Rhode Island School of Design SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
RISD is test-optional, but submitted scores are usually very strong, with the middle SAT range at 1395 to 1520. If you submit scores, aim near the top of that range, or around a 34 ACT, so your testing supports the creative strength of your portfolio.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Rhode Island School of Design facts and stats
Rhode Island School of Design enrolls 2,087 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. RISD has a 95% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and an 89% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 8:1.
Providence, RI
How do your scores compare at RISD?
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Key Rhode Island School of Design application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 15
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
November 1
Priority Deadline
—
Coming soon
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Since RISD is test-optional, follow this timeline only if you plan to submit SAT or ACT scores: take your first test by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and early fall for retakes to improve a superscore. For the November 1 Early Decision deadline, the October SAT or September ACT is typically the last fall retake likely to arrive in time.
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What you'll actually pay
RISD is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students: $62,688. About 31% of students receive aid, and merit awards average $12,157 for recipients.
As a private institution, RISD’s published tuition and fees are $62,688 before room, board, and other costs. About 31% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $41,993. RISD also reports an average merit award of $12,157. Students graduate with an average debt of $30,617.
Student life at Rhode Island School of Design
68% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Brown University
Providence, RIAcceptance rate: 5.4%
SAT: 1510–1560
ACT: 34–35
Bryant University
Smithfield, RIAcceptance rate: 65.5%
SAT: 1200–1320
ACT: 27–28
Johnson & Wales University, Providence
Providence, RIAcceptance rate: 88.4%
SAT: 890–1160
ACT: 22–27
New England Institute of Technology
East Greenwich, RIAcceptance rate: 66.7%
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