Top Colleges in Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island is the smallest in terms of landmass in the United States, and as a result only has a limited number of colleges and universities. Institutions of higher learning are predominantly private, with only three schools operated by the state. Rhode Island’s largest city is Providence, which also serves as the state’s capital, and is twice as large as the states next largest city. Warwick. Rhode Island is bordered by Massachusetts to the north and east, Connecticut to the west, and New York through a water border at the southwest.
Public institutions include the Community College of Rhode Island, which operates six locations throughout the state and provides residents technical and career training as well as academic opportunity. The state operates two four year institutions that provide undergraduate and graduate education programs.
- The University of Rhode Island (Kingston) is the largest school in the state, and is the flagship public school, serving nearly 17,000 students a year.
- Rhode Island College (Providence) serves nearly 10,000 students a year and is designated a master’s college.
- Bryant University (Smithfield)
- Johnson & Wales University (Providence)
- Roger Williams University (Bristol)
- Rhode Island School of Design (Providence)
- Salve Regina University (Newport)
In addition to the public and private four year institutions available in the state, a number of career and technical schools are also available. These schools provide short programs that educate and train individuals to complete tasks and duties professionally in their given field of study. Costs are normally higher than those of a community college, but the speed with which one completes the program as eligible for employment is considered the trade off.
Rhode Island is also home to a larger number of private institutions which provide more specialized educations. Some schools are founded by religious denominations, others serve artistic endeavors, and other provide a liberal arts education that allows students to experience a number of subjects even as they pursue their major. Among private schools in the state Brown University is the oldest, considered an Ivy League College and founded prior to American Independence.
2025 Best Colleges in Rhode Island
Rhode Island School of Design, a nonprofit private institution, offers an assortment of program options, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Providence, RI, the campus offers an urban setting for students to study in. Rhode Island School of Design has an annual student enrollment of approximately 2,400. Here is a list of some of the popular programs RISD offers:
- Illustration
- Architecture
- Graphic Design
- Industrial Design
Acceptance Rate
25.76
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
Providence College is a nonprofit private institution located in Providence, RI and provides a large number of educational opportunities for students. The Roman Catholic affiliation at the school is an important part of the history, education and vision that defines the school. PC has an annual student enrollment of about five thousand. Areas of study available at Providence College include:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- English Language And Literature
- Social Sciences
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Field Hockey (NCAA Division I-AAA)
Acceptance Rate
47.46
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Bryant University is a nonprofit private college that has a large number of majors available for students to choose from. The school is located in Smithfield, Rhode Island, in a predominantly suburban area. Enrollment at Bryant University exceeds 3,600 annually. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Mathematics And Statistics
- Communications And Journalism
- Psychology
- Baseball (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Field Hockey (NCAA Division I-AA)
Acceptance Rate
70.99
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Salve Regina University is a nonprofit private institution located in Newport, RI and provides a large number of program options for students. The school maintains a Roman Catholic affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Salve Regina University has a yearly student enrollment of about 2,600.
Areas of study offered at Salve Regina University include but are not limited to:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
Students applying for admission are usually asked to submit an application, school records, test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by the school. A SAT or ACT exam may be required prior to applying, with scores between 1030 - 1190 for the SAT exam and in a range of 22 - 27 for the ACT exam is common among students accepted to Salve Regina University. Roughly 70% of all students that applied were admitted at this school, with 17% of those admitted choosing to attend. More information from the admissions office can be found here.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is close to $36,000 for the year. Tuition prices may change for a variety of reasons, and as such students should visit the school's net price calculator to get a better idea of their cost of attendance. The price of on-campus housing is approximately $8,700 annually. Some students at Salve Regina University may be eligible for financial aid, which is typically offered in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
The Salve Regina University Seahawks participate in several athletic programs, as part of the NCAA organization. Athletic programs available include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Field Hockey (NCAA Division III)
To see a full list of areas of study, programs, enrollment information, financial aid details, and more, please visit the school's website at http://www.salve.edu.
Acceptance Rate
73.78
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
URI is a public institution located in Kingston, RI and provides a large number of program options for students. As a land grant institution this school is one of the larger public institutions in the state of Rhode Island. Nearly 16,000 students enroll at URI yearly. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Communications And Journalism
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Psychology
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
- Baseball (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Football (NCAA Division I-AA)
Acceptance Rate
74.77
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
Enrollment
526
Tuition
$21,040.00 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
New England Institute of Technology, a nonprofit private institution, offers a variety of educational opportunities, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Warwick, Rhode Island, the school resides in an urban setting for students to study in. New England Tech has an annual student enrollment of nearly three thousand.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs New England Tech offers:
- Computer And Information Sciences
- Mechanic And Repair Technology
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Communication Technology
The school has an open enrollment policy, accepting any students that meet the minimum requirements for admission. Submission of transcripts, records, test scores, and personal statements may be needed for certain programs.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is close to $22,000, but may change yearly. Students are encouraged to visit the school's tuition calculator to better estimate their cost of attendance. Financial aid may be offered to students that meet the necessary requirements in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
Students can take a look at the school's http://www.neit.edu to see additional information.
Acceptance Rate
63.2
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
RWU is a nonprofit private institution located in Bristol, RI and provides a large number of educational opportunities for students. RWU has a yearly student enrollment of approximately four thousand. Here is a list of some of the popular programs RWU offers:
- Security And Protective Services
- Communications And Journalism
- Architecture
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Lacrosse (NCAA Division III)
- Soccer (NCAA Division III)
Acceptance Rate
85.35
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
CSUMB, a public institution, offers a large number of program options, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Seaside, CA, it offers a rural setting for students to study in. Over four thousand students enroll at CSUMB annually. Students may select from a few areas of study, including:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Psychology
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
- Social Sciences
- Public Administration And Social Services
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Golf (NCAA Division II)
- Soccer (NCAA Division II)
Acceptance Rate
75.28
Student to Faculty Ratio
24:1
Acceptance Rate
92.72
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
Rhode Island College is a public institution that has a large selection of majors and degree programs available for students to choose from. The school is located in Providence, Rhode Island, in a predominantly suburban area. Around nine thousand students enroll at RIC yearly.
Students can choose from a few areas of study, including but not limited to:
- Psychology
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Education
- Communications And Journalism
- Business And Marketing Studies
The admissions process will begin with the submission of an application, transcripts, and standardized test scores, which are then reviewed by admissions staff. A SAT or ACT exam is required prior to applying, with scores within the range of 1250 - 1560 on the SAT and in a range of 16 - 20 on the ACT is typical among students admitted to RIC. This school accepts approximately 80% of applicants yearly. Of those accepted, about 38% registered for enrollment. More information regarding admissions can be found at ric.edu.
Tuition & fees at Rhode Island College are different for in-state and out-of-state residents. In-state tuition costs around $8,000 per year and out-of-state tuition costing $19,000 per year. The price of on-campus housing is estimated to be $5,800 per year. Some students at RIC may qualify for financial aid, which is generally provided as grants or student loans.
The Rhode Island College "Anchormen" have a number of intercollegiate athletic programs through participation in the NCAA. Athletic programs offered may include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Golf (NCAA Division III)
Students should visit the RIC website to get a complete list of areas of study, programs, student services, and more.
Acceptance Rate
78.39
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Dreaming of a future in Cosmetology? Enjoy the personal rewards of helping people look and feel their best. Empire Beauty School offers you a one-of-a-kind educational approach to learning the latest trends and fundamentals of Cosmetology. You’ll learn:
- Haircutting
- Styling
- Coloring
- Make-up Application
- And more!
- Market your skills to new clients
- Retain clientele
- Increase your income potential
- Manage a salon or spa
- Sell professional products to your clients
Our Programs
At Empire Beauty School, our one-of-a-kind CLiC curriculum is a visual approach to learning. With our education you learn by seeing and doing. Plus you’ll apply your skills on your mannequins using your professional student kit. As part of your new student kit you will receive the Career Success Tablet. Your textbooks and curriculum are downloaded onto your tablet. As you progress through your training, you’ll have the confidence to work in a student salon environment with guests.Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Our friendly financial aid representatives will help you find the financing that suits you best. We offer a variety of options to help you afford your dreams.BeautyCareer.com
BeautyCareer.com is a website for Empire Beauty School students and alumni seeking career opportunities. Stylists can create resumes, develop digital portfolios, search for career opportunities and apply for open positions through one simple site. The beauty career website is part of the education process at Empire which assists students to better understand these elements of their career. Empire Beauty Schools offers job placement assistance through our website BeautyCareer.com.Accreditation
Empire Beauty Schools are accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS).Disclosure Statement
For more information about Empire Beauty School’s graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.empire.edu/consumer-infoTCPA Statement
By submitting this form, you are providing your signature expressly consenting to contact by an Empire representative or its subsidiaries, affiliates, or agents at the number provided via telephone, email, or text using an automatic telephone dialing system or an artificial or prerecorded message regarding Empire programs, offers, events and announcements. You are not required to provide your consent in order to purchase any product or service.Enrollment
92
Tuition
$17,250.00 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
About
Wayne County Schools Career Center, located in Smithville, Ohio, was established in 1969 and was originally known as the Wayne County Joint Vocational School. The school was formed to provide vocational training for high school students from all 10 schools in wayne county. Since its founding the school has expanded and updated its offerings as demands for employment have changed, this includes a name change in 1984 to better reflect the goals of the school.
Academics
Wayne County Schools Career Center provides educational opportunities for adults and high school graduates as related to vocational or career training. The school provides direction and training for individuals seeking to establish long term careers through specialized training and education. The school offers 28 programs and 18 academic courses. In addition, the school offers adult education courses that provide high school level education for adults.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Wayne County Schools Career Center allows entry for a variety of students. Interested individuals can review the method for enrollment online, or may contact the school to begin the admissions process. Students will have options available to them based on the level of their education, with high school graduates having more choices. Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships distributed based on need as determined through a variety of documents, the most important of which is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Enrollment
177
Tuition
$13,671.00 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
5:1
New England Tractor Trailer Training School has more than a 50-year history of delivering hands-on driver training to qualified candidates. NETTTS has the staff, equipment and ability to provide hands-on professional tractor trailer training and to assist people who are seeking to secure their future in transportation industry as well as those who want to upgrade their driving skills. By offering a wide range of services from CDL training to placement assistance with major trucking companies, NETTTS is able to assist future drivers achieve their career goals.
NETTTS is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.For consumer information, please visit http://www.nettts.com/
Enrollment
512
Tuition
$10,695.00 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
8:1
Zion Bible College is a faith-based institute located in Haverhill, MA that provides educational opportunities for its students. The school also has an Assemblies of God Church affiliation. This school is known for offering individuals bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies, with about 220 individuals completing their schooling in the last several years. This school maintains an open enrollment practice, admitting all individuals that meet the basic requirements for admission. Submission of transcripts and records, as well as any letters of recommendations may be required for certain programs. Zion Bible College also provides services for students such as flexible scheduling for working or busy students, academic guidance for students that may require additional help, and help with employment options for students. The cost of attendance is close to $11,000 annually. The costs may change for any number of reasons, and that is why students should use the school's price of attendance calculator to get a better idea of their individualized cost of attendance. Housing is available for students and costs around $5,500 for the year. This school may offer financial aid for potential students who qualify in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans. The Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation has accredited the education provided by Zion Bible College for over twelve years. Get more information by following the link to visit the school's official website, where you can see program details, tuition, and disclosures.
Enrollment
343
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
About
Community College of Rhode Island, located in Warwick, Rhode Island was founded in 1963 when it was known as Rhode Island Junior College. Today the school serves over 17,000 students annually, a far cry from the 325 hat originally enrolled during the first year of operation. The school provides students with a quality education through upgraded and modern resources. The school operates five campuses, ensuring that it meets community expectations and needs while maintaining one of the largest schools in the state through size and population. CCRI is dedicated to ensuring that a student's time spent on campus and in the classroom will be of value and provide a solid growth experience.
Academics
Community College of Rhode Island has an extremely large number of programs that allow students to identify and enroll in the academic transfer or career track that best suits their future goals. Academic transfer is performed through the completion of the units normally required during the freshman and sophomore years of a bachelor's degree. Students may apply for transfer to a four year institution and continue their education, eventually earning their bachelor's degree. Transfer to public institutions in the state of Rhode Island is facilitated through agreements in place that assist in admission assuming certain academic criteria are met. Students applying to other schools should meet with a counselor to develop a curriculum that best suits the student's desired school or school's transfer requirements.
Career programs provide training and education in a given field, allowing students to specialize in that area and perform the duties and tasks associated with that career or line of work. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result a certificate or associate degree that demonstrates competency and allows entry into the workforce as a qualified professional. Individuals studying in one of these programs will be capable of performing tasks and duties at the entry level, having learned the various processes, methods and techniques through practical and traditional classroom courses.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
As an open enrollment institution, any students having earned a high school diploma or equivalent or are 18 years of age or older will be admitted through the submission of an application for admission. Students must supply transcripts and standardized test scores, with a placement exam being required if no standardized scores are available. New students should participate in orientation as well as meet with a counselor to discuss programs and plan a curriculum.
Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) either online or through mail submission. The resulting information will be used to determine financial need, program eligibility and monetary awards. Financial aid should be applied for prior to posted school deadlines and be reapplied for prior to the start of each academic year. Students may be randomly selected to provide the financial aid office with additional documentation to ensure the FAFSA is accurate prior to the disbursement of funds as per federal regulation.
Athletics
The CCRI Knights participate in a number of intercollegiate athletics through the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), allowing for local, regional and countrywide participation in a number of sports. Students participating in an athletic program will add additional training and work to their academic workload and must learn to balance their studies with their activities. Individuals interested in participating should contact the athletic department for forms and tryout information.
Athletic programs:
- Soccer
- Cross Country
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Indoor Track
- Outdoor Track
- Golf
- Softball
- Baseball
- Tennis
Enrollment
14,539
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
The most populous city in Rhode Island is Providence, followed by Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. While the most populous county in Rhode Island is Providence County with Kent County and Washington County a distant second and third. If you are interested in visiting the state of Rhode Island, consider visiting their state page or the state chapter of the Chamber of Commerce.
Where can I find online degrees at Rhode Island colleges?
The only way to learn about online course offerings in Rhode Island is to visit College Navigator and check out online schools that offer web-based courses. You will see that there are 7 Colleges and Universities that have online classes.
Which free online classes can I take from Rhode Island colleges?
Several universities in Rhode Island offer free online classes using the massive open online course format. Brown University sponsors BrownX in an attempt to provide positive impacts on the community. Brown allows anyone to attend five classes, including introduction to engineering and design. If you have any questions about which free classes you can take to help you in your college journey, ask your advisor.
Which Rhode Island online colleges will accept FAFSA?
Students seeking help paying for college should fill out the Free Application for FAFSA is accepted by several Rhode Island online colleges. The University Of Rhode Island considers online learning an extension of its campus programs and accepts the FAFSA as part of its usual admissions process. Providence College also sees no difference in between online and on-campus students.
Is taking college online more affordable in Rhode Island?
Most online programs in Rhode Island reflect the same tuition cost for their on-campus and online learners. At Johnson and Wales, they offer digital classes as part of their continuing studies program at the same cost as on campus class.
Do online Rhode Island colleges accept a GED?
All of Rhode Island's public universities and colleges, including the Community College of Rhode Island, URI, and Rhode Island College accept a GED.
Which colleges in Rhode Island accept the most transfer credits?
Rhode Island's Board of Education created Rhode Island Transfers, which aims to simplify credit transfers between schools. The program's main features are the joint admissions agreement that allows for the transfer of 60 credits from a community college to a public bachelor's program. Rhode Island College allows students to transfer up to 75 credits.
There are zero public 4-year state universities and colleges in Rhode Island. These four-year institutions predominantly offer bachelor's or higher level programs and some may even include research facilities. See a state-wide list of the state universities and colleges in Rhode Island.

2022 Best Colleges in Rhode Island
Leverage our proprietary search tools today to find the best college in Rhode Island for you. Quickly sort and search for specific 2-year colleges and 4-year universities in Rhode Island in a snap. Students can access the latest published information to align their personal priorities with school offerings. We provide free access to school-based information such as tuition, financial aid trends, enrollment numbers, student to teacher ratios, sports programs, and 3D campus tours. In addition, you can locate specific college degree programs for top ranked Rhode Island colleges to further narrow down your search. Simply request information from any number of accredited schools to learn more about programs of interest.
Degree Breakdown State of Rhode Island
-
Doctoral or
Professional degree15,320 3.25%
-
Master's
Degree10,140 2.15%
-
Bachelor's
Degree99,990 21.22%
-
Associate's
Degree11,850 2.51%
-
PostSecondary
Nondegree award29,350 6.23%
-
Some college,
No degree13,170 2.79%
-
High school diploma or
Equivalent164,840 34.98%
-
No formal
Educational credential126,640 26.87%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Browse Schools by Career in Rhode Island
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