The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), located in Providence, Rhode Island, is renowned for its rigorous undergraduate programs in art and design, and its acceptance rate reflects its high selectivity. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), RISD reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 17.4%, based on historical data and trends from the institution’s admissions statistics. This selectivity is influenced by a growing applicant pool, with thousands of talented students vying for limited spots each year, as well as RISD’s reputation for fostering creative excellence. While RISD does not always publish detailed admission statistics for every cycle, data from prior years and the Common Data Set provide insight into its competitive admissions process.
Over the past few years, RISD’s acceptance rate has trended downward, signaling increasing competitiveness as more students apply to its unique programs. The early decision option continues to offer a slight advantage, with higher acceptance rates compared to regular decision, encouraging applicants to commit early. International student admissions remain highly competitive due to RISD’s strong global reputation and limited enrollment capacity. Compared to peer institutions like Parsons School of Design or the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, RISD’s selectivity is on par, often falling within the 15-20% range for top art and design schools. For the most accurate and up-to-date statistics, prospective students are encouraged to visit RISD’s official admissions website at risd.edu/admissions or refer to the Common Data Set when available.
