QUICK ANSWER
The weeks between an acceptance and the enrolment deposit are when families have the most leverage and the least time. Ask questions whose answers you can get in writing: what the full cost of attendance is, whether the scholarship renews, what housing is required, whether your department’s first-year courses are confirmed, and what happens to the deposit if plans change.
In 2026 one more question matters: is the school financially stable? CCA announced it will close at the end of 2026–27, and SVA has reported a structural deficit. The questions below are grouped so you can send them to admissions or financial aid by email.
BEFORE MAY 1 · 1
Money
- What is the full cost of attendance, not just tuition? At RISD, for example, tuition is $66,460 for 2026–27, with an activity fee of $308, an academic fee of $908 and health insurance of $2,657 on top, plus housing.
- Is my scholarship renewable, and on what conditions? Ask whether it requires a minimum GPA or full-time enrolment, and whether the amount stays the same if tuition rises.
- Is the enrolment deposit refundable, and until when?
- What documents do you need to issue the I-20, and by when? International students must show funding before the I-20 is issued.
BEFORE MAY 1 · 2
Housing and Daily Life
- Is on-campus housing required, and for how long? RISD requires first-year students to live on campus for two years.
- What are the room types and prices? RISD lists first-year shared rooms at $9,071 a semester and singles at $10,326, with dining included.
- What health insurance is required for international students?
BEFORE MAY 1 · 3
Programme and Stability
- Which first-year courses and faculty are confirmed for my department? Especially important at schools that have reported course cancellations.
- Can I change major, and when? At RISD, students choose a major in the spring of the first year.
- What does the school’s latest public financial information show? Check the U.S. Department of Education’s Heightened Cash Monitoring list and recent news, as described in our school stability checks.
FOR KOREAN FAMILIES
Ask in writing and keep the replies. Email answers are easier to compare across schools and to translate for family members than notes from a phone call. If two offers are close, a clear written answer on renewability or housing can decide between them. Our RISD housing guide shows the level of detail worth asking for.
BEFORE MAY 1 · 4
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need to commit to a U.S. art school?
Most schools ask admitted students to decide by May 1. Early Decision admits, such as at RISD, commit earlier and the agreement is binding.
What should I ask about scholarships?
Whether the award is renewable, what conditions apply, and whether it changes if tuition rises.
Does RISD require students to live on campus?
Yes. First-year students must live on campus for two years.
How do I check if an art school is financially stable?
Look for recent closure or deficit news and check the Department of Education’s Heightened Cash Monitoring list. Ask your department which courses are confirmed.
What does an international student need for the I-20?
Proof of funding for the costs the school lists. Ask the school which documents it accepts and its deadline.
ROYAL BLUE ART & DESIGN
For 19 years we have prepared Korean students for U.S. art schools from our studio in Apgujeong, Seoul. Our public record lists 1,099 acceptances confirmed directly with students at 95 schools. We help families compare offers line by line before the deposit. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
RISD costs and housing from RISD Student Financial Services and Residence Life (2026–27); closure and finance information from school announcements and public reporting. Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: Checking a School’s Stability · RISD Housing 2026–27 · 8 Admissions Mistakes · Debt and Art School · Royal Blue Results