Rhode Island School of Design Admission
Acceptance Rate
18.66%
Yield (Enrollment Rate)
41.47%
Freshmen Enrollment
518
SAT Scores
1,480
For the 2024-2025 admission, a total of 6,692 students have applied and 1,249 students have allowed to admit to Rhode Island School of Design (Acceptance rate: 18.66%). RISD's yield, also known as enrollment rate, is 41.47 % where 518 students have finally enrolled out of 1,249 admitted students.
RISD acceptance rate is lower (tighter to admit) compared to Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Rhode Island. Compared to similar schools in rankings such as Bryant University and Johnson & Wales University-Providence, its acceptance rate is much lower (extremely difficult to get in) (the average acceptance rate of the schools is 75.95%).
RISD enrollment rate (yield) is higher (more admitted-students enrolled) compared to Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Rhode Island. Compared to similar schools in rankings, its yield is much lower (admitted, but not enrolled) (average yield is 23.25%).
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 .
| Admission | https://www.risd.edu/admissions |
|---|---|
| Online Application | https://www.risd.edu/admissions/ |
| Financial Aid | https://www.risd.edu/student-financial-services |
| Net Price Calculator | https://risd.studentaidcalculator.com/survey.aspx |
| Veterans Tuition | https://www.risd.edu/student-financial-services/undergraduate-aid/ |
| Disability Service | https://info.risd.edu/disability-support-services-dss/ |
Admission Statistics Charts
The following chart visualizes the admission statistics at RISD and compares to similar schools by type, level and location.
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
Test Scores Comparison
In 2025, the average SAT score at Rhode Island School of Design is 1,480 and the average ACT score is 32. 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 1,166). You can check and compare the SAT and ACT scores by subject with tables and charts.
| SAT Average | ACT Average | |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island School of Design | 1,480 | 32 |
| Similarly Colleges in Rankings | 1,166 | 28 |
| All U.S. Colleges | 1,123 | 68 |
| Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges | 1,132 | 69 |
| 4-Years Colleges | 1,124 | 68 |
| Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Rhode Island | 1,299 | 78 |
SAT/ACT Scores by Subject
At Rhode Island School of Design, 80 students submitted SAT scores (15% of enrolled students).
The average SAT score is about 1,480 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.
| 25th percentile | 50th percentile (Median) | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 688 | 720 | 750 |
| Mathematics | 708 | 760 | 780 |
| Total | 1,396 | 1,480 | 1,530 |
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)(Last update: June 5, 2025)
At Rhode Island School of Design, 17 students submitted ACT scores (3% of enrolled students).
The average ACT score is about 32 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.
| 25th percentile | 50th percentile (Median) | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 31 | 32 | 34 |
| English | 35 | 35 | 35 |
| Mathematics | 28 | 30 | 33 |
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.
| Secondary school GPA | Required |
| Secondary school rank | Considered, if submitted |
| Secondary school record | Required |
| Completion of college-preparatory program | Considered, if submitted |
| Recommendations | Required |
| Formal demonstration of competencies | Required |
| Admission test scores | Considered, if submitted |
| TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | Required |
| Work experience | Not Considered |
| Personal statement or essay | Considered, if submitted |
| Legacy status | Required |