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Diversity:

B+

(explain this grade)

Comparable Schools'
Diversity Grades:

Quick Stats

African American

1 %

Asian American

14 %

Hispanic

4 %

International

16 %

Native American

0 %

White

39 %

Unknown

25 %

Out-of-State

76 %

College Prowler Take

Diversity at RISD is a tricky issue. It does not just mean non-white non-Americans, but a mix of students from different backgrounds, socio-economic status, culture, and race. The predominant theme that categorizes RISD is white, upper-middle class, Christian female. There is also a large population of Koreans on campus and several other Asian ethnicities, but in general, there is not a whole lot of diversity. On the positive side, students make the most of the diversity that does exist at RISD, and most benefit from learning about one another and how people from different cultures and artistic backgrounds approach art and design problems. Most studio classes are set up to allow all students in the class to participate in critiques. Of course, everyone gives their input based on their personal backgrounds, aesthetics, and beliefs, so by having a diverse range of students in these intimate situations, there is a great deal of aesthetic exchange, and many students are able to expand their understanding of what their art can be. Especially relevant conversations center on gender politics in art, cultural identity, and product design for a world market.

There are always continuous efforts to expand the diversity of students at RISD. Most recently, there was a special effort made to financially assist students coming from poorer countries. These small strides are fully supported and sometimes initiated by the students. As RISD continues to make it easier for students from different backgrounds to come together, the new mix of students will be welcomed with open arms. The international and minority students that are at RISD enrich all students’ experiences, and the students are happy to have one another.

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Students Speak Out

Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:

Anonymous says:

I think campus is very diverse,...

I think campus is very diverse, but I also feel like it’s becoming less diverse because there’s an overflowing amount of Korean students on campus. I think the school can work harder in terms of trying to get more people from various countries besides people from Korea. (No offense against Koreans, though. I have a lot of Korean friends!)

Diversity
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Anonymous says:

The RISD community is not that...

The RISD community is not that diverse in terms of ethnicity. But, in general, the students all come from different backgrounds, so that adds on to the diversity. Also, the students are open-minded.

Diversity
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Anonymous says:

Campus is not very diverse. There...

Campus is not very diverse. There are lots of upper- middle to upper-class white kids, lots of Asians, and a few sprinklings after that. I’d like to see more diversity.

Diversity
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Anonymous says:

The campus is only kind of...

The campus is only kind of diverse. It looks like it should be diverse, but most of the international students are Korean. There’s a wide cross-section of what part of the country the Americans come from, but most of them are white.

Diversity
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Anonymous says:

Gender wise, the female-to-male...

Gender wise, the female-to-male ratio is not as female dominated as I would have thought. Ethnically, there is diversity among international students, although more than half seem to be Korean.

Diversity
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Facts

Economic Status

Most students come from a middle- to upper-class background.

Gay Pride

The students at RISD are extremely proud of gay classmates, and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Alliance is active on campus and sponsors a Freshman Outreach Program.

Minority Clubs

The students on campus are integrated, and all of the parties and events thrown by minority clubs are open to all students, not just those of the club. Some minority clubs include: ACA (Asian Cultural Association), Latin Alliance, and Queer Student Union

Most Common Religions

Most students are atheist or agnostic, but within the bounds of religion students, most are Christian, Catholic, or Jewish.

Political Activity

The majority of the student body is liberal and the rest are indifferent (at least regarding U.S. politics).

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Helen Koh
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Major: Graphic Design/Painting

Helen is very good at sandwich making.

Contributing Author Internship

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