Top Value Rhode Island Colleges
Below you will find a list of the top value colleges in Rhode Island that we found to provide the highest academic and career-based value for students. In our study, we utilized a number of data sources from the US Census Bureau to the US Department of Education coupled with student and alumni feedback to ascertain the important elements of value in a college education. Our team collected college data and arrived at the top value Rhode Island colleges for you to research further. Remember to use your best judgment and prioritize your academic goals and career aspirations to narrow down your list of top colleges.
List of Top Value Rhode Island Colleges
Rhode Island School of Design
As one of the leading independent art and design colleges in the United States, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is a private art and design college located in Providence, Rhode Island. It was established in 1877 as both a museum and school to provide advanced studio-based education and make lasting contributions to society. Having an affiliation with Brown University, the college offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs to over 2,200 students who specialize in art and design, social sciences, and liberal arts. Students may choose from 22 majors to earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees and some of these are Apparel Design, Interior Architecture, Illustration, Painting, and Design Engineering. The college also offers continuing education programs to provide an immersive and innovative curriculum in the field of art and design for individuals of all ages and levels of experience. The programs are in the form of online courses, certificate programs, summer credit courses, kids + teens courses, and adult programs. Students may also take advantage of the exceptional academic resources the college offers which include the RISD Museum, Fleet Library, Color Lab, Nature Lab, Center for Arts & Language, Gelman Student Gallery, and many more. Learn more about the academic programs and resources in the college by visiting their website.
Providence College
Formally established in 1917 by the Dominican Friars, Providence College (PC) is a private, Catholic, Dominican, liberal arts university situated in Providence, Rhode Island. It aims to provide a Catholic education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, fostering faith, reason, diversity, and academic excellence to more than 4,000 students. The university is known for its signature Development of Western Civilization Program and distinctive Core Curriculum that promotes collaboration between students and faculty members. Offering undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs, PC houses 4 undergraduate and continuing education schools namely School of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, School of Professional Studies, and School of Continuing Education, as well as more than 15 graduate programs in the fields of business, education, theology, and history. Undergraduates have the opportunity to ask for help and work with experts from various disciplines in building their confidence, credentials, and expertise through research programs and grants, and internships through the Center for Career Education and Professional Development. Students interested in studying abroad may also get in touch with the Center for Global Education to explore international academic opportunities in London, Rome, Florence, Belfast, and many more cities in 40 countries. Go to the school’s primary portal to view the entire list of programs and opportunities for students.
Bryant University
Located in Smithfield, Rhode Island, Bryant University is a private New England university that was founded in 1863 as the Bryant and Stratton National Business College. The university’s name was then changed to Bryant College and became a university in 2004, providing an integrated curriculum of the arts and sciences and business. With more than 100 programs of study to choose from, the university houses 2 undergraduate colleges namely College of Business and College of Arts & Sciences, and 2 graduate schools namely Graduate School of Business and School of Health Sciences. The university, accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, allows undergraduates to create their own program of study by combining a major and minor and entering it in the university’s admissions website. Some of the exceptional academic opportunities and resources offered by the university are honors programs, internships, career planning, academic support, and its Executive Development Center. Bryant welcomes international students from over 50 countries while creating study abroad opportunities for their students as well through its unique Sophomore International Experience and more than 50 partner international programs.
Salve Regina University
Founded in 1934 by the Sisters of Mercy as Salve Regina College, Salve Regina University is a private university located in Newport, Rhode Island. With more than 2,700 students yearly, it is recognized as one of the best-valued universities in the country. The university aims to cultivate academic excellence and promote universal justice. As a fully accredited institution by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Salve Regina provides more than 100 undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs in the fields of business, psychology, economics, arts and sciences, biomedical sciences, education, global studies, and many more. The university also provides academic support like Academic Advising and McKillop Library, special academic programs like Pell Honors Program and Army ROTC, and international programs in more than 45 countries. Students may also join in more than 70 clubs and organizations in the areas of sign language, gymnastics, film, karate, and many more. In order to fulfill its mission of promoting universal justice, the university’s Office of Mission Integration established three centers and institutes namely the Mercy Center for Spiritual Life, the McAuley Institute for Mercy Education, and the Center for Community Engagement and Service.
University of Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island (URI) is a public land-grant research university with its main campus in Kingston, Rhode Island, and three additional campuses namely Feinstein Providence, Narragansett Bay, and Nursing Education Center. It was founded as State Agricultural School in 1890, making it the flagship public research university in the state. With 320 buildings across four campuses, the university serves nearly 17,000 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 70 countries. Students may choose from more than 100 on-campus and online majors and minors, 70 graduate programs, and 20 certificate and non-degree programs in the fields of business, communication, education, engineering, natural sciences, health sciences, social sciences, computer science, and visual arts. Other academic opportunities within URI include flexible learning online and in 4 campuses, internships within and outside the state, summer programs, the option to take a J-term course, and study abroad in more than 200 international programs. The university also provides various research opportunities to its students through its own centers like Artificial Intelligence Lab, Digital Forensics and Cyber Security Center, and Ocean Exploration Institute.
Miller-Motte College
Miller-Motte College is a technical and career college with campuses across North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. It was founded in 1916 as a training center for stenographers in Wilmington, North Carolina. In 2018, the campuses were acquired by Ancora Education which eventually became branch campuses of Platt College in Tulsa, Oklahoma. As part of the acquisition, the 10 campuses of Miller-Motte College were accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges to continue its mission of empowering students through training and education. Among the 10 campuses, 2 campuses namely Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Wilmington, North Carolina offer online degree programs which can be finished within 1 to 18 months. Some of the online programs are Allied Health Management, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Cyber Security, Early Childhood Education, Medical Billing & Coding, and IT Support Specialist. Other services offered by the college are externships, career services, academic support & advising, alumni association, and military & veteran services. To know about the college’s programs and services, go to the school’s website.
New England Institute of Technology
New England Institute of Technology (New England Tech) is a private, non-profit technical university located in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. It is considered one of the leading providers of technical career education in Southeastern New England that supports more than 3,000 students within and outside the state. New England Tech offers over 60 carefully designed academic programs across 12 areas of study that lead to associate, bachelor’s, and master's degrees. The areas of study include Architecture, Interior Design & Construction Management, Business Management, Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity, Digital Media & Web Design, Nursing & Health Sciences, and Professional Building Trades. The programs can be finished within 18 to 36 months, putting an emphasis on student success through skill-building training, and flexible learning options that include online classes. The university offers hands-on education led by instructors who are also industry leaders, small classes to facilitate communication of ideas among students, and extensive student support services and resources like Academic Skills Center, library, and bookstore.
Roger Williams University
Roger Williams University (RWU) is a private university headquartered in Bristol, Rhode Island. It was chartered as the Roger Williams Junior College in 1956, named after its co-founder Roger Williams. In 2015, a new campus in Providence was built in the heart of the city capital to provide knowledge and expertise to the greater community. Serving more than 6,500 students, the university is home to nine undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools with eight located at the main campus, and the other one at the Providence campus. Some of the schools are Mario J. Gabelli School of Business, Feinstein School of Humanities, Arts and Education, School of Engineering, Computing & Construction Management, School of Justice Studies, and School of Law. It is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, allowing them to offer certificate, non-degree, and training programs, and award undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. RWU is very active in giving back to the community through various programs like the annual Community Connections Day, partnerships with non-profit organizations, and services for the community led by the Feinstein Center for Service Learning & Community Engagement, and Feinstein Center for Pro Bono & Experiential Education, among others. For additional information about the university, visit the school’s website.
Johnson & Wales University
Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Johnson & Wales University (JWU) is a private university that started operating in 1914 as a business school offering business administration and secretarial sciences programs. It has other campuses in Charlotte, North Carolina, North Miami, Florida, and Denver, Colorado with more than 12,000 students. The university, accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, offers more than 80 majors with an integrated liberal arts & sciences core curriculum that provides an experiential learning model. Students are enrolled in one of the 8 colleges namely College of Arts & Sciences, College of Business, College of Culinary Arts, College of Hospitality Management, College of Engineering & Design, College of Health & Wellness, College of Online Education, and College of Food Innovation & Technology JWU offers world-class academic services in three distinct areas namely internships, community service programs, and international education programs. In connection, the university was awarded the prestigious William M. Burke Presidential Award in 2014 from the National Society for Experiential Education.
Rhode Island College
Rhode Island College (RIC) is a public, comprehensive college based in Providence, Rhode Island that was established as the Rhode Island State Normal School in 1854. It is the first public institution of higher education in the state that has produced more than 64,000 alumni from all over the world. The college, operating under the Council on Postsecondary Education which is part of the Rhode Island Board of Education, provides over 90 on-campus and online undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs to more than 9,000 students. RIC has five schools namely Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Feinstein School of Education and Human Development, School of Business, School of Nursing, and School of Social Work. Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and other accreditation agencies like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, students may apply for study abroad opportunities that last for a semester, year, or during breaks through exchange programs with partner universities worldwide. With the addition of online programs in its offerings, the college provides the Adams Library consisting of conducive spaces for learning, public access computers and laptops with printing capability, and online access to over 80 databases for scholarly articles, media, and electronic journal articles which can be accessed through smartphones.
Empire Beauty School - Warwick
As part of the Empire Beauty Schools that has been serving individuals since 1934, Empire Beauty School - Warwick is a beauty school located in Providence, Rhode Island. With locations in more than 20 states like Arizona, Maine, Colorado, New York, Ohio, and many more, the school produces exceptional future beauty professionals in the field of cosmetology. Accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences, the school offers the 1200-hour cosmetology and 600-hour aesthetics programs that feature hands-on training teaching students both fundamentals and advanced techniques. Students are provided with a full student kit which includes all the professional tools and products necessary to complete the programs and gain meaningful experiences. The school also owns a student salon/clinic where they have the opportunity to work on real clients while building their confidence and expertise. Upon completion of programs, graduates are eligible to take a state exam to obtain a license in their respective fields. Visit empire.edu to check the latest news about the school’s programs and activities.
Wayne County Schools Career Center
Formally opened in 1969 as the Wayne County Joint Vocational School, Wayne County Schools Career Center (WCSCC) is a career and technical school headquartered in Smithville, Ohio. The school aims to provide the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed for students’ personal and professional growth. WCSCC offers more than 25 high school programs available for juniors and seniors which include CNC & Advanced Manufacturing, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Dental Assisting, Hospitality, Graphic Design & Photography, Powerline Technologies, and many more. The school also offers 15 on-campus and online adult education programs that can be finished in as fast as three months. These include Administrative Office Professional, Fast Track Welding, Law Enforcement Training Academy, Practical Nursing, and Online Career Enhancement. As part of giving back, the school offers its very own Aspire Program which provides free classes to individuals in the Wayne and Holmes County community who want to improve their academic skills for employment. Students may take advantage of the school’s job placement services to get started with working on the field, and externship opportunities to gain real-world experiences. Get more information about the school via their primary web portal.
New England Tractor Trailer Training School
New England Tractor Trailer Training School (NETTTS) is a local career training college with locations in Providence, Rhode Island, North Andover, Massachusetts, and Hartford and Bridgeport, Connecticut. With more than 50 years of experience in training students since its founding in 1965, the college accommodates more than 200 students yearly. The Providence campus offers two programs namely Truck Driver Training and HVAC Training led by experienced instructors who are more than experts in preparing students for entry-level positions as professionally trained truck drivers or trained HVAC service technicians. With flexible scheduling options, students can take the programs full-time or part-time to accommodate their busy schedules. To further help students finish the programs, qualified students may apply for financial assistance through the college’s Financial Aid Department. The college also offers truck driving and HVAC job placement assistance to help students get started even before graduation. Go to the school’s site for more information about the college’s programs.
Northpoint Bible College
Founded in East Providence, Rhode Island in 1924, Northpoint Bible College, formerly called the Zion Bible College, is a Pentecostal Bible college and graduate school now located in Haverhill, Massachusetts. With four more campuses in Crestwood, Kentucky, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Los Angeles, California, and Texarkana, Arkansas, the college aims to teach and train individuals for Pentecostal ministry. Accredited by multiple agencies like the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education and Association for Biblical Higher Education, the college offers on-campus and online undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of Spiritual Formation, Ministry Leadership, Intercultural Ministry, Student Ministry, and many more. Students have access to several academic resources such as the Northpoint Bible College Library and Center for Academic Development. As part of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, Northpoint can offer associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees online through its learning management software program. Students may also file for financial assistance from the MASSAid, Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work Study, and many more.
Community College of Rhode Island
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is the largest public, two-year community college with four campuses in Rhode Island. With locations in Warwick, Lincoln, Newport, and Providence, the college has been producing socially conscious graduates since 1964 during its founding as Rhode Island Junior College. With more than 24 academic departments, CCRI offers various vocational-technical, career, and academic programs for high school students, adults, and professionals who want to earn certificates and associate degrees. Some of these academic departments are Business & Professional Studies, Engineering and Technology, Emergency Management & Homeland Security, Performing Arts, World Languages & Cultures, Criminal Justice and Legal Studies. Students may choose to enroll in on-campus and online courses which both offer comprehensive instruction and hands-on training. In addition, the college also provides study abroad opportunities through its Study Abroad Program where students can choose from the semester, summer, or year-long programs in more than 31 countries. More details about the programs and services offered by the college can be found at the school’s website.
Additional College Research
For additional information about MatchCollege, visit our world-class college search tools or locate the top degree programs available online. In addition, you may find it useful to start with our award-winning list of college and degree rankings for this academic year. Be your own advocate and invest the time needed today to find the best college program for you.