
2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234-5895, USA


Ringling College of Art and Design is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which authorizes it to award bachelor's degrees. This accreditation ensures that the college meets established standards for academic quality and institutional effectiveness, an important consideration for students when selecting an institution to pursue higher education. Additionally, specific programs within the college may hold further discipline-specific accreditation, reflecting a commitment to maintaining rigorous professional standards in specialized fields of study.
Admission to Ringling College of Art and Design requires applicants to have completed a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or an equivalent high school diploma. Prospective students must submit their secondary school records, including a required minimum grade point average, and are expected to provide recommendations alongside demonstrating certain competencies. While a secondary school rank and college-level program participation are recommended, they are not mandatory. The college requires English proficiency as demonstrated by the TOEFL examination. Other standardized tests are recommended but not obligatory for admission.
The institution does not follow an open admission policy, nor does it offer dual credit or college credit opportunities prior to enrollment. However, Advanced Placement (AP) credits are accepted, allowing incoming students to earn credit for qualifying coursework completed during high school.
Applicants must have access to a personal computer as part of the enrollment prerequisites, although the college does not provide computer leasing options.
Regarding admission statistics, Ringling College of Art and Design experiences an overall acceptance rate of approximately 67%, which is considered average. From a total applicant pool of 2,685, about 1,809 students gain admission, with women comprising the majority of applicants and admitted students. Enrollment stands at 447 students, with women again representing the larger share. The acceptance and enrollment figures suggest moderate selectivity relative to comparable institutions.
Ringling College of Art and Design charges an application fee for prospective students seeking admission. This fee must be paid at the time of submitting the application, ensuring the processing of the candidate's materials. However, the college also provides options for fee waivers under certain conditions.
The fee waiver program is designed to support students who demonstrate financial need, making the application process more accessible for those who might otherwise find the cost prohibitive. Eligible applicants can request a waiver by submitting appropriate documentation as part of their application.
Additionally, fee waivers may be granted during recruitment events or through partnerships with certain high schools and organizations, although these opportunities are subject to specific eligibility criteria outlined by the admissions office.
Prospective students are encouraged to inquire directly with the admissions team to understand the documentation required and to confirm eligibility for any waiver options. This approach helps ensure that the application process remains inclusive and provides all candidates with a fair chance to apply.
Ringling College of Art and Design does not have its own ROTC branch unit on campus. Prospective students interested in ROTC programs would need to seek these opportunities through affiliated institutions or external ROTC units, as no specific ROTC programs are directly offered at the college itself.
Ringling College of Art and Design permits transfer students to enroll in the fall and spring terms, offering some flexibility for applicants planning their transfer. The institution accepts credits from other colleges, making it easier for transfer applicants to continue their studies without losing progress. Additionally, students can submit general and subject CLEP exam scores to fulfill certain credit requirements. Recommendations are welcomed as part of the application process, potentially strengthening a candidate's admission prospects. The college maintains a moderately difficult entrance standard for transfers and imposes a 10-year age limit on transferable credits, ensuring that academic work remains current and relevant.
Ringling College of Art and Design offers a variety of study abroad opportunities tailored to students pursuing creative fields. The programs are designed to immerse students in international art scenes, providing valuable global perspectives that enhance their artistic development. Participants can engage with different cultural environments while continuing their academic progress, often through partnerships with institutions specializing in art and design.
The college typically supports semester-long exchanges as well as shorter summer sessions, allowing flexibility depending on a student's academic plan and interests. These programs emphasize hands-on experiences, studio work, and collaborations with local artists, which contribute to building a diversified portfolio and expanding professional networks abroad.
Financial aid and credit transfer policies are structured to accommodate students participating in these international experiences, ensuring that study abroad remains accessible and integrative with Ringling College's curriculum. While destinations and specific program details may vary, the overarching goal is to expose students to dynamic visual cultures and innovative design practices worldwide.
High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
YesComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RecommendedRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RequiredAdmission test scores
RecommendedTOEFL (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
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent 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
NoEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring