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RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN

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Overview

The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is a private art and design school located in Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 1877, RISD is known for its strong focus on creative education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. As of 2024, it ranks 4th in its subject area according to various rankings. The school has about 2,090 undergraduate students and around 448 graduate students, with 34% of the student body being international students.

For international students looking to apply, the deadlines for admissions are important to note. For graduate programs, the application deadline is January 5, 2025. For undergraduate students, the regular decision application deadline is January 16, 2025. It’s crucial to prepare your applications ahead of these dates to ensure you meet all requirements.

Some key facts about RISD include an acceptance rate of 19%, indicating that admissions are moderately competitive. The school has a total student population of over 2,500. The annual tuition costs for undergraduate programs range from approximately INR 49.97 lakh to INR 51.47 lakh, while for postgraduate programs, it is between INR 49.07 lakh and INR 51.47 lakh. The school offers popular programs such as BFA in Film, Animation & Video, Master of Architecture, BFA in Photography, and BFA in Painting.

The history of RISD dates back to its founding in 1877 as both a school and a museum. It was one of the first independent colleges dedicated to art and design. The founders aimed to support local industries like textiles and jewelry, introducing courses in Freehand Drawing, Painting, and Mechanical Drawing. RISD has a rich tradition and continues to foster creativity and innovation.

Students at RISD have access to a vibrant campus life, which includes a museum with over 100,000 works of art, a library with more than 150,000 art books, and various facilities to enhance their learning experience. The campus provides a safe and inclusive environment, with on-campus housing options available. RISD also focuses on the health and wellness of its students, offering nutritious meal options.

As for the admissions process, it is recommended to check the application fees and types of deadlines. There are no application fees for RISD, making it easier for students to apply. When comparing RISD with other institutions like Parsons School of Design and Pratt Institute, RISD stands out for its excellent programs and artistic focus.

Notable alumni from RISD include successful figures in the film and television industry, such as Michael Dante DiMartino, co-creator of the animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Gus Van Sant, a renowned filmmaker. This highlights the strong foundation RISD provides to its students, preparing them for successful careers in creative fields.

In summary, the Rhode Island School of Design offers a unique and enriching educational experience for those interested in art and design. With its competitive admissions, diverse programs, and supportive campus environment, it remains a top choice for aspiring artists and designers.

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About Rhode Island School of Design

Key Facts About the Rhode Island School of Design

Here are some key facts to understand about the Rhode Island School of Design:

Particulars Validations
Acceptance Rate 19%
Location Providence, Rhode Island
Total No. of Students 2500+
Public or Private University Private School
Annual Tuition Cost UG: INR 49.97 L – 51.47 L PG: INR 49.07 L – 51.47 L
Popular Programs BFA in Film, Animation & Video Master of Architecture BFA in Photography BFA in Painting
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Note: The 'Others' section in the pie chart includes popular courses like Marketing, Interior Architecture, Apparel Design, and more.

The undergraduate degrees available at the Rhode Island School of Design are listed below-

Undergraduate Degree Duration
BFA Apparel Design 4 years
BArch Architecture 5 years
BFA Film/Animation/Video 4 years
BFA Furniture Design 4 years

Postgraduate Programs Available at Rhode Island School of Design-

Graduate Degree Duration
MFA in Graphic Design 2 years
MFA in Illustration 2 years
MFA in Digital + Media 2 years
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RISD Scholarships

International students can also apply for other scholarships.

Scholarship name Amount Scholarship type
Unimoni student stars 2023 ?3 L External
JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship ?10 L External
K.C. Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Study Abroad ?10 L External
Young Women in Public Affairs Award ?4.2 L External
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Admissions 2025

Acceptance Rate

The Rhode Island School of Design has an acceptance rate of 19%, which means that getting admitted to the university is somewhat competitive.

Application Fee

International students need to pay a $60 application fee at RISD for both undergraduate and graduate programs. There is also an extra $10 fee for submitting an online portfolio. Both fees are non-refundable.

Eligibility

For undergraduate programs, students who do not speak English as their first language must provide proof of their English skills. If a student has attended a school where English is the main language of instruction, they may not need to submit this proof. The English Proficiency score requirements set by RISD are as follows:

English Exam Accepted Minimum Score Required
TOEFL 93
IELTS 6.5
Duolingo 115
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Rankings 2025

Rhode Island School of Design, founded in 1877, is one of the oldest and most respected art and design colleges in the United States. In 2022, it was ranked 135 by top ranking sources. The undergraduate and graduate programs at RISD often achieve high rankings. For 2024, the school has been ranked 4th among Best Colleges in Regional Universities North.

For 2024, the rankings of the top courses at Rhode Island School of Design, according to a trusted source, are as follows:

Subject Rank
Art & Design 4
Art History 9
Arts & Humanities 294
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Rhode Island Vs Parson Vs Pratt Institute: Which is Better?

College 1st Year Tuition Fees GyanDhan Grade Ranking
RISD INR 53.33 L -/- -/-
Campbellsville University INR 13.47 L -/- -/-
Felician University INR 4.55 L - 20.48 L -/- -/-
SUNY Oswego INR 12.51 L - 13.76 L -/- -/-
Drake University INR 8.47 L B #179 US News, 2025
UWest INR 7.94 L -/- -/-
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Notable Alumni

Many graduates from the Rhode Island School of Design have found success in the world, especially in film and television. RISD has several famous alumni. Some well-known graduates include Michael Dante DiMartino, an American animator, producer, and writer who co-created the popular series Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Gus Van Sant, an American filmmaker and director known for Good Will Hunting. Below is a list of notable alumni who graduated from RISD College.

Rhode Island School of Design Alumni Profession
Michael Dante Dimartino American animator, producer, writer & director.
Seth Macfarlane American actor, animator director, comedian, singer, writer & producer.
Angus MacLane American filmmaker, animator, voice actor.
James Franco Actor, Artist
Jemima Kirke Artist, Actor, Director
David Hanson Jr. Robotics Designer of Sofia
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RISD Location

University City Providence, Rhode Island, USA
Size of city Medium
Population of City 1,79,000
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