QUICK ANSWER
For graphic design, RISD and Parsons ask different first questions. RISD starts every student in a shared first year before the Graphic Design department; Parsons admits students into a programme such as Communication Design and reads two 300–400-word essays alongside 8–12 portfolio pieces. In our record Parsons funded 38 of 63 admits (60%), RISD 4 of 68 (6%).
Graphic design is also the most common major in our record: 211 acceptances, 36% of them with an award. The field is competitive at both schools; the funding pattern is not.
TYPE & GRID · 1
Graphic Design at RISD and Parsons
| RISD | Parsons | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Shared first year, then Graphic Design | Admitted into a programme (e.g. Communication Design) |
| Portfolio | 12–20 works, up to 3 process uploads | 8–12 pieces |
| Scholarship review | Few awards in our record | From the application itself; international students considered for merit |
From RISD and Parsons admissions pages, checked October 2026.
TYPE & GRID · 2
Funding in Our Record
| Admits | With an award | Average award | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parsons | 63 | 38 (60%) | $53,116 (38 awards) |
| RISD | 68 | 4 (6%) | Not reported (n=4) |
Royal Blue results record, 2009–2026, confirmed directly with each student.
Graphic design careers are also worth reading carefully: BLS reports a May 2025 median of $62,960 for graphic designers and projects employment to fall 2% over 2025–35, while art directors, usually with five or more years of related experience, earn a median of $114,850.
FOR KOREAN STUDENTS
Parsons’ second essay asks why The New School and your programme fit you, so research the programme before writing. See building a Parsons portfolio and building a RISD portfolio.
TYPE & GRID · 3
Frequently Asked Questions
Do RISD graphic design students start in the department?
No. All RISD students begin with a shared first year.
How many works does Parsons want?
8–12 pieces, plus two essays of 300–400 words.
Which school funded Royal Blue students more often?
Parsons: 60% of admits, against RISD’s 6%.
What do graphic designers earn?
BLS reports a May 2025 median of $62,960; art directors earn a median of $114,850.
Is graphic design a common major among Royal Blue students?
Yes. It is the largest major in our record, with 211 acceptances.
ROYAL BLUE ART & DESIGN
Our director has taught Korean students for U.S. art schools for 19 years, from our studio in Apgujeong, Seoul. Our results page lists 1,099 acceptances, 2009–2026, each confirmed directly with the student, including 68 at RISD and 63 at Parsons. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
From RISD and Parsons admissions pages and the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (May 2025 data). Royal Blue figures from our results record (2009–2026); major counts are approximate. Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: Parsons Portfolio · RISD Portfolio · Parsons for Korean Students · RISD vs MICA · Royal Blue Results