Rhode Island Colleges

Rhode Island is home to a diverse array of colleges and universities that cater to a wide range of academic interests and career aspirations. From prestigious research institutions to small liberal arts colleges, the state's higher education landscape offers something for everyone. Notable universities such as Brown University, known for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus life, and the University of Rhode Island, which emphasizes research and community engagement, highlight the state's commitment to quality education. Additionally, institutions like Rhode Island College and Johnson & Wales University provide excellent programs in various fields, from the arts to culinary studies. With a focus on innovation, hands-on learning, and a supportive community, Rhode Island's colleges and universities are dedicated to preparing students for success in an ever-changing world. This guide will delve into the unique offerings and characteristics of each institution, helping prospective students find the right fit for their educational journey.


Brown University

Providence, RI


Brown University, a private Ivy League research institution in Providence, Rhode Island, is the seventh-oldest higher education institution in the U.S., founded in 1764. It was the first college to ensure equal admission regardless of religious affiliation and features the oldest applied mathematics and engineering programs in the Ivy League. Brown adopted an Open Curriculum in 1969, allowing students to customize their education. The university includes the College, Graduate School, Alpert Medical School, School of Engineering, School of Public Health, and School of Professional Studies, all located in a historic district. With a 5% acceptance rate for the class of 2026, Brown boasts notable alumni, including 11 Nobel Prize winners and multiple Pulitzer Prize recipients.

Bryant University

Smithfield, RI


Bryant University, located in Smithfield, Rhode Island, is a private university founded in 1863, originally as a branch of Bryant & Stratton College. It features two colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business, and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. The university moved to its current 428-acre campus, donated by Tupperware inventor Earl S. Tupper, in 1971. Known for its strong business programs, Bryant emphasizes practical experience alongside rigorous academics, and offers scholarships for accounting students in honor of the Emin family, with historical ties to the area.



Community College of RI

Multiple Locations, RI


The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is the state's only public community college and the largest in New England. Established in 1964 as Rhode Island Junior College with 325 students, it initially operated out of the Henry Barnard School in Providence. The college's first permanent campus, Knight Campus in Warwick, opened in 1972 on the Knight Estate. CCRI has since expanded to include additional campuses in Lincoln, Providence, and Newport, as well as satellite locations in Westerly and Woonsocket. In 1980, it was renamed to reflect its community focus, and features the Margaret M. Jacoby Observatory, opened in 1978.


Johnson & Wales University

Providence, RI 


Johnson & Wales University (JWU) in Providence, Rhode Island, is a private university known for its strong focus on hospitality and culinary arts education. Founded in 1914, JWU offers diverse academic programs across six colleges, including business, culinary arts, hospitality, health and wellness, engineering, and arts and sciences. The university is recognized as a leading institution in culinary education, hosting the Cuisinart Center for Culinary Excellence. In addition to its robust academic offerings, JWU features modern facilities like the Scotts Miracle-Gro Athletic Complex. The university transitioned to a semester system in 2020, enhancing its academic calendar for students.

Naval War College

Newport, RI


The Naval War College (NWC) at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, is the U.S. Navy's premier institution for educating and developing leaders, founded in 1884 and having graduated over 50,000 students, including many senior military leaders. NWC offers programs such as the College of Naval Command and Staff (CNCS), which provides education for U.S. military officers and senior civilians on key topics like Strategy and War, Theater Security Decision Making, and Joint Maritime Operations, along with distance education options to expand access to its essential courses.


New England Institute of Technology

East Greenwich, RI


New England Institute of Technology (NEIT), a private university in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, was established in 1940 and is led by President Richard I. Gouse since 1971. Its main campus features a 265,000-square-foot facility with classrooms, technical labs, and a 400-bed residence hall, alongside smaller campuses in Warwick. NEIT is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and offers degrees in various technical fields, including nursing, plumbing, architectural design, and software engineering.

Providence College

Providence, RI


Providence College is a private Catholic university in Providence, Rhode Island, founded in 1917 by the Dominican Order. It offers 47 undergraduate majors and 17 graduate programs, requiring all undergraduates to complete 16 credits in the Development of Western Civilization. With a total enrollment of 4,816 students as of spring 2021, the college competes in NCAA Division I as a founding member of the Big East Conference. The 105-acre campus features 19 academic buildings, 9 dormitories, and athletic facilities, with ongoing renovations to enhance student resources.

Rhode Island College

Providence, RI


Rhode Island College (RIC), established in 1854, is a public college located on a 180-acre campus primarily in Providence. With around 9,000 students, including 7,518 undergraduates and 1,482 graduates, RIC competes in NCAA Division III with 17 teams. The college offers over 90 undergraduate and 30 graduate programs across five colleges: Arts and Sciences, Education and Human Development, Management, Nursing, and Social Work. RIC is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and several departments hold additional accreditations.

Rhode Island School of Design

Providence, RI


The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), established in 1877 by Helen Adelia Rowe Metcalf, is a private art and design school in Providence, Rhode Island. Offering bachelor's and master's programs across 19 majors, RISD enrolls around 2,000 undergraduate and 500 graduate students. The RISD Museum, with a collection of about 100,000 works, is one of the largest college art museums in the U.S. RISD is affiliated with Brown University, enabling cross-registration and dual degree programs, and boasts notable alumni, including MacArthur Fellows and Academy Award winners.

Roger Williams University

Bristol, RI


Roger Williams University (RWU) is a private university located in Bristol, Rhode Island, founded in 1956 and named after theologian Roger Williams. The university enrolls over 5,000 students, including approximately 3,800 undergraduates and 850 graduate students across eight schools, offering more than 50 liberal arts and professional degrees, including law, architecture, and historic preservation. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, nearly half of the classes have fewer than 20 students. Notable programs include Marine Biology, Architecture, Historic Preservation, Construction Management, and Law, the only Juris Doctor program in Rhode Island.

Salve Regina University

Newport, RI


Salve Regina University is a private Roman Catholic university in Newport, Rhode Island, founded in 1934 by the Sisters of Mercy. With over 2,800 students, the accredited institution features an 80-acre coastal campus on historic Gilded Age estates. Salve offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, including three PhDs and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). As a member of NCAA Division III, about 18% of students participate in athletics. The university receives around 5,000 applications yearly and is known for its selective nursing program, offering various financial aid options, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program for veterans.

University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI


The University of Rhode Island (URI) is a public land-grant research university in Kingston, Rhode Island, and the state's largest institution, with 14,653 undergraduates and 1,982 graduate students enrolled in 2019. Classified as an R2 university for high research activity, URI offers 80 undergraduate and 49 graduate programs across nine academic schools, featuring a 16:1 student-faculty ratio and 43.1% of classes with fewer than 20 students. Popular majors include Registered Nursing, Psychology, and Kinesiology, with an average freshman retention rate of 84%.


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