
20 Washington Place, Providence, RI 02903-2784, USA


Rhode Island School of Design holds accreditation from recognized higher education authorities, ensuring that it meets established standards of academic quality and institutional integrity. This accreditation affirms the school's commitment to providing a rigorous and comprehensive education in the arts and design disciplines. For prospective students, such accreditation is a critical indicator of the institution's credibility and the value of its degrees in the professional and academic arenas.
The Rhode Island School of Design maintains selective admission standards, requiring applicants to have completed a secondary education with a valid General Educational Development (GED) as a minimum qualification. Prospective students must submit a secondary school record along with recommendations, and both academic competencies and a secondary school grade point average are mandatory for consideration. Additionally, the school mandates the submission of TOEFL scores for international applicants, while other standardized tests are recommended but not required.
Applicants should note that Rhode Island School of Design does not offer open admission, nor does it provide opportunities for dual credit or college program credit through its admissions process. However, Advanced Placement credits are accepted, suggesting some recognition of prior advanced coursework. The admissions process is highly competitive, reflected by an acceptance rate of just 14%, placing it in the lowest 5% nationally for selectivity.
Academic qualifications of admitted students are notably strong. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1395, which ranks in the top 5% nationally, with particularly high scores in the math section averaging 725. The mean ACT score stands at 31, also situated in the top 10% range. These figures highlight the rigorous academic profile expected of incoming students.
In terms of application volume, Rhode Island School of Design receives about 7,126 applications annually, with a majority submitted by women. Despite this high number of applicants, the institution admits fewer than 1,000 students each year, resulting in a low admission rate. Enrollment figures indicate that approximately 504 students enroll, reflecting a rigorous selection process consistent with the institution's high academic standards.
The Rhode Island School of Design requires an application fee which supports the administrative costs associated with processing each prospective student's materials. This fee must be submitted alongside the application form to ensure the candidate's consideration.
Applicants who demonstrate financial need may request a fee waiver. The school provides these waivers to reduce financial barriers and promote accessibility for qualified candidates who otherwise might not afford the application fee.
Students interested in obtaining a fee waiver typically need to submit appropriate documentation verifying their financial circumstances. This process is designed to maintain fairness while easing the application process for those with limited resources.
Rhode Island School of Design does not host its own ROTC branch units. Prospective students interested in ROTC programs would need to seek opportunities at cooperating host institutions that offer such military training programs separately from Rhode Island School of Design.
Rhode Island School of Design welcomes transfer students, allowing them to apply for admission primarily for the fall term. The institution does accept transfer credits, which can facilitate a smoother transition for applicants moving from other colleges or universities. However, detailed information about credit acceptance through exams like CLEP or DANTES is not provided, and prospective transfer students should prepare accordingly.
Rhode Island School of Design offers study abroad opportunities designed to enhance the academic and creative experiences of its students. Participants can engage in immersive programs that combine artistic development with cultural exploration, enabling them to gain global perspectives relevant to their fields. These programs often include partnerships with international institutions, allowing students to study disciplines such as fine arts, design, and architecture in unique cultural settings.
The school's study abroad options emphasize hands-on learning through workshops, studio projects, and collaboration with local artists. Students benefit from exposure to diverse artistic traditions and contemporary practices, enriching their personal and professional growth. Additionally, these experiences are structured to integrate seamlessly with the students' degree requirements, ensuring academic progress while abroad.
Rhode Island School of Design also provides advising and support services to help prospective study abroad participants navigate program selection, application processes, and travel logistics. This assistance ensures that students maximize the educational value of their international experience while maintaining connections to their home institution's academic community.
Median composite SAT score
1395Median composite ACT score
31Percent of students submitting ACT scores
3%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
15%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
Data not availableComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
Data not availableSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RequiredAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall