2024 Best Colleges in Rhode Island

• Providence, RI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  1,065 reviews

Niche User: I am currently enrolled as an incoming freshman at Brown University but I have been fortunate to participate in two of their pre-college programs. Overall, the academic resources and opportunities to explore STEM-based passions are incredibly diverse and accessible. The campus has amazing faculty that are engaged in the subject, both in and out of the classroom. They provide insightful feedback and support, especially as I had little experience doing lab work in high school. Outside the classroom, there were countless facilities and events that covered a wide variety of interests. These helped me foster a strong sense of community as I was able to connect with peers of similar likes during these events. I love how interconnected the university is with the larger city of Providence, which makes both professional and recreational engagement more accessible. Lastly, the Brown community was incredibly welcoming and supportive. Everyone there was proactive and engaged!... Read 1,065 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $25,028

• SAT range 1460-1570

• Providence, RI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  349 reviews

Alum: Rhode Island School of Design is a prestigious art school worldwide, and therefore it creates a community of cutting-edge student body and faculty. The friends and network I've met at RISD are life-long and will continue to be a source of inspiration and collaboration in the future. All the departments in the school are extremely challenging and require refined conceptual and critical thinking as well as technical skill. My critical thinking skills still serve me to this day, even for things that are not related to the arts. Really, the only negative thing I can say is that the school itself did not have courses to prepare me for post-graduation and entering the work force. At least at the time. Also, it is a very expensive school! However, still worth it (for me).... Read 349 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 19%

• Net price $38,234

• SAT range 1310-1480

• Providence, RI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  848 reviews

Sophomore: Providence college is a great place to be! After transferring in this past fall I have enjoyed many aspects of the College. The atmosphere is welcoming and everyone really cares. On thing to note is our sayings "Friars hold doors" or "Friars give back" which really just shows the care people have for each other at the school. As for professors, they have been great thus far. They are willing to help when you need it, and overall truly care with how everyone does in their classes. They have made themselves easily available for the extra help that I have needed. Providence College's campus is beautiful. What is great about it is not only that it is clean and kept nice, but you can also walk to everywhere you need to get to easily. As for social life, I found it easy to make friends as many people are super friendly and have similar interests as me. Which you can find easily due to the many clubs here on campus.... Read 848 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 58%

• Net price $39,566

• SAT range 1120-1330

• Newport, RI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  820 reviews

Senior: If I could rate Salve higher than 5 stars, I would! This university is one that cares deeply about its student body and offers amazing connections between the faculty and its students. The classes are excellent, and smaller class sizes allow for professors and students to form close bonds, making it apparent how strongly the professors want you to succeed. Located in Newport, its location on the water truly ties together the beautiful and historic campus. Though the campus is strikingly beautiful, the community is what truly made Salve Regina the place for me. Being a smaller school, it is hard to walk around the campus without seeing a friendly face, and it truly feels like I am at home here.... Read 820 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $36,708

• SAT range 1020-1190

• Kingston, RI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  2,565 reviews

Senior: The University of Rhode Island has provided me a lot of very helpful resources throughout my 4 years. The university also provides a big number and range of clubs and organizations that you are able to join throughout your 4 years. The professors of the psychology department are amazing and never seem to disappoint! It is very comforting know that I am able to ask and receive help from my professors. However, I do think that there are some buildings that need to be up to date. Some that students have to sit in for class are either too hot or too cold, very old or uncomfortable even. The campus is a very good size and is beautiful!... Read 2,565 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $20,496

• SAT range 1090-1290

• Smithfield, RI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  1,067 reviews

Junior: Going into my senior year next semester, I can truly say that Bryant University was the best fit for myself. When I was applying to schools, I was torn between the 3 B's (Babson, Bentley, and Bryant), but when it came down to cost to attend, I went with Bryant. Throughout my time here, I have never had a bad class. All of the professors have been incredible and care about their students. The curriculum is set up to give business students a wide grasp of components in business and really makes you understand different paths you can take in your career. Probably the best thing about the university is their job and internship placement programs. Bryant is practically a feeder school for firms like PwC, Fidelity, CVS, and so many other great companies. The food has significantly improved over the years. They are constantly putting money into making the University better and attracting more students. If you are interested in business and a well rounded education, Bryant is for YOU!... Read 1,067 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $40,310

• SAT range 1120-1300

• Providence, RI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  1,116 reviews

Junior: Rhode Island College has a wonderful, welcoming, accepting and supportive campus staff along with many talented and dedicated professors and administrators. Our school motto is “Be Bold”, and bold we are! No matter where you come from you will be met with a team of highly skilled and dedicated teachers and students who want to assure nothing less than your success. While classes can be challenging, there is always something for every at RIC to make us feel at home!... Read 1,116 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $8,710

• SAT range 870-1100

• East Greenwich, RI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  417 reviews

Junior: As someone who experienced both pre and during COVID, the staff has handled everything fantastically. I have faith in every one of my professors, department heads, and other staff! Everyone always keeps in contact, and as a software engineering student, I know I can get a response from anyone in the department within a few hours! I’ve gotten help from financial aid to accommodate my situation, and even hear from Jeff from admissions every so often! Everyone is great at what they do, and they all love to pass on their knowledge and see their students succeed!... Read 417 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $34,721

• SAT range 960-1200

• Bristol, RI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  1,005 reviews

Freshman: Overall, my experience so far with Roger Williams has been really good! There are some things that makes this university really stand out! Roger Williams University's community is extremely friendly! Everyone, the students, staff, professors and more are all friendly and make this university feel safe and helps make you feel like you really do belong there. The professors and staff mostly seem to care about you and your studies and want to make sure that you are successful. That's huge and a great way to feel supported through your college years! Roger Williams University also has tons of Majors, Minors and courses to choose from that best suites you. One of the only not so good things about this university is that it certainly is expensive.... Read 1,005 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $36,537

• SAT range —

• Providence, RI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  2,855 reviews

Sophomore: I enrolled at Johnson & Wales University with a specific focus on their renowned food department, drawn by their exceptional reputation in culinary education. As the university was located out-of-state for me, I took advantage of their provided dormitory accommodations. I was fortunate to be assigned a spacious room, which I shared with a roommate. The initial experience of navigating through my classes was admittedly overwhelming, prompting thoughts of an immediate transfer. However, as time progressed, I found myself developing a strong affinity for most of my instructors, including the skilled chefs who imparted their expertise. Although there was a minor hurdle posed by a small, challenging group of classmates, I persevered through the situation, emerging with valuable lessons in adaptability and resilience.... Read 2,855 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $30,715

• SAT range —

• 4 Year (Online)

• •
  Rating 4.74 out of 5  19 reviews

Junior: I have been studying with Johnson & Wales online program for over a year now and I have found it to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. When I was first looking at online education to finish my degree, J&W was not on my original list. An acquaintance said that they have been taking online classes through J&W and suggested I take a look at what they have to offer. I perused the J&W website for a while seeing if anything stood out to me that would separate it from any other schools I was looking at. After learning about the public health program they have and speaking one-on-one with an admissions adviser I realized J&W was the school for me! I have made meaningful connections with my professors and advisers, who all help me to achieve the best grades and prepare me for the future.... Read 19 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 45%

• Net price $21,414

• SAT range —