Non-Profit Private
Accredited · New England Commission on Higher Education
Providence, Rhode Island
13.8% Acceptance Rate
Rhode Island School of Design — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
13.8%Acceptance Rate
3.71Avg GPA
1480Avg SAT
32Avg ACT
$78,857Annual Cost
$68,140Grad Salary
14%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
13.8%
Avg GPA
3.71
Avg SAT
1480
Avg ACT
32
Selectivity
Extremely Competitive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
New England Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1370–1540
ACT Middle 50%
30–33
Need-Based Aid
14% receive Pell
The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), founded in 1877, is one of the world's preeminent colleges of art and design. RISD's rigorous studio-based education combines intensive making with liberal arts studies, fostering creative thinkers who address complex global challenges. The college offers 19 undergraduate majors, with particularly strong programs in illustration, industrial design, and architecture. RISD's campus in Providence's College Hill neighborhood features specialized facilities like the Nature Lab, Edna Lawrence Nature Lab, and the RISD Museum, which houses 100,000 works of art.
RISD's 'critical making' pedagogy encourages students to explore ideas through material practice and experimentation. The college's proximity to Brown University allows for cross-registration and dual degree programs. RISD's Wintersession provides unique opportunities for focused study outside traditional majors. Alumni include MacArthur 'genius' grant recipients, Oscar winners, and leaders in design fields who shape culture and commerce worldwide. RISD's blend of artistic excellence and intellectual inquiry prepares graduates to redefine creative practice.
Rhode Island School of Design Acceptance Rate
Rhode Island School of Design is one of the leading universities in the USA. It is extremely competitive to gain admission to. The acceptance rate of Rhode Island School of Design is 13.8%. This means that only 14 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Elite Standards: Admitted students typically rank in the top 2–5% of their high school class.
- Curriculum Rigor: AP, IB, or Honors courses are essential to validate academic readiness.
- Character & Impact: Beyond grades, leadership, research, and unique 'spikes' in extracurriculars drive decisions.
Selectivity at a Glance
Extremely Competitive
Selectivity scale: Extremely Competitive — 13.8% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
At this level of selectivity, meeting average GPA and test scores is considered the 'baseline.' Because RISD values intellectual curiosity, your supplemental essays and personal recommendations are critical in distinguishing your application from thousands of other high-achieving candidates.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.71 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.51 – 3.70
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.26
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
RISD GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at RISD is 3.71. RISD is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.91-4.11 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.41 and 3.71, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
RISD GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at RISD utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.71, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.71 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.51 – 3.70
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.31 – 3.50
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.30
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At RISD, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at RISD
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Rhode Island School of Design's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into RISD Without SAT or ACT?
Rhode Island School of Design considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Rhode Island School of Design Average SAT Score: 1480
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Rhode Island School of Design is 1480 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1480 — Very Competitive
This score makes it very Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do very well to score 1480 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1540 SAT or 33 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Rhode Island School of Design allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1370, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at RISD. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 735 | 690 | 780 |
| SAT Reading | 720 | 680 | 760 |
| SAT Composite | 1480 | 1370 | 1540 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1370 then you are below most of the admitted students at RISD and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1540 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1500
Can I get into Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) with a 1550 SAT?
With a 1550 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) are good but the admission staff at RISD tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at RISD is 32.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 32 — Very Competitive
This score makes Rhode Island School of Design very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 32 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 29 | 26 | 32 |
| ACT English | 32 | 29 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 32 | 30 | 33 |
Can I get into Rhode Island School of Design with a 33 ACT?
A 33 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Rhode Island School of Design — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Rhode Island School of Design use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Rhode Island School of Design — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Rhode Island School of Design uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 33 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for RISD
Elite Strategy: The 'Spike' Approach
To be successful at a world-class institution like RISD, you must move beyond being 'well-rounded' and demonstrate that you are institutionally necessary.
Cultivate an Academic 'Spike'
Elite schools favor 'pointy' students; those who are world-class in one niche. Achieve national-level recognition or produce original research rather than joining ten generic clubs.
Intellectual Vitality
Demonstrate 'self-driven learning.' This includes graduate-level coursework, mastering a complex skill independently, or attending top-tier summer programs (RSI/TASP).
The 'Uncommon' Essay
Avoid safe, cliché topics. Use the supplemental essays to showcase creative risk-taking, quirky intellectualism, and authentic personality.
Impact-Based Leadership
Admissions officers prioritize 'Founders' and 'Change-makers' over 'Office-holders.' Document quantifiable impact—what did you build that didn't exist before?
Expert Warning: Avoid 'resume padding' in your final two years. Elite committees are trained to spot activities joined solely for the sake of the application.
RISD Profile
Full Name
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
City
Providence
State
Rhode Island
ZIP Code
02903-2784
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
Is a RISD Degree Worth It?
Getting into RISD can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. RISD offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at RISD is $80,600 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.14%.
How much does a degree from RISD Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Rhode Island School of Design is $78,857. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Rhode Island School of Design is much less than this.
14% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 28.6 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to RISD and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Rhode Island School of Design, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist RISD as your choice in the form.
How much does a RISD Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $68,140. An average RISD graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Rhode Island School of Design. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occidental College | Los Angeles, CA | 1461 | 33 |
| Colorado College | Colorado Springs, CO | 1445 | 33 |
| George Washington University | Washington, DC | 1433 | 33 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Atlanta, GA | 1447 | 31 |
| Tulane University of Louisiana | New Orleans, LA | 1443 | 32 |
| Bates College | Lewiston, ME | 1446 | 32 |
| University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | 1463 | 34 |
| Babson College | Wellesley, MA | 1435 | 32 |
| Hillsdale College | Hillsdale, MI | 1433 | 32 |
| Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken, NJ | 1447 | 33 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Rhode Island School of Design. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Oakland | Oakland, CA | 1472 | 32 |
| Scripps College | Claremont, CA | 1480 | 33 |
| Grinnell College | Grinnell, IA | 1486 | 33 |
| Boston University | Boston, MA | 1473 | 33 |
| Brandeis University | Waltham, MA | 1473 | 33 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Rhode Island School of Design. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claremont McKenna College | Claremont, CA | 1514 | 34 |
| Harvey Mudd College | Claremont, CA | 1537 | 35 |
| Pomona College | Claremont, CA | 1520 | 34 |
| Wesleyan University | Middletown, CT | 1513 | 34 |
| Yale University | New Haven, CT | 1534 | 34 |
Degree Programs at RISD
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Rhode Island School of Design →
Frequently Asked Questions About RISD Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $68,140 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $78,857 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
14.0% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of Rhode Island School of Design is 13.8% which is low, typically between 10% and 20%. Admission is very competitive, and a strong academic profile is necessary.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.71. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.41, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.41, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.31 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.71, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Rhode Island School of Design is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1480 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1370–1540.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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