Best Colleges in Rhode Island

Lorraine Mumby
By
Updated on July 6, 2023
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The higher education experts at BestColleges reviewed the top 4-year colleges in Rhode Island. Start planning your future at BestColleges.

More young people are enrolling in college every year, with the understanding that earning a college degree plays a critical role in entering many high-paying careers. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the undergraduate student population in the U.S. will increase from 16.8 million in 2017 to 17.2 million by 2028.

In addition to quality colleges and universities, Rhode Island boasts a robust economy with ample career opportunities in growing sectors like advanced manufacturing, leisure and hospitality, and education. The healthcare industry is another major employer, with over 67,200 workers in the state in 2019. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, as of November 2019, Rhode Island’s unemployment rate sat at 3.5%, slightly below the national average.

While conducting research into potential postsecondary schools can be overwhelming, this guide can assist your search by providing information about the five best colleges in Rhode Island.

The following rankings consider crucial factors such as programmatic accreditation, tuition prices, financial aid availability, and retention and graduation rates. Each profile details things such as degree offerings, online learning options, and students services. You can also gain insight on the application process.

If a school interests you, do not hesitate to contact the institution’s admissions specialists. These counselors can help you navigate enrollment and find scholarships.

Best Accredited Colleges in Rhode Island

#1 Best Colleges in Rhode Island

Brown University

  • Location-markerProvidence, RI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$62,680
  • Out-of-state$62,680
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$62,680
  • Out-of-state$62,680
  • Retention Rate99%
  • Acceptance Rate5%
  • Students Enrolled11,516
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment5%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Colleges in Rhode Island

Providence College

  • Location-markerProvidence, RI
  • 2 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$56,980
  • Out-of-state$56,980
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,070
  • Out-of-state$11,070
  • Retention Rate91%
  • Acceptance Rate49%
  • Students Enrolled4,807
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment6%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Colleges in Rhode Island

Bryant University

  • Location-markerSmithfield, RI
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$48,432
  • Out-of-state$48,432
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$47,100
  • Out-of-state$47,100
  • Retention Rate87%
  • Acceptance Rate66%
  • Students Enrolled3,591
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment2%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Colleges in Rhode Island

University of Rhode Island

  • Location-markerKingston, RI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$14,116
  • Out-of-state$33,512
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$14,822
  • Out-of-state$28,616
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate77%
  • Students Enrolled16,585
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment34%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Colleges in Rhode Island

Salve Regina University

  • Location-markerNewport, RI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$45,250
  • Out-of-state$45,250
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$12,060
  • Out-of-state$12,060
  • Retention Rate82%
  • Acceptance Rate70%
  • Students Enrolled2,872
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment41%
  • AccreditationYes

badge-checkHow We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2020. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.

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