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.

Providence College
Providence, RI

Providence College offers 102 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2020, 1,237 students graduated with students earning 963 Bachelor's degrees, 232 Master's degrees, 41 Certificates, and 1 Associate's degree.

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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 2020, 651 students graduated with students earning 446 Bachelor's degrees, and 205 Master's degrees.

Wheaton College
Norton, MA

Wheaton College offers 52 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2020, 443 students graduated with students earning 443 Bachelor's degrees.

Stonehill College
Easton, MA

Stonehill College offers 55 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2020, 641 students graduated with students earning 628 Bachelor's degrees, and 13 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 2020, 1,059 students graduated with students earning 836 Bachelor's degrees, 212 Master's degrees, and 11 Certificates.

University of Rhode Island offers 194 degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2020, 4,270 students graduated with students earning 3,333 Bachelor's degrees, 602 Master's degrees, 243 Doctoral degrees, and 92 Certificates.

Salve Regina University offers 99 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2020, 731 students graduated with students earning 444 Bachelor's degrees, 219 Master's degrees, 60 Certificates, and 8 Doctoral degrees.

Roger Williams University offers 111 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2020, 1,185 students graduated with students earning 993 Bachelor's degrees, 137 Master's degrees, 39 Associate's degrees, and 16 Certificates.

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth offers 153 degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a midsize suburb. In 2020, 1,915 students graduated with students earning 1,372 Bachelor's degrees, 389 Master's degrees, 96 Doctoral degrees, and 58 Certificates.

Best Community Colleges in Providence

Community College of Rhode Island offers 99 degree programs. It's a large, public, two-year college in a small city. In 2020, 2,191 students graduated with students earning 2,092 Associate's degrees, and 99 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 9,948
Providence College Logo Providence College Providence, RI
5/5
16 : 1 4,821
Rhode Island School of Design Logo Rhode Island School of Design Providence, RI
5/5
12 : 1 2,227
Wheaton College Logo Wheaton College Norton, MA
5/5
14 : 1 1,670
Stonehill College Logo Stonehill College Easton, MA
5/5
14 : 1 2,504