Rhode Island School of Design

Providence, United States of America

The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) was established in 1877 and is renowned for its rigorous art and design programs. It is one of the leading institutions for fine arts and design education in the United States.
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Tuition Fees, Cost of Living & Accommodation at Rhode Island School of Design

Cost Of Living

$ 19720

Undergraduate Fees International Students

$ 58690

Post Graduate Fees International Students

$ 54780

Bachelors

  • $ 58690
  • $ 58690
  • $ 58690
  • $ 58690
  • $ 58690

Masters

  • $ 54780
  • $ 54780
  • $ 54780
  • $ 54780
  • $ 54780

Rhode Island School of Design Departments

  • Department of Architecture
  • Department of Graphic Design
  • Department of Industrial Design
  • Department of Interior Architecture
  • Department of Fine Arts
  • Department of Textiles
  • Department of Apparel Design

Unique Selling Proposition (USP) of Rhode Island School of Design

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is renowned for its skill-based learning curriculum, designed to enhance students' creative techniques. The university is globally recognized for its fine arts programs, offering a rigorous education that nurtures artistic and design innovation. RISD’s unique approach combines hands-on learning with academic excellence, fostering a dynamic environment for creative growth. As an internationally acclaimed leader in art and design education, RISD prepares students to excel in various artistic disciplines. The university's emphasis on developing technical mastery and creative vision makes it a standout in the field of art and design.

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Distinguished Alumni of Rhode Island School of Design

Infrastructure & Facilities at Rhode Island School of Design

The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) boasts a dynamic and state-of-the-art infrastructure that supports its students’ academic, artistic, and social needs. Located in Providence, Rhode Island, the university is spread across multiple campuses and facilities that foster creativity and innovation. Here are three key points about RISD's infrastructure:

Campus and Facilities:
RISD’s campus is a blend of historic and modern buildings, with state-of-the-art studios, galleries, and classrooms spread across the College Hill area and Downtown Providence. The campus features specialized spaces for fine arts, design, and digital media, including the Museum of Art, nature labs, and graduate studios, all providing an inspiring environment for artistic exploration.

Libraries and Resources:
The Fleet Library at RISD, one of the oldest independent art college libraries in the country, offers an extensive collection of books, e-books, journals, and digital media resources. The library serves as a vital academic hub for students and faculty, supporting both artistic practice and research. The university also provides specialized resources and materials for various design disciplines.

Housing and Student Amenities:
RISD offers diverse on-campus housing options, including residence halls, suites, and apartments. These facilities are equipped with modern amenities such as fully furnished rooms, free Wi-Fi, and 24/7 security. The university also provides student dining services with a variety of healthy and dietary-inclusive options, ensuring students have all they need for a comfortable living and learning experience.

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Rhode Island School of Design Student Life

Student life at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is vibrant, creative, and dynamic, offering students numerous opportunities to explore their passions, engage with peers, and enhance their academic experience outside the classroom. The RISD campus fosters a community-oriented atmosphere where students can connect, collaborate, and grow both personally and professionally. Here are some key aspects of student life at RISD:

Campus Community and Cultural Activities:
RISD is home to a diverse and inclusive community of artists and designers, encouraging students to explore and share their creativity. The university hosts a variety of cultural and social events throughout the year, such as art exhibitions, performances, film screenings, and student showcases, offering students the chance to express themselves and engage with the broader campus community.

Clubs and Organizations:
With over 70 student clubs and organizations, RISD offers a wide range of extracurricular activities for students to get involved in. These include design-focused groups like the Graphic Design Club, art-related societies, cultural organizations, and recreational clubs. Participation in these groups allows students to build leadership skills, collaborate on creative projects, and form lasting friendships with peers who share similar interests.

Recreation and Wellness:
Student life at RISD also prioritizes physical health and well-being. The university offers a range of fitness facilities, including a fitness center, cardio rooms, and spaces for yoga and recreational sports. Students can participate in intramural sports or take part in fitness programs designed to promote a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, RISD’s Health Center provides medical services, wellness education, and mental health support to help students maintain their physical and emotional well-being.

Residence Life:
RISD’s on-campus housing offers students a supportive environment where they can live and learn alongside fellow artists and designers. The residence halls provide comfortable living spaces, study areas, and social lounges, helping students balance their academic commitments with their social lives. Residential Life at RISD also offers unique opportunities for students to live in themed communities based on shared interests such as sustainability or creative collaboration.

Dining and Social Spaces:
The dining services at RISD ensure students have access to a variety of meal options, including special dietary choices such as vegetarian and vegan meals. The Met, RISD’s largest dining hall, serves as a social hub where students can enjoy meals together and relax between classes. The campus also features several cafes and informal spaces where students can meet, study, or unwind with friends, fostering a sense of community and connection across disciplines.

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Rhode Island School of Design Career support

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) provides extensive career support to both students and alumni through its dedicated Career Services. The center offers personalized guidance to help individuals navigate the job and internship search process, from career strategy development to refining resumes and portfolios. Students can meet with career advisors or peer advisors for one-on-one consultations to discuss career goals and job opportunities. The center also hosts events such as Wintersession Career Programs and offers access to job listings like NASA internships. RISD Careers equips students with the tools to transition their education and creativity into fulfilling professional experiences.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Admission Requirements at Rhode Island School of Design

a) Application form

b) $60 application fee

c) Unofficial transcripts

d) Letters of recommendation

e) Statement of purpose and Portfolio

f) Scores from either the GRE, or the GMAT exam

g) TOEFL/IELTS scores if the applicant’s native language is not English.

h) TOEFL: 93, IELTS: 6.5

Requirements vary for each program. Please visit program page for specific requirements.

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Campus
Recruitment By top Companies

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) has a dedicated Career Team that provides extensive support for students during their job search, hosting recruitment events and connecting them with top industry professionals. The university's award-winning placement team helps students secure internships and jobs with leading companies in the art and design sectors. RISD alumni are highly sought after by renowned organizations, with companies like Style Careers, Business of Fashion, and AIA recruiting directly from the university. Students gain access to opportunities in fields like architecture, graphic design, and fine arts. RISD’s strong industry connections ensure students are well-prepared for their careers.

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  • Accenture

Rhode Island School of Design Corporate Partnership

  • Apple : RISD partners with Apple to integrate cutting-edge technology into its design curriculum, providing students access to the latest hardware and software tools to support their creative projects.
  • Hasbro : Hasbro collaborates with RISD in the development of toy designs and prototypes, allowing students to work on real-world design challenges in the toy industry.
  • Gensler : RISD works with Gensler, a global architecture and design firm, offering students opportunities to engage in architectural design projects and internships, which bridge the gap between academia and the professional world.
  • Lexus : RISD has teamed up with Lexus for design competitions and projects, providing students with opportunities to engage in automotive design, particularly around the luxury and sustainability sectors.
  • Design Within Reach : RISD and Design Within Reach collaborate on furniture design, offering students exposure to the retail design market and opportunities to work on exclusive design projects for mass-market products.
  • Vitra : This collaboration allows RISD students to explore furniture design with Vitra, a Swiss company known for its high-end modern furniture, through student workshops and design projects.
  • Warby Parker : RISD and Warby Parker collaborate to foster creativity in eyewear design, with students working on innovative designs and prototypes that may be showcased in the company’s collections.
  • Nike : Nike and RISD work together on product design, providing students with the chance to develop footwear and apparel concepts in line with industry trends, focusing on both aesthetics and functionality.
  • IDEO : Through partnerships with IDEO, a global design consultancy, RISD offers students the chance to apply design thinking principles and work on collaborative design projects that solve real-world problems.
  • Ralph Lauren : RISD collaborates with Ralph Lauren on fashion and textile design, offering students opportunities to participate in industry-led projects and internships that explore luxury fashion design and branding.
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Notable Achievements of Rhode Island School of Design

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is recognized as one of the top institutions in the U.S., with Forbes ranking it among the top 110 regional universities. In 2014, U.S. News & World Report named RISD first for Fine Arts programs, and in 2021, QS World University Rankings placed it 4th globally for Art & Design. RISD’s undergraduate architecture program was ranked 6th in 2019 by Design Intelligence. The university is also noted for producing U.S. Fulbright Scholars and is listed among America's Top Colleges. These accolades reflect RISD's commitment to excellence in art and design education.

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Achievements

01.
RISD Ranked #1 in Design Education

In 2020, RISD was ranked the #1 design school in the United States by Design Intelligence. This prestigious recognition reflects the school's commitment to fostering creative excellence and innovation across various design disciplines, including industrial design, architecture, and graphic design. The ranking is a testament to RISD's strong faculty, rigorous academic programs, and its role in shaping influential designers. RISD's emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and a holistic approach to design has consistently set it apart as a leader in design education. The school’s reputation attracts top-tier students and faculty from around the world.

Year
2020
02.
RISD Wins National Design Award for Excellence in Design Education

In 2018, RISD received the National Design Award for Excellence in Design Education from the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. This prestigious honor recognized RISD for its exceptional contributions to design education and its global influence. The award highlighted the school’s role in cultivating new generations of designers and innovators. It celebrated the rigorous academic environment that fosters both technical skill and creative exploration. RISD's achievements in teaching and research have had a lasting impact on design industries worldwide.

Year
2018
03.
Launch of RISD Museum’s ‘Design the Future’ Initiative

In 2017, the RISD Museum launched the Design the Future initiative, which focuses on supporting cutting-edge design projects that address social, cultural, and environmental issues. The initiative brought together designers, artists, and researchers to collaborate on solutions for global challenges. It highlighted RISD’s commitment to innovation and community engagement through design. The museum also worked to expand its role in public education and the promotion of design as a tool for social change. The initiative has since become a key part of RISD's global outreach and research.

Year
2017

Notable Innovation, Research & Development Rhode Island School of Design

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is at the forefront of innovation in art and design education, fostering a culture of creativity and experimentation. The university encourages research and development through interdisciplinary projects that integrate design thinking with practical solutions. RISD’s faculty and students regularly engage in cutting-edge research across various fields, including architecture, fine arts, and industrial design. The institution also houses specialized labs, like the Nature Lab, which supports research in material science and environmental design. This commitment to innovation empowers RISD students to push boundaries and contribute to advancements in both the creative and academic realms.

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Notable Innovation

01.
The RISD Mobile App

In 2015, RISD launched its own mobile app, designed to connect students, faculty, and alumni with the resources they need on campus. The app features tools for class schedules, event notifications, and campus directories, making it easier for the RISD community to engage with campus life. It was created with a user-centered design philosophy, ensuring it met the diverse needs of the student body. The app has helped modernize RISD's campus experience. It reflects RISD's commitment to integrating design with technology.

Year
2015
02.
The Chihuly Garden and Glass

Dale Chihuly’s Chihuly Garden and Glass is a stunning collection of his glass sculptures, which can be seen in a dedicated museum in Seattle. Chihuly, a RISD graduate, revolutionized the art of glassblowing and created large-scale installations that integrate glass with the natural world. The museum, opened in 2012, features his intricate and mesmerizing glass artworks in various forms, from chandeliers to outdoor sculptures. It showcases the artist's boundary-pushing vision of what glass can achieve in art. Chihuly’s work continues to inspire and innovate the world of fine arts.

Year
2012
03.
Barack Obama “Hope” Poster

Shepard Fairey’s Hope poster, featuring Barack Obama, was one of the most famous and widely recognized images from the 2008 U.S. presidential campaign. Created during the election, the poster symbolized optimism and change. Fairey’s design played a significant role in visual politics, contributing to Obama's election success. The poster received worldwide attention and is now housed in major art institutions. This work helped solidify the power of design in shaping public perception.

Year
2008

Explore Programs & Courses at Rhode Island School of Design

Program name
Tuition Fees
Deadlines
BFA Apparel Design 4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
$54968
(Annual Cost)
1st Aug
BFA Graphic Design 4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
$54968
(Annual Cost)
1st Aug
BFA Ceramics 4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
$54968
(Annual Cost)
1st Aug
BArch Architecture 5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
$54968
(Annual Cost)
1st Aug

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