Best colleges in Providence

Fun-Sized, Big Opportunity

It's the size of the fight in the dog

In the small charming state of Rhode Island resides one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the nation. Self-described as having "something for everyone," Providence is big-city fun in a compact package. This capital city is filled to the brim with 6 colleges and universities, New England history, and a rich arts scene. Known as the Creative Capital, plenty of fun resides within its modest borders.

When you have time to set aside the books, be sure to attend a WaterFire event-an artistic experience featuring sculptural bonfires along the 3 rivers of downtown Providence. While waiting for the beautiful sunsets, take in a historical tour of Providence, featuring plenty of historical accounts and tastings at local restaurants. Full course loads and full bellies are the perfect student combination. and just think, these are just a few of the great experiences waiting for you in Providence, Rhode Island.

Click Here to See the Best Colleges in the US*Wikipedia, "Colleges and Universities in Providence", "Providence Rhode Island" *www.providenceri.com

Best Four Year Universities in Providence

Brown University
Providence, RI
Image by thurdl01

Brown University is a private Ivy League institution that was founded in 1764 in the city of Providence, Rhode Island. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of about 9,000 students, all of whom attend classes on a campus that covers over 140 acres. Brown is on a trimester academic calendar and ranks among one of the most expensive schools in the country, though many students secure financial aid. 

Brown has a rich academic history and operates the longest-serving Ivy engineering program. The school is known for its unique curriculum which eliminated the need for core class requirements and traditional grading systems, allowing students to choose their own path to graduation without the need for general education classes. 

Brown is not the only school in Providence with the neighboring Rhode Island School of Design just west of the campus. Students at Brown enjoy the option to register for classes at RISD and vice-versa, allowing them to take up to four classes at the other school. Along with its strong writing and international affairs programs, the school also hosts the Joukowsky Institute for Archeology and the Ancient World, which provides classes in Egyptology, Mesopotamia, and Assyriology. Notable alumni include media and buffalo magnate Ted Turner, actor John Krasinski, and politician Andrew Yang.

Rhode Island School of Design offers 33 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 641 students graduated with students earning 421 Bachelor's degrees, and 220 Master's degrees.

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Providence College
Providence, RI

Providence College offers 108 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 1,270 students graduated with students earning 1,010 Bachelor's degrees, 224 Master's degrees, and 36 Certificates.

Stonehill College
Easton, MA

Stonehill College offers 58 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 575 students graduated with students earning 544 Bachelor's degrees, and 31 Master's degrees.

Bryant University
Smithfield, RI

Bryant University offers 48 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 1,050 students graduated with students earning 769 Bachelor's degrees, 277 Master's degrees, and 4 Certificates.

Wheaton College (Massachusetts) offers 53 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 385 students graduated with students earning 385 Bachelor's degrees.

Salve Regina University offers 89 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 739 students graduated with students earning 467 Bachelor's degrees, 204 Master's degrees, 55 Certificates, and 13 Doctoral degrees.

University of Rhode Island offers 234 degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 4,116 students graduated with students earning 3,055 Bachelor's degrees, 677 Master's degrees, 233 Doctoral degrees, and 151 Certificates.

Roger Williams University offers 124 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 1,123 students graduated with students earning 889 Bachelor's degrees, 168 Master's degrees, 62 Associate's degrees, and 4 Certificates.

Johnson & Wales University-Providence offers 94 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 1,561 students graduated with students earning 946 Bachelor's degrees, 375 Associate's degrees, 199 Master's degrees, 21 Doctoral degrees, and 20 Certificates.

Best Community Colleges in Providence

Community College of Rhode Island offers 110 degree programs. It's a large, public, two-year college in a small city. In 2022, 2,001 students graduated with students earning 1,911 Associate's degrees, and 90 Certificates.

List of all colleges in Providence

School Average Tuition Student Teacher Ratio Enrolled Students
Brown University Logo Brown University Providence, RI
5/5
12 : 1 11,189
Rhode Island School of Design Logo Rhode Island School of Design Providence, RI
5/5
13 : 1 2,620
Providence College Logo Providence College Providence, RI
5/5
14 : 1 4,473
Stonehill College Logo Stonehill College Easton, MA
5/5
16 : 1 2,543
Bryant University Logo Bryant University Smithfield, RI
5/5
23 : 1 3,536