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Last updated on 11 Nov '25RISDWhat's new?
The RISD deadline for international students is:
- (The 2025 ED applications for UG are no longer being accepted).
- The tentative deadlines for the 2026 year is Nov 1, 2025 and the tentative Regular Decision application deadline is Jan 15, 2026.
About Rhode Island School of Design
Rhode Island School of Design is a private university of Art and Design School founded in 1877 and is situated in Providence, Rhode Island. The school is accredited by New England Commission of Higher Education. As of 2024, the RISD is ranked 4 by subject according to a top-ranking publisher. RISD consists of approx. 2,090 undergraduate students with around 448 graduate students and 34% international students.
Things to Know About Rhode Island School of Design
Some important things to know about the Rhode Island School of Design are listed below:
|
Particulars |
Validations |
|---|---|
|
Establishment |
1877 |
|
Acceptance Rate |
19% |
|
Total Students |
2500+ |
|
Public or Private University |
Private School |
|
Annual Tuition Cost |
|
|
Popular Programs |
|
Rhode Island School of Design History
Rhode Island School of Design was one of the first independent colleges of art and design. RISD was founded by a group of women way before the women in America gained the right to vote. The college emerged with the desire to support the state’s thriving textile and jewelry industries in particular with Freehand Drawing & Painting and Mechanical Drawing and Design eventually being introduced as the first courses offered at RISD. Claudius Buchanan Farnsworth was a member of the Rhode Island General Assembly and the first president of RISD’s board. He was responsible for bringing the school’s original application for incorporation before the state’s legislative body in 1877.
The RISD offers its students a campus with a RISD museum allowing them to explore 100,000 works of art and design and provide them with the opportunity to expand their creative practices and connect with the local communities along with a library of over 150,000+ art books, and periodicals. Students can opt for on-campus residence halls which provide them with a social, safe, and inclusive opportunity throughout the program. RISD also ensures the health and wellness of its students and also provides delicious and nutritious meal options to the students. With an acceptance rate of 19% admission to RISD college is moderately competitive. RISD offers excellent academics in both graduate and undergraduate programs. Some of the popular courses offered by RISD are BFA in Graphic Design, MFA in Graphic Design, BFA in Film and Animation, and many more.
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
The Rhode Island School of Design does offer placement opportunities to its students. RISD alumni are employed in various fields such as Information Technology, Program & Project Management, Product Management, Research, and Marketing etc.
Apart from the excellent academics offered by the RISD, the students are also given access and exposure to the RISD museum and libraries which helps them expand their creative practices and connect with the local communities. The college also offers various types of residence facilities as per the comfort and choice of the students and also ensures health and student wellness. The campus also provides a lot of extra-curricular activities especially sports where the students have formed over 73+ clubs of which more than half are dedicated to sports.
Rhode Island School of Design Rankings 2025
The Rhode Island School of Design is part of the best universities in the Rhode Island region & ranks highly as part of university rankings given by several prominent ranking publications, including Shiksha.
As part of the latest Shiksha Popularity Rankings, the institute acheives a country-level rank of #2 for its Arts based programs, while the same source also ranks its Master of Arts (M.A.) programs as the #7th best program in the United States, as a recognition of the standard of education & knowledge imparted to the institute's students.
Another prominent source ranks the institute #4 for Arts & Design Studies as part of its latest university & colleges rankings.
For more ranking related information, click: Rhode Island School of Design Rankings 2025
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
RISD College is one of the top private art colleges in the world securing an overall rank of 135 in 2022 as per the top-ranking publishers. Moreover, the University is also ranked at 4 for the best college in Regional Universities North. Rhode Island School of Design’s acceptance rate is 19% hence making admission to the University moderately competitive. Besides the academic excellence offered by RISD, the university also ensures a campus that is inclusive, and diverse ensuring good accomodation facilities as well for the students.
Popular Program
Amongst the multiple courses offered by the college, all first-year undergraduate students at RISD need to enroll in Experimental & Foundation Studies to ensure that students receive a basic understanding of RISD’s approach to studio learning. RISD offers UG and PG degrees across various courses such as Fine Arts, Architecture, Animation, Design, and Graphics. As of 2024, based on credible information on the web Rhode School of Design enrolls around 2044 UG and 532 PG students with approximately 33% international students. Some of the most popular courses offered by the Rhode Island School of Design include BFA/MFA in Graphic Design and BFA in Film/Animation/Video.
The pie chart given below provides information on the various popular courses offered at Rhode Island School of Design
Note: The 'Others' in the pie chart refers to some popular courses such as Marketing, Interior Architecture, Apparel Design, etc.
UG Degrees Offered at Rhode Island School of Design are mentioned below-
|
|
Duration |
|---|---|
|
BFA Apparel Design |
4 years |
|
BArch Architecture |
5 years |
|
BFA Film/Animation/Video |
4 years |
|
BFA Furniture Design |
4 years |
PG Degree Offered at Rhode Island School of Design-
|
|
Duration |
|---|---|
|
MFA in Graphic Design |
2 years |
|
MFA in Illustration |
2 years |
|
MFA in Digital + Media |
2 years |
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Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Experimental & Foundational Studies is a curriculum offered to the first-year undergraduate major students of RISD College. The main aim behind this curriculum is to provide a shared understanding of studio learning. EFS incorporates three programs- Drawing, Design, and Spatial Dynamics.
Graphic Design is one of the largest departments at the Rhode Island School of Design with over 150 undergraduates exposed to an ocean of opportunities ensuring the students’ strong understanding of design principles, theories of communication, and strategies for proper solving. BFA in Graphic Design is a four-year course offered by RISD along with professional internships during summers and the entire semester. Students design projects on designing books, magazines, UX and websites, film, graphics, and magazines.
Rhode Island School of Design Admission 2026
Indian applicants can apply for Rhode Island School of Design admissions on the university's Official Application Portal. Regarding admission rarities, the university offers admission to students based on the eligibility criteria for the course of choice. Additionally, students must provide their results from entrance/English language proficiency tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL and Duolingo.
- Application fees :No Fees
- Type of deadline :Regular
RISDScholarships
Applicants will be considered for the RISD Scholarship based on the financial aid application process during the time of admission to RISD’s Scholarships.
Special Scholarships-
First-year students with high academic achievements and artistic achievements are offered several scholarships each year by RISD. The scholarship comprises two awards of a minimum $10,000 given to students participating in the National YoungArts Foundation competition and two awards worth $10,000 are given to students participating in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. To be eligible for these scholarships, students must apply for the YoungArts Foundation competition or the Scholastic Art & Writing Award. Financial aid controlled by the Rhode Island School of Design is unavailable to special, visiting, international or, exchange students.
Scholarships awarded by the Rhode Island School of Design to undergraduate international students include:
- Graduate Fellowship
- Graduate Assistantship
Other scholarships that international students can apply for are-
|
Scholarship name |
Amount |
Scholarship type |
|---|---|---|
|
Unimoni student stars 2023 |
INR 3 L |
External |
|
JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship |
INR 10 L |
External |
|
K.C. Mahindra Scholarships |
INR 10 L |
External |
|
Young Women in Public Affairs Award |
INR 4.2 L |
External |
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
Graduate assistantship is assigned by the graduate programme director through each graduate programme during the admission process. The specific positions are not assigned until the beginning of each semester. International students without a social security number are refrained from the assistantship during the first semester.
For international students to receive the benefits of the scholarship offered by RISD College, students need to participate in the National YoungArts Foundation Competition which comprises two awards of at least $10,000 (INR 835,115). Two awards of a minimum $10,000 are also made to participants in the Scholastic Art & Writing Award in which international students can participate. Other scholarships awarded by the Rhode Island School of Design for undergraduate international students include Graduate Fellowship and Graduate Assistantship.
RISD Popular Courses
2 yearsPlacements
After graduation RISD graduates secure placement across multiple organizations and industries. Check some of the organizations and sectors in which the graduates of the university secure placements mentioned below
- The graduates of the Rhode Island School of Design secure placements in organizations such as Google, Apple, Microsoft, Nike, Meta, Amazon, Netflix, and others.
- The alumni of the university secure placement in industries such as Engineering, Information Technology, Community and Social Services, Marketing, Media and Communication, and many more.
Alumni Statistics: Sectors Placed
Note: The 'Others' in the pie chart refers to some other placement opportunities such as Consulting, Research, Product Management, Sales, etc.
ROI After Education at Rhode Island School of Design
The average salary of the graduates of Rhode Island School of Design after graduation is around USD 78K (INR 65 L).
(Note: The average graduate salary has been derived from various unofficial sources)
Top Employers
The graduates of the Rhode Island School of Design secure job placements in top companies across multiple organizations such as:
- Meta
- Amazon
- Microsoft
- Netflix
- Nike
Fees
Rhode Island School of Design tuition fee for UG applicants is around USD 85,986 (INR 7,183,588). This consists of housing expenses, food, study material, travel, personal expenses, etc.
For postgraduate students, the Rhode Island School of Design’s cost is around $91,864 (INR 7,674,658). This includes outside expenses such as housing, food, books, transportation, etc. An application fee of $60 (INR 5,011) needs to be paid by international students for both graduate and undergraduate programs.
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MFA(2 courses) | INR 52 L - 55 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 2-3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 93 & Above, Duolingo: 115 & Above |
B.E. / B.Tech(1 course) | INR 55 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 93 & Above, Duolingo |
BFA(3 courses) | INR 55 L - 57 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 93 & Above, Duolingo: 115 & Above |
M.A.(1 course) | INR 55 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 93 & Above, Duolingo: 115 & Above |
B.Arch(1 course) | INR 55 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 5 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 93 & Above, Duolingo |
B.J.M.C.(1 course) | INR 53 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 93 & Above, Duolingo: 115 & Above |
M.Arch(1 course) | INR 52 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 93 & Above, Duolingo: 115 & Above |
RISDStudent profile
Others
64%
Asian
22%
Hispanic
8%
Black
4%
Out of state
58%
Foreign
40%
In state
1%
24 and under
98%
25 and over
1%
UG Number of Applicant
Overall Graduation Rate
UG Enrollment
PG Enrollment
Notable Alumni
Many graduates of the Rhode Island School of Design have made a successful name out in the world, especially in film-making and television. The list of notable alumni who graduated from RISD College is mentioned below-
|
Alumni |
Profession |
Pictures |
|---|---|---|
|
Michael Dante Dimartino |
American animator, producer, writer & director.
|
|
|
Seth Macfarlane |
American actor, animator director, comedian, singer, writer & producer.
|
|
|
Angus MacLane |
American filmmaker, animator, voice actor.
|
|
|
James Franco |
Actor, Artist |
|
|
Jemima Kirke |
Artist, Actor, Director |
|
|
David Hanson Jr. |
Robotics Designer of Sofia |
|
Rhode Island Vs Parson Vs Pratt Institute: Which is Better?
RISD, PSD and Pratt Institute are all top universities in the United States. Given below are pointers for comparison:
- RISD was ranked by Subject #4 in 2024. While Parson ranked #4 in 2023 and Pratt has ranked university by Subject #6 in 2024.
-RISD offers Illustration, Industrial Design, Ceramic Art, etc.
PSD offers courses like Architectural Design, Communication Design, Fashion Design, and many more, and some of the well-known majors offered by the Pratt are Visual &Performing Arts, Architecture & Related Services, Communication Technologies, Education, and Technicians & Support Services.
The infographic given below offers a university comparison between the above-mentioned universities:
Compare RISD with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 52.08 L - 54.63 L | -/- | |
| INR 38.83 L - 48.58 L | -/- | |
| INR 26.18 L | #12 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 28.7 L | #84 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 49.78 L - 74.67 L | -/- | |
| INR 22.42 L - 29.9 L | -/- |
CompareCommonly asked questions On Comparisons
Suject ranking of Rhode Island School of Design and Pratt Institute is mentioned below
University | Subject | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
Rhode Island School of Design | Art & Design Art History Arts & Humanities | #4 #9 #294 |
Pratt Institute | Art & Design Art History Arts & Humanities | #6 #17 #401-450 |
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Rhode Island School of Design Campus Life
The Rhode Island School of Design ensures an inclusive, and diverse campus life for students besides offering academic excellence. The university consists of an RISD museum, a library, research labs, and many other facilities for students to enjoy their time at the institute.
Athletics
The institute runs a dedicated athletic programs offering a number of varsity sports including: Basketball, Hockey, Kendo, Rock Climbing, Rowing, Soccer & Volleyball among others.
Students can also opt to join a number of sports clubs such as Cycling, Equestrian, Surfing, Wilderness, Ski & Snowboarding among others.
Events
Academic & Cultural Events are very common over the course of an academic year, with events taking place on a monthly basis. Students can opt to be part of a number of student clubs & organizations, with the most prominent ones being: 15 West, BRIC, Alternative Media Club, American Society of Landscape Architects & Anime Manga Illustration Club.
Housing
The institute maintains on-campus student accommodation offering private/shared rooms, with access to all important facilities needed to maintain a decent standard of life including: Wi-Fi, Food, Gym, Laundry & Bathroom facilities.
Alternatively, the option of off-campus accommodation is also available, the institute maintains a dedicated off-campus housing resource, providing all the important information that a student needs for residing in Rhode Island.
Commonly asked questions On Additional Details 1
The Rhode Island School of Design offers students more than 50 clubs and organizations to participate. These associations allow the students find like minded students and also gain the exposure. Students are also offered community projects and other intercultural activities. Apart from this, students can also visit museums, art exhibitions etc.
Yes, living as part of RISD accommodation is mandatory for all first & second-year students, unless a student qualifies for a residency waiver. After the first two years, the students have the flexibility of living off-campus if they wish to.
However, it must be noted that if a student signs a housing & dining license for the 3rd or 4th year, then they have to stay as part of on-campus facilities, as there's no option to move in the middle of an academic year.
RISD
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 7 months ago
Rhode Island School of Design expects a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or above in case of undergraduate and graduate admissions. Students coming from diverse countries must fulfill their English language proficiency by submitting the required scores of IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, and more. Students can che
J
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 7 months ago
RISD allows its full-time students to work on and off the campus. The most popular options are to work at the campus tech shops, the RISD Museum and Nature Lab. Students can also choose to work on the campus at the Carr House Cafe, RISD shops, or 2nd Life, a recycled art supply store run by RISD stu
T
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 7 months ago
The Rhode Island School of Design is a highly culturally diverse community standing for equality and non-discrimination and extensively involved in bringing artistic minds from across the globe together. As per the official source, RISD had 33% international undergraduate students coming from 50 dif
M
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 7 months ago
The Rhode Island School of Design acceptance rate is 17%. The low proportion indicates that the admissions team places a high value on academic achievement and real-world experience, and that the competition is fierce. This does not exclude students from being admitted to the school, though, if they
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 7 months ago
Rhode Island School of Design offer range of programs to international students. Some of the popular programs at the university are given below:
- Graphic Design
- Photography
- Film, Animation, and Video
- Graphic Design
- Architecture
P
Contributor-Level 8
About the author
Rhode Island School of Design
Aerial View
Carr House - Rhode Island School of Design
RISDLocation
| University City | Providence, Rhode Island, USA |
| Size of city | Medium |
| Population of City | 1,79,000 |
RISDCampuses
Two College Street Providence, RI 02903-2784
Visit official siteRISDContact Information
Two College Street
Providence, RI 02903-2784
Providence ( Rhode Island)
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