Best Colleges in Rhode Island

All 14 colleges in Rhode Island, ranked by overall quality and led by Brown University, Providence College and Bryant University. 3 public, 11 private. median out-of-state tuition $42,419. lowest in-state tuition $5,550 at Community College of Rhode Island. Each school below shows its acceptance rate, tuition and average SAT.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best college in Rhode Island?

Based on our overall rankings, Brown University is the top-ranked college in Rhode Island. Other strong choices include Providence College, Bryant University, Rhode Island School of Design.

How many colleges are in Rhode Island?

We track 14 four-year colleges in Rhode Island, including 3 public institutions and 11 private ones.

How much does college cost in Rhode Island?

The average out-of-state tuition across colleges we track in Rhode Island is approximately $42,419 per year. In-state students at public schools typically pay significantly less, and most schools offer financial aid that reduces the effective cost.

What are the best public colleges in Rhode Island?

The best public colleges in Rhode Island include University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, Community College of Rhode Island. Public universities typically offer lower tuition for in-state residents.

What are the best private colleges in Rhode Island?

The best private colleges in Rhode Island include Brown University, Providence College, Bryant University. Private colleges may offer more generous financial aid despite higher sticker prices.

How are these Rhode Island rankings determined?

Our overall rankings are calculated independently from publicly available data including U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and aggregated student-experience signals — not from US News or any other publication.

1. 1. Brown University — Providence, RI · 5.4% acceptance · SAT 1,546 · $71,412 tuition · 96% grad rate
2. 2. Providence College — Providence, RI · 50.9% acceptance · SAT 1,346 · $63,550 tuition · 86% grad rate
3. 3. Bryant University — Smithfield, RI · 65.5% acceptance · SAT 1,265 · $52,677 tuition · 80% grad rate
4. 4. Rhode Island School of Design — Providence, RI · 18.7% acceptance · SAT 1,473 · $62,688 tuition · 89% grad rate
5. 5. Salve Regina University — Newport, RI · 68.2% acceptance · SAT 1,232 · $50,100 tuition · 77% grad rate
6. 6. University of Rhode Island — Kingston, RI · 72.2% acceptance · SAT 1,160 · $37,146 tuition · 73% grad rate
7. 7. Roger Williams University — Bristol, RI · 87.7% acceptance · SAT 1,223 · $44,418 tuition · 69% grad rate
8. 8. New England Institute of Technology — East Greenwich, RI · 66.7% acceptance · $37,275 tuition · 60% grad rate
9. 9. Rhode Island College — Providence, RI · 91.8% acceptance · SAT 990 · $27,299 tuition · 48% grad rate
10. 10. Johnson & Wales University-Providence — Providence, RI · 88.4% acceptance · SAT 1,050 · $42,419 tuition · 55% grad rate
11. 11. Community College of Rhode Island — Warwick, RI · $14,834 tuition · 26% grad rate
12. 12. Roger Williams University School of Law — Bristol, RI
13. 13. College Unbound — Providence, RI · $11,016 tuition
14. 14. Johnson & Wales University-Online — Providence, RI · 91% acceptance · $13,365 tuition

Best Colleges in Rhode Island on PickACampus