phone

(401) 454-6100

Admissions email

admissions@risd.edu

Source: School's page (risd.edu), checked November 6, 2026

Cost

Tuition

$65,136per year

Average net price

$50,513What students who get federal aid pay on average after grants and scholarships, per year.

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Outcomes

Graduation rate

92%

First-year retention

95%

Median earnings 10 years after entry

$69,341

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Degrees and programs

Degree levels: bachelor, post-baccalaureate certificate, master

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Data by Field of Study