QUICK ANSWER
RISD’s own survey of the Class of 2023 gives the clearest answer, and it needs careful reading. 95% reported “professional engagement”, a figure that includes full-time, part-time, internship and freelance work. 74% said their work was directly related to their studies. But 44% reported income of $40,000 or more, and only 24% of the class responded.
So the graduates who responded mostly work in their field, often independently, and early earnings vary widely. 85% said they will continue to freelance or want to. For a Korean family, the department chosen matters more than the RISD name: design fields offer more salaried roles than fine art, where the BLS counts 58% of craft and fine artists as self-employed.
CLASS OF 2023 · 1
What RISD’s Survey Says
| Class of 2023 survey | Result |
|---|---|
| Professional engagement (full-time, part-time, internship, freelance) | 95% |
| Work directly related to studies | 74% (19% indirectly related, 7% not related) |
| Income $40,000 or more | 44% |
| Own a business or want to start one | 53% |
| Will continue to freelance or want to | 85% |
| Survey response rate | 24% |
From RISD Careers, “RISD Career Stats” (2024 infographic, Class of 2023 alumni survey), checked October 2026.
CLASS OF 2023 · 2
The Wider Market, From the BLS
| Occupation | Median pay (May 2025) | Self-employed |
|---|---|---|
| Art directors | $114,850 | 62% |
| Graphic designers | $62,960 | About 20% |
| Fine artists | $55,490 | 58% (craft and fine artists) |
From the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, checked October 2026. Art directors usually need 5 or more years in a related job first.
In our record, RISD acceptances concentrate in Graphic Design (23) and Illustration (14), with Fine Arts at 6. Only 4 of our 68 RISD admits received a RISD award, which makes the earnings question sharper: the investment is large and early pay is uneven.
FOR KOREAN FAMILIES
Read any school’s outcome figure with three questions: what counts as “employed”, how many graduates responded, and what they earn. See what QS 2026 says about RISD and the art director path (Korean).
CLASS OF 2023 · 3
Frequently Asked Questions
Do RISD graduates find work?
In RISD’s Class of 2023 survey, 95% reported professional engagement, including freelance and part-time work; 74% said it was directly related to their studies.
How much do RISD graduates earn?
44% of survey respondents reported income of $40,000 or more; the response rate was 24%.
Do many RISD graduates freelance?
Yes. 85% said they will continue to freelance or want to, and 53% own a business or want to start one.
Which departments do your students enter at RISD?
Most often Graphic Design (23) and Illustration (14), then Fine Arts (6).
What do U.S. graphic designers earn?
The BLS reports a median of $62,960 in May 2025.
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, including 68 at RISD. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
From RISD Careers “RISD Career Stats” (Class of 2023 alumni survey, 2024) and the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. 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: Is RISD the Best? · Art Director Path (Korean) · RISD Alumni · Do Graduates Get Jobs? · Royal Blue Results