A straight answer: 18.7% acceptance rate.
This means for every 100 applicants, only 19 actually get in. No guessing. Rhode Island School of Design is a COMP institution located in Providence, RI — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.
Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)
Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:
Men
Women
If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.
Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters
This is where the reality hits:
Yield Rate: N/A
This shows how many admitted students choose Rhode Island School of Design. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.
What Scores Do You Need?
If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.
Interpreting the Acceptance Rate at Rhode Island School of Design as an Applicant
When students ask about the acceptance rate at Rhode Island School of Design, they’re usually looking for reassurance or clarity. The challenge is that acceptance rates don’t operate at the individual level—they summarize institutional outcomes.
An acceptance rate of 18.7% reflects the admissions cycle as a whole, combining applicants with different goals, backgrounds, and levels of readiness. This makes the statistic helpful for broad comparison, but limited for personal decision-making.
Why Acceptance Rate Alone Isn’t Enough
Acceptance rates don’t show how competitive specific programs are or how admissions decisions vary across applicant types. At Rhode Island School of Design, some majors attract far more interest than others, which can create uneven competition.
Additionally, universities that receive a high volume of exploratory applications often appear less selective than they truly are. That’s why acceptance rates can sometimes feel misleading when viewed without context.
Turning Acceptance Data into Useful Insight
The best way to use the acceptance rate at Rhode Island School of Design is as a directional signal. It helps applicants understand the admissions environment, but real outcomes depend on preparation, academic focus, and alignment.
Students who combine acceptance rate data with thoughtful self-assessment tend to approach the application process with more confidence and better expectations.
Admissions Insight
Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?
Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.
Your Chances of Getting Into Rhode Island School of Design
Let’s keep it real:
- ✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
- 🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
- ❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles
If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.
What's my real shot?
Acceptance Odds Estimator
Estimate your admission probability at Rhode Island School of Design based on your unique profile.
Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.
Try Right Fit MatcherWhat Prospective Students Should Take Away from Admissions Data
At some point, admissions research needs to turn into decisions. Numbers alone don’t make that easier—but interpretation does. For students considering Rhode Island School of Design, the most important takeaway is not whether admissions are competitive in general, but whether the school aligns with their goals and preparation.
Admissions data reflects past cycles, not future guarantees. Changes in applicant interest, program demand, and institutional priorities all influence outcomes year to year.
Turning Information into Confidence
Students who use admissions data as context rather than judgment tend to feel more confident in their application strategies. They understand where competition may be stronger, where they are well-positioned, and how to balance ambition with realism.
If Rhode Island School of Design fits your academic direction and learning preferences, then admissions data should guide preparation—not discourage effort. The most successful applicants are often those who focus less on perceived difficulty and more on fit and readiness.
Should You Apply to Rhode Island School of Design?
If 18.7% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.
- Will I be a standout here?
- Do I like the vibe?
- Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
- Is this my best-fit major here?
Explore Rhode Island School of Design
Jump to related stats for this same university.
FAQs About Rhode Island School of Design Acceptance Rate
What is the acceptance rate at RISD?
The acceptance rate at the Rhode Island School of Design is approximately 14%, reflecting its selective admissions process that attracts a large number of applicants each year.
Is RISD test-optional?
Yes, RISD has a test-optional policy, allowing students to choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
What majors does RISD offer?
RISD offers a range of majors including Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Architecture (BArch), Master of Arts (MA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and other graduate degrees across 19 disciplines.
How much is tuition at RISD?
Tuition at RISD varies by program and year, but it generally falls within the range of approximately $54,000 to $57,000 annually, excluding additional fees and living expenses.
What is student life like at RISD?
Student life at RISD is immersive and vibrant, centered around a community of artists and designers. The environment encourages collaboration, creativity, and social engagement, making it a unique setting for art-focused education.
Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual
Rhode Island School of Design isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.
Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.
Unlock Your Best Shot with Orbit
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