How to Apply to Rhode Island School of Design

The following table summarizes the contact and directory information to apply RISD. RISD offers benefits for veterans, service member, or qualified family members. You may need to prepare certificate of eligibility (COE ) from the Veterans Affairs .
Admissionwww.risd.edu/admissions/
Financial Aidwww.risd.edu/student-financial-services
Net Price Calculatorrisd.studentaidcalculator.com/survey.aspx
Veterans Tuitionwww.risd.edu/student-financial-services/undergraduate-aid/
Disability Serviceinfo.risd.edu/disability-support-services-dss/?_ga=2.240961987.1724653096.1511293627-1987156620.1511293627

Admission Statistics Charts

The following chart visualizes the admission statistics at RISD and compares to similar schools by type, level and location.

Test Scores Comparison

In 2023, the average SAT score at Rhode Island School of Design is 1,440 and the average ACT score is 31. Compared to similar schools in college rankings, the admission score of Rhode Island School of Design is extremely competitive scores than the schools (average score is 1,168). You can check and compare the SAT and ACT scores by subject with tables and charts.
RISD SAT/ACT Scores and Comparison
SAT AverageACT Average
Rhode Island School of Design1,44031
Similarly Colleges in Rankings1,16828
All U.S. Colleges1,12368
Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges1,13269
4-Years Colleges1,12468
Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Rhode Island1,29978

SAT/ACT Scores by Subject

SATACT
At Rhode Island School of Design, 87 students submitted SAT scores (18% of enrolled students).
The average SAT score is about 1,440 and it is higher (competitive score) than average for Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Rhode Island. The following table shows the SAT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
SAT Scores by Subject
25th percentile50th percentile (Median)75th percentile
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing660700740
Mathematics680740785
Total1,3401,440 1,525
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)(Last update: December 11, 2023)
At Rhode Island School of Design, 25 students submitted ACT scores (5% of enrolled students).
The average ACT score is about 31 and it is lower than average for Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Rhode Island. The next table shows the ACT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
ACT Scores by Subject
25th percentile50th percentile (Median)75th percentile
Composite293133
English313435
Mathematics263034

RISD Admission Requirements

The following table summarizes the admission requirement to apply to Rhode Island School of Design. The school requires 6 items to submit - Secondary school GPA, Secondary school record, Recommendations, Formal demonstration of competencies, TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and Legacy status.
4 items are Considered if submitted - Secondary school rank, Completion of college-preparatory program, Admission test scores, and Personal statement or essay.
Admission Requirements for Applying to Rhode Island School of Design
Secondary school GPARequired
Secondary school rankConsidered, if submitted
Secondary school recordRequired
Completion of college-preparatory programConsidered, if submitted
RecommendationsRequired
Formal demonstration of competenciesRequired
Admission test scoresConsidered, if submitted
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)Required
Work experienceNot Considered
Personal statement or essayConsidered, if submitted
Legacy statusRequired