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Rhode Island School of Design

Providence, United States

  • Cost of Living$ 22,980
  • Tuition Fee From$ 60,400
  • Country Rank#687
  • Batch Strength2,501
  • Global Diversity-
  • Gender Ratio-

Overview

About

Rhode Island School of Design is a private college of art and design located in Providence, Rhode Island. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious art and design schools in the United States, with affiliations to Brown University. The fall intake of 2021 saw a total enrollment of 6,331 students across both denominations. They were offered an acceptance rate of 18.7% and are therefore considered quite selective in their admission process. 

 

In order to make design education more accessible to women. Helen Adelia Rowe Metcalf, the founder of this school launched the school as a coeducational institution in 1877. In Providence, the school began classes in October 1877. There were 43 pupils in the inaugural class, most of whom were female.

 

RISD offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a range of design fields, including graphic design, interior design, industrial design, and architecture. The school has 16 programs at the undergraduate level and 18 programs at the postgraduate level. The Global exchange program here is well-known for placing its students across 43 universities around the globe. A special Master of Arts in Design and Architecture (MADE) is offered to students through a special partnership between the Architecture and Design division and Brown's School of Engineering. Other popular programs chosen include:

  • Fine arts 
  • Graphic design 
  • Sculpture 
  • Printmaking 
  • Time-based media 
  • Photography 
  • Painting 
  • Ceramics

 

The college is known for its rigorous curriculum, world-renowned faculty, and talented student body, many of whom go on to have successful careers in the arts and design industries. RISD has a diverse student body and a vibrant campus community, and is considered one of the top art and design schools in the world.

University Name Rhode Island School of Design
Official Website https://www.risd.edu/
Year of Establishment 1877
Average Living Cost $ 8,245
Total Students Enrolled 2,620
University Type Private
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Ranking

RISD is a highly-ranked college of art and design located in Providence, Rhode Island. It is a respected institution known for its strong programs in fine arts, design, and architecture. According to U.S. News & World Report's 2022 edition of "Best Colleges," It is ranked #26 among Best Value Schools and #22 among Best Undergraduate Teaching and was placed #3 in Regional Universities North. Overall, the school is a highly respected institution that provides students with a top-notch education and a supportive, creative environment. Given below are some of the prominent Rhode Island School of Design rankings:

 

  • #6 - Best Colleges for Art in America - Niche 2024
  • #43 - Most Diverse Colleges in America - Niche 2024

 

Course Wise Rankings: 

  • #5 - Best Colleges for Design in America - Niche 2024
  • #4 - Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America - Niche 2024
  • #1 - Best Colleges for Architecture in America - Niche 2024

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

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Facilities

Rhode Island's Providence is home to the mid-sized campus of the Rhode Island School of Design. The Museum building, which houses a number of art galleries and studios, is located on the college campus. All students are welcome to join any of the more than 70 clubs and organisations run by the Centre for Student Involvement (CSI).

 

Accommodation

The school provides students with a choice of three living options: Essential RISD, Suite Experience, and Apartment Experience. Every room has standard amenities like internet access, a laundry facility, a social area, entry locks, wardrobes, lighting, and a desk. Single, double, and shared rooms all have different facilities. Gender identification is not a criterion used by the school to determine which couples are selected for housing. 

 

Library

The Fleet Library is the art and design school's main library. It serves as a central resource for students, faculty, and staff, offering a diverse collection of materials and services to support research, learning, and creative exploration. The library's collections include books, periodicals, images, multimedia materials, and digital resources, with a focus on art and design. The library also provides access to a range of technology tools, including computers, printing, and scanning equipment, as well as specialized software and online databases. In addition to its collections and technology, the Fleet Library offers a variety of workshops, events, and services to support the school community's research and creative work. 

 

Cafeteria

The cafeteria here is a dining facility that provides food service to students, faculty, and staff. It offers a variety of meal options, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as snacks and beverages. The cafeteria may feature a mix of self-serve and full-service options, with a focus on nutritious, high-quality food. The menu may change seasonally or daily, with options to accommodate various dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. The cafeteria also serves as a social hub for the community, providing a space for students, faculty, and staff to gather, connect, and recharge between classes or work.

Notable Alumni

Tina Weymouth
Tina Weymouth
American musician and singer
Gus Van Sant
Gus Van Sant
American film director
Chris Frantz
Chris Frantz
American musician and record producer

Courses

Admission

Rhode Island School of Design Entry Requirements

Whether you're a first-time applicant here, an undergraduate student seeking advanced status, or a returning student re-enrolling after a break, the admissions standards are the same for all applicants. Rhode Island School of Design has a mandatory application fee payment of USD 60. International students need to have a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 on a minimum average scale of 4.0. Each applicant must provide the following: 

 

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

  • Official Academic Transcripts of High School
  • Letter (s) of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Proof of financial support
  • Passport
  • Two passport-sized photographs
  • Minimum English Test Scores - TOEFL (93) or IELTS (6.5)

 

Graduate Admission Requirements

  • Official Academic Transcripts of College
  • Letter (s) of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Proof of financial support
  • Passport
  • Two passport-sized photographs
  • CAS statement
  • Minimum English Test Scores -  TOEFL (93) or IELTS (6.5)
  • Test scores or GRE/ GMAT if asked by the university
  • Resume or CV showing work experience 

 

Rhode Island School of Design Fees

The fee structure here is diversified into the various multidisciplinary undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered here, which are:

  • Master of Fine Arts [M.F.A] Painting - USD 60,860 /Yr
  • Master of Architecture [M.Arch] - USD 60,860 /Yr
  • Bachelor of Architecture [B.Arch] - USD 59,620 /Yr
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts [B.F.A] Graphic Design - USD 59,620 /Yr
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts [B.F.A] Illustration - USD 59,620 /Yr

 

Placements

A collaborative career fair between RISD and Brown University is held every year to help students find internships and employment possibilities once they graduate. Placements are mostly available in the key fields of arts, graphic design, architecture, and fine arts. The school also hosts a number of workshops throughout the year for both undergraduate and graduate students to hone their abilities. Potential businesses can hire students using the online job application and portfolio showcase platform provided by the RISD career centre. According to Payscale, the average pay for graduates from Rhode Island is 70,121 USD, while the starting wage for graduates with fewer than five years of experience was 57,300 USD.

Scholarship

Regardless of the programme you are studying, there are several scholarship opportunities provided by the school as well as other organisations. With so many scholarships available now, overseas students can significantly lower the financial burden of studying in a new country. You can apply for scholarships to study at the university through UniScholarz. You can find the following types of scholarships based on your academic performance and financial situation:

 

  • Merit-based scholarships
  • Need-based scholarships
  • Country-specific scholarships
  • College-specific scholarships
  • Student-specific scholarships

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds in order to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the university. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

Accommodation

There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or in a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

 

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.

Cost of Living

Providence is the capital city of the state of Rhode Island, located in the northeastern United States. It is the largest city in the state and has a population of around 180,000 people. Providence was founded in 1636 and has a rich history, with many historic buildings, landmarks, and cultural institutions. The city is known for its mix of old and new architecture, including the Colonial, Victorian, and modern styles, as well as its cultural diversity. Providence has a thriving arts and cultural scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and galleries, including the Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art and the Trinity Repertory Company. In addition to its rich history and cultural attractions, Providence also has a growing food and beverage scene, with many locally-owned restaurants, cafes, and breweries
 

Particulars

Cost (Monthly)

Off-Campus Accommodation 

$1,262 

On-Campus Accommodation

$689

Transportation

$111

Food Cost

$390

Utility Cost

$205

Entertainment

$48

Groceries

$48

Clothes

$56

Health Insurance

$80

Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation 

$2,200 

Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation 

$1,627

FAQs