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The Best Colleges in Rhode Island

Here are the top colleges that you should consider in Rhode Island. The school list below shows tuition after financial aid, acceptance rates, recent graduate salaries and more.

  1. Brown University

    Brown University is a four-year, full-time, more selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Providence, RI. It has an enrollment of 7,125 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 5.51%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $26,308. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6 to 1.

    The average SAT score was 1517.0 for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was 34.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,369
    • Area Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
    • Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,565
    • Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,141
    • Computer Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $153,718
    • Education, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,409
    • Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education. (Master’s Degree) – $60,771
    • Educational Administration and Supervision. (Master’s Degree) – $58,673
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Master’s Degree) – $47,260
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Master’s Degree) – $40,368
    • Engineering, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $75,921
    • Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,848
    • Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $47,260
    • English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,790
    • English Language and Literature, General. (Master’s Degree) – $36,141
    • Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
    • Neurobiology and Neurosciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,133
    • Applied Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $88,506
    • Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,019
    • Human Biology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,669
    • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
    • Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,581
    • Public Policy Analysis. (Master’s Degree) – $61,020
    • Anthropology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,060
    • Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $63,302
    • International Relations and National Security Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $50,105
    • Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $53,108
    • Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,925
    • Medicine. (First Professional Degree) – $61,294
    • Public Health. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,925
    • Public Health. (Master’s Degree) – $59,937
    • Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $73,769
    • History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289

    Brown University School Spirit

    Brown University has a strong sense of school spirit, although it may not be as pronounced as at some other universities. The Brown community takes pride in its unique culture of academic freedom and creativity, and many students are deeply passionate about their studies and extracurricular activities. Sports are not typically a central focus of campus life, but the university has a strong athletic program and dedicated fans attend games and events. The annual Spring Weekend festival is a popular tradition that showcases Brown’s vibrant arts and music scene, and brings students together for a weekend of celebration.

    Learn more about Brown University

  2. Rhode Island School of Design

    Rhode Island School of Design is a four-year, full-time, more selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Providence, RI. It has an enrollment of 2,044 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 18.68%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $44,371. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1.

    The average SAT score was 1399.0 for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was 31.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Architecture. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $50,439
    • Architecture. (Master’s Degree) – $48,198
    • Interior Architecture. (Master’s Degree) – $54,035
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Master’s Degree) – $35,060
    • Apparel and Textiles. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,937
    • Woodworking. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,228
    • Design and Applied Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,166
    • Design and Applied Arts. (Master’s Degree) – $68,219
    • Film/Video and Photographic Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $22,192
    • Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $22,627
    • Fine and Studio Arts. (Master’s Degree) – $28,055

    Rhode Island School of Design School Spirit

    Rhode Island School of Design is well-known for its vibrant school spirit. Despite being a relatively small school, RISD students are enthusiastic about supporting their school and take pride in its community. RISD students have a strong sense of pride in their institution and often participate in a variety of activities hosted by the school, such as sports events, art exhibitions, and social events. Additionally, RISD has a rich history and tradition, which helps to foster a sense of camaraderie among students and alumni. Overall, school spirit at RISD is high, and students are encouraged to embrace the school’s culture and values.

    Learn more about Rhode Island School of Design

  3. Providence College

    Providence College is a four-year, full-time, more selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Providence, RI. It has an enrollment of 4,141 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 57.98%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $36,611. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11 to 1.

    The average SAT score was 1246.0 for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was 29.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Computer Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $68,219
    • Educational Administration and Supervision. (Master’s Degree) – $74,576
    • Special Education and Teaching. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,170
    • Student Counseling and Personnel Services. (Master’s Degree) – $44,921
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Master’s Degree) – $47,118
    • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,729
    • English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,042
    • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $45,383
    • Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
    • Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $53,810
    • International/Global Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,674
    • Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,060
    • Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $64,791
    • Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,649
    • Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,467
    • Health and Medical Administrative Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,943
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $51,722
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $65,198
    • Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $62,260
    • Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $55,964
    • Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $49,899
    • History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,369
    • History. (Master’s Degree) – $42,682

    Providence College School Spirit

    School spirit is a huge part of the culture at Providence College. Students are very proud of their school and are known for their passionate support of the Friars, the school’s athletic teams. The school mascot, Friar Dom, is a beloved figure on campus and can often be seen at sporting events and other school functions. Additionally, the school has many traditions that help to foster a strong sense of school spirit, such as the annual PC/URI basketball rivalry game and the annual Friar Frenzy event where students come together to celebrate their school and their community. Overall, school spirit is an important part of the student experience at Providence College.

    Learn more about Providence College

  4. Bryant University

    Bryant University is a four-year, full-time, selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Smithfield, RI. It has an enrollment of 3,060 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 73.61%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $40,426. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 13 to 1.

    The average SAT score was 1222.0 for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was 28.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $49,019
    • Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $61,516
    • Applied Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $63,005
    • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $47,260
    • Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $47,260
    • Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $50,231
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $54,470
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $57,318
    • Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,995
    • Accounting and Related Services. (Master’s Degree) – $66,287
    • Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,369
    • Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $60,821
    • Human Resources Management and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $51,612
    • International Business. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,995
    • Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $53,358

    Bryant University School Spirit

    Bryant University is known for having strong school spirit. The university has a dedicated student fan section called the Bryant Fanatics, who attend sporting events and cheer on the Bulldogs. The campus also hosts various events and activities throughout the year, including homecoming and winterfest, that promote school spirit and allow students to connect with one another. Overall, Bryant University takes pride in its community and students are highly engaged in supporting their school.

    Learn more about Bryant University

  5. University of Rhode Island

    University of Rhode Island is a four-year, full-time, selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Kingston, RI. It has an enrollment of 13,850 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 76.46%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $19,925. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to 1.

    The average SAT score was 1200.0 for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was 28.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
    • Animal Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,276
    • Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
    • Natural Resources Management and Policy. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,933
    • Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $23,693
    • Landscape Architecture. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,123
    • Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,668
    • Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,124
    • Journalism. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,658
    • Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,608
    • Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $67,995
    • Education, General. (Master’s Degree) – $49,214
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,671
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,133
    • Biomedical/Medical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $61,814
    • Chemical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $61,064
    • Civil Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $58,522
    • Civil Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $63,997
    • Computer Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $71,473
    • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $72,693
    • Mechanical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $63,880
    • Ocean Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $63,600
    • Industrial Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $63,749
    • Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,107
    • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,585
    • Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,186
    • Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. (Master’s Degree) – $44,356
    • Apparel and Textiles. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,829
    • English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,853
    • English Language and Literature, General. (Doctoral Degree) – $58,673
    • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $23,693
    • Library Science and Administration. (Master’s Degree) – $44,021
    • Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,668
    • Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,704
    • Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,421
    • Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,087
    • Health-Related Knowledge and Skills. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,423
    • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,598
    • Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,404
    • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. (Doctoral Degree) – $63,600
    • Public Administration. (Master’s Degree) – $63,005
    • Public Policy Analysis. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,668
    • Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,392
    • Geography and Cartography. (Graduate/Professional Certificate) – $48,745
    • Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,806
    • Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,745
    • Social Sciences, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,854
    • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,201
    • Film/Video and Photographic Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,658
    • Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,035
    • Music. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,848
    • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,925
    • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Master’s Degree) – $55,286
    • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,318
    • Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. (First Professional Degree) – $113,894
    • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. (First Professional Degree) – $73,720
    • Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,960
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $66,332
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Master’s Degree) – $109,286
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $50,387
    • Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $49,019
    • Accounting and Related Services. (Master’s Degree) – $65,557
    • Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $54,970
    • Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $47,260
    • History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,926

    University of Rhode Island School Spirit

    The University of Rhode Island has a strong school spirit. The university has over 200 student organizations, including a pep band, cheerleading team, and many sports teams. The campus also hosts many traditional events that promote school spirit, such as homecoming, Rhody Madness, Midnight Madness, and more. The school spirit is also shown through the school colors, which are blue and white, and the mascot, Rhody the Ram. Students and alumni also take pride in the accomplishments of the athletic teams and often come out to support them during games and tournaments.

    Learn more about University of Rhode Island