Colleges in Rhode Island

Officially the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, this New England state has the longest name, is the smallest in area, and is also the second most densely populated. Little Rhody experiences warm summers and cold winters and was the first to part ways from the British Crown back in 1776. There are 12 degree-granted, accredited colleges in Rhode Island, include Brown University, the oldest, most selective, and a member of the Ivy League. The state is also home to the Naval War College. Manufacturing of electric equipment, as well as computer and electronics, is a top industry in The Ocean State, but Rhode Island is also a top producer of jewelry. Top tourist attractions include Benefit Street, the RISD Museum of Art in Providence, and The Breakers, a Gilded-Age mansion.

Providence, RI

Brown University is a private Ivy League research university that was founded in 1764. The university offers more than 40 academic departments. The campus is home to program housing for students who share similar interests, plus substance-free...

“…

Brown University really emphasizes the learning experience for undergraduate students. With no core curriculum, students have the opportunity to explore courses in fields they would not have the opportunity to at other colleges. As a result, a...

” – Nicole from Providence, RI

average act composite

1511

average sat composite

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$27,659

average net price

11,189

number of students

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University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI

The University of Rhode Island is the state's largest university as well as the land- and sea- grant institution. The main campus is based in Kingston, which, as of 2019, FORBES has named a Best Value College, and spans 1,200 acres which feature...

“…

The classes I have taken at URI have all helped me learn a lot. They are not time-filler classes that are there just for you to get a grade. You will come out of every class being much more educated on that topic.

” – Paige from Nashua, NH

average act composite

1156

average sat composite

76%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$15,386

average net price

17,473

number of students

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Providence College

Providence, RI

Founded in 1917 by the Dominican Friars, Providence College is a Catholic, Dominican liberal arts institution located in the city of the same name in Rhode Island. PC offers 52 major fields of study and was the first college in the nation to offer a...

“…

The overall physical appearance of the school is lovely. The school body seems friendly, the guide on my visit seemed very knowledgable. The atmosphere seems to have an open, fun social setting and good school spirit.

” – Emily from Morris Plains, NJ

average act composite

1298

average sat composite

53%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$37,284

average net price

4,473

number of students

Save to list

Bryant University

Smithfield, RI

Originally founded as a business college for Civil War veterans, Bryant University is a 4-year private school in northern Rhode Island. Bryant is home to the College of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences offering 168 academic major/minor...

“…

Professors at Bryant are extremely accommodating and present a great deal of real world experience to pass onto their students. The small class size is also helpful in allowing for students to get the attention they require. The blended curriculum of...

” – Meredith

average act composite

1220

average sat composite

69%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$39,919

average net price

3,536

number of students

Save to list

Roger Williams University

Bristol, RI

Roger Williams University is a private institution located in Bristol, RI, that was named for a 17th century visionary who advocated for religious liberty, equality, and a government free of religion. What began as a junior college back in 1956 is...

“…

The academics that are offered at Roger Williams University are incredible. I will soon be going into my second year at this university and so far I am very impressed. I am pursuing the major of business-law and, this school, as well as my academic...

” – Brittney from Bristol, RI

average act composite

average sat composite

91%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$36,456

average net price

4,397

number of students

Save to list

Rhode Island School of Design

Providence, RI

The Rhode Island School of Design is a fine arts college in the state capital of Providence and one of the first art and design institutions in the United States. RISD confers bachelor’s degrees in 21 fine arts fields of study such as Ceramics...

“…

If you enjoy art and design, this is the school for you. Foundation year you take studios such as Drawing, 2D and 3D. The hours of those studios are long, however, you learn so much and the professors are great. You can get lucky or sometimes unlucky...

” – Catherine

average act composite

1349

average sat composite

17%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$43,982

average net price

2,620

number of students

Save to list

Rhode Island College

Providence, RI

Founded as a teacher training school, Rhode Island College is a public college in Providence and the second oldest institution of higher learning in the state. RIC is home to five schools of Education, Arts & Sciences, Social Work, Nursing, and...

“…

I learn a varity of things. In my high school I wasn't taught everything I should've known to enter college. When I started my first semester of RIC it was pretty intense for me. I wasn't familiar with certain subjects but the good news is I now know...

” – nescarly from Providence, RI

average act composite

980

average sat composite

88%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$10,922

average net price

5,787

number of students

Save to list

Salve Regina University

Newport, RI

Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1934, Salve Regina University is a Catholic liberal arts college bordering the Newport Cliff Walk in coastal Rhode Island. Featuring a campus of former Gilded Age mansions, Salve grants bachelor’s degrees in over 40...

“…

Salve Regina is a very unique college. Newport is an amazing town and Salve has a beautiful campus. Any student should feel lucky to go here.

” – Current Senior from Wakefield, MA

average act composite

average sat composite

70%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$34,644

average net price

2,872

number of students

Save to list

Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Providence, RI

Johnson & Wales University is career-focused institution with two campuses: Providence, Rhode Island and Charlotte, North Carolina. All JWU classes are centered around an experiential education model featuring real world projects and industry...

“…

The goal of college is obviously to obtain a good paying job and make a career out of it. With that said, the Culinary and Pastry Arts are as they say blue collar jobs with white collar degrees. Because it is a blue collar profession, a willingness...

” – Nathan from Jamesburg, NJ

average act composite

average sat composite

83%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$26,775

average net price

4,566

number of students

Save to list

Community College of Rhode Island

Warwick, RI

The Community College of Rhode Island stands out as the only 2-year community college in The Ocean State. It also maintains its standing as the largest community college in New England. CCRI offers majors in 24 academic departments. Over the years...

“…

I am currently a full time student, enrolled in 4 classes; (12 credits.)
Marketing Communications, Introduction to College Mathematics,
Social Problems, and Lighting and Sound Production.
Each class has it's ups and downs, just like any class, but...

” – Dylan from Smithfield, RI

average act composite

average sat composite

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

2 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$5,878

average net price

12,263

number of students

Save to list

New England Institute of Technology

East Greenwich, RI

Continue your education at a place where passion becomes possibility. Founded in 1940, New England Institute of Technology is a private, technical university located in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. New England Tech offers over 50 hands-on degree...

average act composite

1059

average sat composite

74%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$33,681

average net price

1,895

number of students

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Roger Williams University School of Law

Bristol, RI

With a main campus along the shores of Mount Hope Bay, Roger Williams University School of Law is the only law school in Rhode Island. RWU Law offers a 3-year JD curriculum and a Master of Studies in Law program featuring 16 legal concentrations. As...

average act composite

average sat composite

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

average net price

552

number of students

Colleges in Rhode Island

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