| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Reputation: Consistently ranked among the top art and design schools in the world.
Location: Providence, Rhode Island, a city known for its vibrant arts community.
Affiliation: Has close ties with Brown University, allowing students to take courses at both institutions.
Programs Offered:
Undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as Illustration, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Architecture, Animation, Painting, Textiles, Ceramics, and more.
Offers an experimental and hands-on approach to art education.
Notable Alumni: Includes influential artists and designers like Shepard Fairey (street artist), Nicole Miller (fashion designer), Seth MacFarlane (creator of Family Guy), and James Franco (actor & artist).
Facilities: RISD has excellent studio spaces, workshops, and the renowned RISD Museum, which houses over 100,000 works of art.
Admissions: Highly competitive, requiring a strong portfolio along with academic qualifications.
RISD offers Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in the following majors:
Painting
Illustration
Photography
Printmaking
Sculpture
Graphic Design
Industrial Design
Furniture Design
Textiles
Jewelry + Metalsmithing
Film/Animation/Video (FAV)
Digital + Media
Architecture (BArch – 5-year program)
Interior Architecture
Landscape Architecture
Ceramics
Glass
RISD offers Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and other graduate degrees in the following fields:
Fine Arts & Design
MFA in Painting
MFA in Photography
MFA in Printmaking
MFA in Sculpture
MFA in Furniture Design
MFA in Graphic Design
MFA in Industrial Design
MFA in Textiles
MFA in Digital + Media
MFA in Jewelry + Metalsmithing
Architecture & Environmental Studies
Master of Architecture (MArch)
Master of Interior Architecture (MDes)
Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
Other Specialized Master’s Programs
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) – for aspiring art educators
Master of Design (MDes) in Interior Studies
Master of Industrial Design (MID)
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Architecture (BArch) |
5 years |
$60,990 |
|
Apparel Design |
4 years |
$60,990 |
|
Ceramics |
4 years |
$60,990 |
|
Film/Animation/Video (FAV) |
4 years |
$60,990 |
|
Furniture Design |
4 years |
$60,990 |
|
Glass |
4 years |
$60,990 |
|
Graphic Design |
4 years |
$60,990 |
|
Illustration |
4 years |
$60,990 |
|
Industrial Design |
4 years |
$60,990 |
|
Interior Architecture |
4 years |
$60,990 |
|
Jewelry + Metalsmithing |
4 years |
$60,990 |
|
Painting |
4 years |
$60,990 |
|
Photography |
4 years |
$60,990 |
|
Printmaking |
4 years |
$60,990 |
|
Sculpture |
4 years |
$60,990 |
|
Textiles |
4 years |
$60,990 |
Master’s Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Architecture (MArch) |
2.5-3 years |
$60,990 |
|
Master of Design (MDes) in Interior Studies |
2 years |
$60,990 |
|
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Ceramics |
2 years |
$60,990 |
|
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Digital + Media |
2 years |
$60,990 |
|
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Furniture Design |
2 years |
$60,990 |
|
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Glass |
2 years |
$60,990 |
|
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Graphic Design |
2 years |
$60,990 |
|
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Illustration |
2 years |
$60,990 |
|
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Industrial Design |
2 years |
$60,990 |
|
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Jewelry + Metalsmithing |
2 years |
$60,990 |
|
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Painting |
2 years |
$60,990 |
|
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Photography |
2 years |
$60,990 |
|
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Printmaking |
2 years |
$60,990 |
|
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Sculpture |
2 years |
$60,990 |
|
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Textiles |
2 years |
$60,990 |
|
Master of Industrial Design (MID) |
2 years |
$60,990 |
|
Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) |
3 years |
$60,990 |
|
Master of Arts (MA) in Teaching (MAT) |
1 year |
$60,990 |
Globally Ranked: One of the top art and design schools in the world.
Diverse Community: Around 30% of RISD students are international.
Dual Degree Opportunity: Collaboration with Brown University allows students to take courses at both institutions.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Including advanced studios, workshops, and the RISD Museum.
Career Support: Strong network and OPT (Optional Practical Training) opportunities for international students after graduation.
General Requirements:
Completed online application via the Common App (for undergraduates) or RISD Grad Application (for master’s programs).
Portfolio Submission (mandatory) – 12 to 20 high-quality artworks.
Statement of Purpose – A written essay explaining artistic goals.
Letters of Recommendation – Usually 2–3 letters from teachers, mentors, or professionals.
Official Transcripts – Translated into English if necessary.
English Proficiency Test (for Non-Native Speakers):
TOEFL: 93+
IELTS: 6.5+
Duolingo: 115+
Note: SAT/ACT scores are not required for international students!
The admission process varies for undergraduate (BFA, BArch) and graduate (MFA, MDes, MArch, etc.) programs.
Admission Steps |
Undergraduate (BFA, BArch) |
Graduate (MFA, MArch, MDes, etc.) |
|---|---|---|
|
Online Application |
Common App (RISD Portal) |
RISD Grad Application Portal |
|
Portfolio Submission |
Required (12–20 artworks) |
Required (varies by program) |
|
Statement of Purpose / Essay |
Artist’s Statement |
Statement of Purpose |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
(1–3 letters) |
(2–3 letters) |
|
Official Transcripts |
Required |
Required |
|
English Proficiency Test |
TOEFL/IELTS (if applicable) |
TOEFL/IELTS (if applicable) |
|
Application Fee |
$60–$70 USD |
$75 USD |
Step 1: Submit the Common Application
Apply via the Common App on RISD’s website.
Choose your desired major (e.g., Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design, etc.).
Step 2: Portfolio Submission
Must include 12–20 high-quality artworks showcasing your best creative work.
RISD recommends a variety of media (drawings, paintings, sculptures, digital work, photography, etc.).
All portfolios must be submitted via SlideRoom (RISD’s online platform).
Step 3: The RISD "Assignment" (Special Portfolio Task)
Each year, RISD requires applicants to complete a special creative task (e.g., "observe and draw a bicycle in an unexpected environment").
This helps RISD evaluate conceptual thinking and problem-solving skills.
Step 4: Submit an Artist’s Statement
A 650-word personal essay explaining your artistic journey, influences, and why you want to study at RISD.
Step 5: Provide Letters of Recommendation
1–3 letters from art teachers, mentors, or professionals who can assess your skills.
Step 6: Submit Transcripts & English Proficiency (if applicable)
High school transcripts required.
International students must provide TOEFL (93+), IELTS (6.5+), or Duolingo (115+) if English is not their first language.
Step 7: Pay the Application Fee
$60–$70 USD (non-refundable).
Fee waivers available for eligible students.
Step 8: Interview (Optional but Recommended)
Interviews are not mandatory, but a portfolio review or interview with an admissions officer can strengthen your application.
Deadlines for Undergraduate Admissions:
Early Decision: November 1
Regular Decision: January 5
Decision Notification: March–April
Step 1: Submit Online Application
Apply via the RISD Graduate Application Portal.
Select your desired master's program (e.g., MFA in Graphic Design, MArch in Architecture, etc.).
Step 2: Portfolio Submission
Required for most programs (except MA in Teaching).
Number of works varies by department (typically 10–20).
Portfolio should demonstrate conceptual strength, experimentation, and technical skill.
Submit via SlideRoom.
Step 3: Statement of Purpose (1–2 pages)
Describe your artistic background, research interests, and why you want to study at RISD.
Should connect to your portfolio and future career goals.
Step 4: Submit Transcripts
Bachelor's degree in art, design, or a related field is required.
Transcripts must be in English (translated if necessary).
Step 5: Provide Letters of Recommendation
2–3 letters from professors, employers, or artists who know your creative work.
Step 6: English Proficiency Test (for Non-Native Speakers)
TOEFL (93+), IELTS (6.5+), or Duolingo (115+) required.
Not required if you completed a degree in an English-speaking institution.
Step 7: Additional Requirements (Depends on Program)
Architecture (MArch): GRE scores may be required.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Requires a teaching philosophy statement.
Master of Design (MDes): May include a research proposal.
Step 8: Pay the Application Fee
$75 USD (non-refundable).
RISD has only one intake per year – Fall (September).
Program |
Intake |
Early Decision Deadline |
Regular Decision Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Undergraduate (BFA, BArch) |
Fall (September) |
November 1 |
January 5 |
|
Graduate (MFA, MArch, MDes, MID, MLA, etc.) |
Fall (September) |
Not applicable |
January 5 |
|
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) |
Fall (September) |
Not applicable |
April 1 (rolling basis) |
No Spring Intake – RISD does not offer Spring admissions.
Early Decision (ED) is binding, meaning if accepted, you must enroll at RISD.
Regular Decision applicants get results in March–April.
To apply for RISD’s Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Architecture (BArch), you must meet the following requirements:
1 Academic Requirements:
High School Diploma or Equivalent (e.g., IB Diploma, A-Levels).
No specific GPA requirement, but competitive applicants usually have strong academic records.
2 Portfolio Submission
12–20 original artworks that showcase creativity, technical skills, and artistic vision.
Must be submitted via SlideRoom (RISD’s online portfolio portal).
Includes a special RISD Assignment (a creative challenge unique to each year).
3 Personal Essay (Artist’s Statement)
A 650-word essay explaining your artistic journey, inspirations, and why you want to attend RISD.
4 Letters of Recommendation
1–3 letters from teachers, mentors, or professionals who can assess your artistic abilities.
5 English Language Proficiency (For Non-Native English Speakers)
TOEFL iBT: 93+
IELTS: 6.5+
Duolingo English Test: 115+
Exemptions: Students from English-speaking countries or those who studied in English-medium schools for 4+ years.
6 SAT/ACT Scores (Optional)
RISD is test-optional, meaning SAT/ACT scores are not required but can be submitted if available.
To apply for RISD’s Master’s programs, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1 Academic Requirements:
A Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Design, Architecture, or a related field.
No minimum GPA required, but successful applicants typically have strong academic performance.
2 Portfolio Submission
Required for most programs (except MA in Teaching).
Number of works varies (typically 10–20 artworks).
Must showcase conceptual strength, experimentation, and technical skills.
3 Statement of Purpose
A 1–2 page essay describing your artistic background, research interests, and career goals.
4 Letters of Recommendation
2–3 letters from professors, employers, or professional artists who can assess your creative work.
5 English Language Proficiency (For Non-Native English Speakers)
TOEFL iBT: 93+
IELTS: 6.5+
Duolingo English Test: 115+
6 GRE Scores (For Some Programs)
Master of Architecture (MArch): GRE may be required.
Most other programs do not require GRE scores.
7 Additional Requirements (Depends on Program)
MArch (Architecture): May require an interview.
MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching): Requires a teaching philosophy statement.
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Award Amount (USD) |
Application Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
|
RISD Merit-Based Scholarships |
Exceptional portfolio & academic performance (All students) |
$5,000–$25,000 per year |
Automatic consideration (no separate application) |
|
RISD Need-Based Grants |
Based on financial need (Domestic & International students) |
(up to full tuition) |
FAFSA (for U.S. students) or CSS Profile (for international students) |
|
RISD Graduate Fellowships |
Outstanding graduate applicants (MFA, MDes, MArch) |
Partial to full tuition |
Automatic consideration |
|
RISD International Student Scholarships |
High-achieving international students |
$5,000–$15,000 per year |
Automatic consideration |
|
RISD Continuing Education Scholarships |
For students taking non-degree programs |
N/A |
Separate application required |
|
Graduate Assistantships |
Available for master’s students (Teaching/Research Assistant) |
Stipend + partial tuition coverage |
Apply after admission |
|
Mabel Wilson Scholarship |
Women pursuing art/design degrees |
N/A |
Automatic consideration |
|
Harry Koorejian Memorial Scholarship |
Based on artistic talent & financial need |
N/A |
Automatic consideration |
|
Rhode Island Grant (For Rhode Island Residents) |
U.S. students from Rhode Island |
Up to $2,500 per year |
FAFSA required |
|
Federal Pell Grant (For U.S. Citizens) |
U.S. undergraduates with financial need |
Up to $7,395 per year |
FAFSA required |
RISD students can also apply for external scholarships such as:
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Award Amount (USD) |
Website |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Fulbright Program |
International graduate students |
Full tuition + stipend |
N/A |
|
Chevening Scholarships (UK Students) |
UK citizens pursuing master’s degrees |
Full tuition + expenses |
N/A |
|
DAAD Scholarships (German Students) |
German students in arts & design |
N/A |
N/A |
|
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation |
High-achieving, low-income U.S. students |
Up to $40,000 per year |
N/A |
|
Adobe Design Circle Scholarship |
Students in design-related fields |
Up to $25,000 per year |
N/A |
|
The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers |
Students who have won Scholastic Art Awards |
Up to $10,000 |
N/A |
Residence Hall / Housing Type |
Student Eligibility |
Room Type |
Cost Per Year (USD) (2024-2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
First-Year Housing (Freshmen) |
First-year undergraduates |
Shared Double Room |
$10,290 – $11,810 |
|
Quad Residence Hall |
First-year undergraduates |
Shared Double Room |
$10,290 |
|
East Hall |
First-year undergraduates |
Shared Double Room |
$11,810 |
|
Homer Hall |
First-year undergraduates |
Shared Double Room |
$10,900 |
|
Hill Houses |
Upperclassmen & Transfer Students |
Single & Double Rooms |
$10,900 – $13,580 |
|
Charles Landing Apartments |
Upperclassmen & Graduate Students |
Studio, 1-Bedroom, 2-Bedroom Apartments |
$13,200 – $16,750 |
|
Dwight House & Colonial Apartments |
Upperclassmen & Graduate Students |
Single & Double Rooms |
$12,500 – $14,000 |
|
Off-Campus Housing |
Upperclassmen & Graduate Students |
Apartments, Shared Housing |
$8,000 – $18,000 |
Note: First-year undergraduate students are required to live on campus, while upperclassmen and graduate students can choose on-campus or off-campus housing.
Meal Plan Type |
Meals Per Week |
Cost Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Foundation Plan |
Unlimited Meals |
$6,460 |
|
Basic 14 Plan |
14 Meals/Week |
$6,050 |
|
Flex 7 Plan |
7 Meals/Week + Dining Points |
$3,650 |
|
Graduate Student Plan |
Flexible Options |
$2,000 – $4,500 |
Note: First-year students must enroll in a meal plan, while upperclassmen and graduate students can choose meal plans or cook their own meals.
Graduate students and upperclassmen often rent apartments off-campus in Providence, Rhode Island.
Off-Campus Housing Type |
Average Monthly Rent (USD) |
Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Shared Apartment (2–3 roommates) |
$700 – $1,200 per month |
$8,400 – $14,400 |
|
Studio Apartment |
$1,200 – $1,800 per month |
$14,400 – $21,600 |
|
1-Bedroom Apartment |
$1,500 – $2,200 per month |
$18,000 – $26,400 |
|
2-Bedroom Apartment |
$2,000 – $3,000 per month |
$24,000 – $36,000 |
Note: Many RISD students live in areas like College Hill, Fox Point, and Downcity Providence, which are close to campus.
Being one of the top art and design schools in the world, RISD students are constantly surrounded by inspiration and creativity. The campus is home to:
RISD Museum – Features over 100,000 works of art, serving as a creative resource for students.
Student Exhibitions & Galleries – Students frequently showcase their work in on-campus and local exhibitions.
Annual RISD Art Sale – A major event where students and alumni sell their artwork to the public.
Interdisciplinary Projects – Opportunities to collaborate across different art and design disciplines.
RISD students can take courses at Brown University, located nearby, through the RISD-Brown Cross-Registration Program.
The RISD-Brown Dual Degree Program (5 years) allows students to earn a BFA from RISD and a BA/BS from Brown, blending art with academic fields like engineering, literature, and social sciences.
First-year students are required to live on campus, fostering a strong community atmosphere.
Upperclassmen and graduate students have options for on-campus apartments or off-campus housing in Providence, Rhode Island.
RISD’s housing facilities include studio spaces, common lounges, and easy access to art workshops.
RISD offers a variety of meal plans with healthy and locally sourced food.
Dining locations include The Met, Portfolio Café, and Watermark Café, offering vegetarian, vegan, and international food choices.
Many students explore local restaurants and cafés in Providence, which is known for its great food scene.
RISD has 100+ student-run clubs covering arts, culture, activism, and fun activities. Some popular ones include:
RISD Student Alliance – The official student government.
Film and Animation Club – Screenings and discussions of classic and contemporary films.
Queer Student Association – Supports LGBTQ+ students on campus.
RISD Nature Lab – Offers workshops on sustainable and nature-inspired art.
Music, Dance, and Theater Groups – Even though RISD is an art and design school, students participate in music and performance activities, often collaborating with Brown University.
RISD has a Fitness & Wellness Center, offering yoga, pilates, and gym facilities.
Mental health and counseling services are available to help students manage academic and personal stress.
Outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and beach trips are popular in Rhode Island.
Around 30% of RISD students are international, creating a diverse and multicultural atmosphere.
The International Student Services (ISS) office helps students with visa guidance, cultural adaptation, and networking events.
There are student groups dedicated to different cultures, such as Asian Cultural Club, Latinx Student Association, and RISD Global.
RISD has a Career Center that helps students with internships, portfolio reviews, and job placements.
Many students intern at top design firms, museums, animation studios, and fashion houses in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Boston.
Alumni Network – RISD has a strong alumni network with successful artists and designers like Shepard Fairey (street artist), Nicole Miller (fashion designer), and Seth MacFarlane (creator of Family Guy).
RISD's Founders Day – Celebrates the school’s history with art parades and creative performances.
RISD Senior Show – A major end-of-year event where graduating students showcase their work.
Halloween Party at RISD – A huge annual tradition with costumes, performances, and fun activities.
Providence is a small but artistic city, filled with galleries, cafes, music venues, and historical sites.
RISD students enjoy easy access to Boston (1-hour away) and New York City (3-hour train ride) for weekend trips and professional networking.
The city has a strong creative community, with art galleries, film festivals, and public installations.
High Employment Rate: About 96% of RISD graduates are employed or pursuing further studies within a year of graduation.
Top Companies Hire RISD Students: Graduates work at companies like Google, Pixar, Apple, Nike, Disney, Marvel, Meta, Adidas, IKEA, and more.
Internship Opportunities: 80%+ of students complete at least one internship before graduation.
Alumni Network: RISD has a strong global alumni network that helps students with mentorship and job opportunities.
RISD’s Center for Arts & Language + Career Services provides:
Portfolio Reviews & Resume Workshops – To help students prepare for job applications.
Career Fairs & Industry Meetups – Events where companies scout talent from RISD.
Internship & Job Postings – RISD students get exclusive access to industry job listings.
One-on-One Career Counseling – Personalized career advice and networking guidance.
RISD graduates work across various industries, including fine arts, graphic design, industrial design, fashion, animation, and architecture. Below are the key industries and employers hiring RISD alumni:
Fine Arts & Creative Industries
Sotheby’s
Christie's
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Guggenheim Museum
Tate Modern
Graphic Design & Digital Media
Adobe
Meta (Facebook, Instagram)
Apple
Pentagram
Industrial & Product Design
IDEO
Tesla
Nike
IKEA
Herman Miller
Animation & Entertainment
Pixar
Disney Animation
DreamWorks
Marvel Studios
Warner Bros.
Architecture & Interior Design
Gensler
SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill)
Perkins & Will
Zaha Hadid Architects
BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group)
Fashion & Textiles
Prada
Gucci
Ralph Lauren
Alexander McQueen
Adidas
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 20–25%. This means that out of every 100 applicants, only 20–25 are admitted.
Undergraduate Programs (BFA, BArch): 20–25%
Graduate Programs (MFA, MArch, MDes, etc.): 25–30% (varies by program)
Dual Degree Program (RISD + Brown University): 3–5% (extremely selective)
Note: The RISD + Brown Dual Degree program is one of the most selective in the U.S., admitting only 15–20 students per year.
Portfolio-Based Admissions: RISD places heavy emphasis on portfolio quality, making admission more competitive.
Limited Seats: The school has small class sizes to maintain high-quality education.
High Demand: As one of the top art & design schools in the world, RISD attracts thousands of applicants annually.
Address:
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
2 College Street, Providence, Rhode Island, 02903, USA
Geographic Location:
RISD is located in Providence, Rhode Island, a historic and artistic city in the Northeastern United States. It is part of the New England region and is about an hour away from Boston and three hours from New York City.
Located in College Hill: The RISD campus is in College Hill, one of the most vibrant cultural areas in downtown Providence.
Close to Brown University: RISD is next to Brown University, allowing students to cross-register for courses.
Historic & Modern Architecture: The campus blends historic buildings with modern art facilities, giving it a unique creative atmosphere.
Art & Design Hub: Providence is known for its thriving arts scene, with galleries, museums, and design studios.
Easy Transportation:
T.F. Green Airport (PVD) – 15 minutes from campus
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) – 1-hour drive
Amtrak Train Station – 5-minute drive (connects to NYC & Boston)
