Rhode Island School of Design is an independent college of art and design founded in 1877, making it one of the first institutions of its kind in the United States. The college enrolls approximately 2,577 students from 60 countries and maintains an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, supporting close mentorship in creative disciplines.
The institution offers over 40 combined bachelor's and master's degree programs spanning various art and design fields. It operates an attached museum alongside its academic programmes, integrating curatorial resources and collections into the educational experience. The college's mission centres on creating and appreciating works of art, transmitting knowledge, and fostering critical thinking and innovation for contribution to global society.
With more than 33,000 alumni worldwide, RISD maintains a substantial network of practitioners and leaders across creative industries and cultural institutions globally.