Best colleges in Rhode Island
Small in Size, Not in Potential
Who doesn’t want to live in “The Ocean State”?
Don’t judge a book by its cover or a dog by its size. Rhode Island may be small, but it certainly is diverse. The Ocean State is home to 13 different higher learning institutions, including 1 Ivy League school and many tech institutes. Colleges here are heavy on research and science, but students can also major in culinary arts, information technology, and a whole array of liberal arts programs. Of the top 10 highest paid occupations in Rhode Island, 8 of them fall into the Healthcare industry. So, degrees in nursing, medicine, and dental will have limitless opportunities after graduation. Those who stick around town after graduation go on to work at popular companies like CVS Health & Pharmacy, Hanna Instruments, and Hasbro.*
When you’re not busy broadening your horizons here in New England, spend your down time visiting with oyster farmers, taking in a local art gallery, or pedaling through a 100-mile network of bike trails and nature paths. For those who prefer a little more excitement in their evenings, head over to the Malted Barley in Westerly for a taste of their famous pretzels and three dozen different tap beers.* Take part in a Rhode Island food fight, or visit Simon’s 667 for live music. However you choose to enjoy Rhode Island by day or night, you are sure to enjoy this beautiful coastal state that will quickly become “home.”
Click Here to See the Best Colleges in the US*Bureau of Labor Statistics *Wikipedia, “List of Colleges and Universities in Rhode Island”, “Companies based in Rhode Island” *www.rimonthly.com/Rhode-Island-Monthly *www.providencenightout.comBest Four Year Universities in Rhode Island
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 offers 112 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2023, 1,280 students graduated with students earning 957 Bachelor's degrees, 254 Master's degrees, 63 Certificates, and 6 Associate's degrees.
Rhode Island School of Design offers 32 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2023, 807 students graduated with students earning 533 Bachelor's degrees, and 274 Master's degrees.
Bryant University offers 53 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2023, 1,000 students graduated with students earning 776 Bachelor's degrees, 219 Master's degrees, and 5 Certificates.
Salve Regina University offers 89 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2023, 777 students graduated with students earning 548 Bachelor's degrees, 186 Master's degrees, 35 Certificates, and 8 Doctoral degrees.
University of Rhode Island offers 252 degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2023, 4,121 students graduated with students earning 3,110 Bachelor's degrees, 630 Master's degrees, 256 Doctoral degrees, and 125 Certificates.
Roger Williams University offers 133 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2023, 1,101 students graduated with students earning 902 Bachelor's degrees, 140 Master's degrees, 55 Associate's degrees, and 4 Certificates.
Johnson & Wales University-Providence offers 91 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2023, 1,263 students graduated with students earning 826 Bachelor's degrees, 242 Associate's degrees, 150 Master's degrees, 30 Doctoral degrees, and 15 Certificates.
Rhode Island College offers 179 degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2023, 1,442 students graduated with students earning 1,048 Bachelor's degrees, 326 Master's degrees, 57 Certificates, and 11 Doctoral degrees.
New England Institute of Technology offers 65 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2023, 813 students graduated with students earning 533 Associate's degrees, 213 Bachelor's degrees, 61 Master's degrees, 4 Certificates, and 2 Doctoral degrees.
Best Community Colleges in Rhode Island
Community College of Rhode Island offers 109 degree programs. It's a large, public, two-year college in a small city. In 2023, 1,832 students graduated with students earning 1,769 Associate's degrees, and 63 Certificates.
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| School | Average Tuition | Student Teacher Ratio | Enrolled Students | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Brown University Providence, RI | 12 : 1 | 11,516 | |
|
Providence College Providence, RI | 13 : 1 | 4,635 | |
|
Rhode Island School of Design Providence, RI | 13 : 1 | 2,540 | |
|
Bryant University Smithfield, RI | 22 : 1 | 3,592 | |
|
Salve Regina University Newport, RI | 21 : 1 | 2,836 | |