QUICK ANSWER
RISD, Parsons and CalArts do not publish comparable employment rates, so any table ranking them on one number is misleading. RISD reports 95% “professional engagement” for the Class of 2023 from a 24% survey response; The New School reports that 81% of its 2023 graduates went on to professional opportunities or further study within a year, for the whole university rather than Parsons alone; and CalArts publishes where graduates went to graduate school, not an employment rate.
Each figure measures something different. Read the definition and the response rate before comparing them, and compare cost after aid, which is known before you enrol.
READ THE DENOMINATOR · 1
Three Schools, Three Different Measures
| School | What is published | What to notice |
|---|---|---|
| RISD | Class of 2023 survey: 95% professional engagement; 74% directly related work; 44% earning $40,000+ | Includes part-time, internships and freelance; 24% response rate |
| The New School (incl. Parsons) | 81% of 2023 graduates in professional opportunities or further education within a year | University-wide; response rate not stated on the page |
| CalArts | Graduate schools attended by 2022 and 2023 bachelor’s graduates (National Student Clearinghouse) | No employment rate published on that page |
From RISD Careers (2024), The New School “Success and Outcomes” and CalArts consumer information, checked October 2026.
READ THE DENOMINATOR · 2
What Is Known Before You Enrol
| School | Admits in our record | With an award |
|---|---|---|
| RISD | 68 | 4 (6%) |
| Parsons | 63 | 38 (60%) |
| CalArts | 15 | Not reported |
Royal Blue results record, 2009–2026, confirmed directly with each student. Our record covers admissions and awards, not careers.
Outcome surveys look backwards and count differently. The award a student receives, and therefore the debt at graduation, is known at the decision stage and shapes the first years after school directly.
FOR KOREAN FAMILIES
When a school or an academy quotes a placement rate, ask three things: who counts as employed, how many graduates answered, and which year. See RISD’s Class of 2023 survey and art school and debt.
READ THE DENOMINATOR · 3
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest employment rate: RISD, Parsons or CalArts?
They do not publish comparable figures. RISD reports 95% engagement from a 24% response; The New School reports 81% university-wide; CalArts publishes graduate-school destinations.
Does Parsons publish its own outcome rate?
The New School’s main outcomes page gives a university-wide 81% for 2023 graduates; check Parsons’ own outcomes material for programme detail.
Why does response rate matter?
A survey answered by a quarter of graduates may not represent the whole class.
Does Royal Blue track careers?
No. Our record covers admissions and awards, not careers.
What should I compare instead?
Cost after aid: in our record Parsons funded 60% of admits and RISD 6%.
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. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
From RISD Careers “RISD Career Stats” (2024), The New School “Success and Outcomes”, and CalArts “Graduating Students” consumer information. Royal Blue figures from our results record (2009–2026). Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: RISD Class of 2023 · Debt and Art School · Parsons Alumni · Do Graduates Get Jobs? · Royal Blue Results