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2021 Best Value Colleges in Rhode IslandAbout this List

Explore the colleges that are the best value for your money based on net price, alumni earnings, graduation rates, and student debt using data from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews. The ranking compares the most affordable colleges with the best return on investment. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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Select an area of study to view top schools for students studying in those general fields.

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Online categories are primarily based on the number of majors that can be completed online. For more information view the college's Niche profile or visit the college's website.

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Student Body Size

Enrollment for full-time undergraduates. Small: Less than 5,000, Medium: 5-15,000, Large: More than 15,000.

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Select a value that matches your actual or expected total score on the ACT or SAT. For the SAT, please choose the sum of your Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing scores.

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Admissions Process

Selectivity based on acceptance rate. Extremely Selective: < 15%, Very Selective: 15%-30%, Selective: 30%-60%, Average: 60%-90%, Not Selective: > 90%.

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Religious Affiliation

A critical mass of the student body falls within the specified group, low and middle income students pay a reasonable net price, the school participates in tuition relief programs for veterans, and the school's overall Niche Grade is above a B-.

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International Students

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Starting Salary after Graduation

Median salary of all students at the school employed 2 years after graduation.

1 – 10 of 10

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Brown University
4 Year
Providence, RI
1,009 reviews
#1 Best Value Colleges in Rhode Island
Junior: Brown University has been an incredible experience and has allowed me to pursue passions that I wasn't even aware I was interested in! The unique open curriculum allows students to take courses from a broad range of subjects and helps to ensure they find the right area of study. I personally believed I wanted to go into biomedical engineering, however, after taking a variety of classes at Brown in environmental studies, I have switched my major. Every teacher, student, and dean is so incredibly passionate about the work and everyone is constantly striving to be better which makes the University an amazing place and experience!
Read 1,009 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Value
8% Acceptance Rate
$27,238 Net Price
1420-1550 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Virtual Tour
Bryant University
4 Year
Smithfield, RI
1,036 reviews
#2 Best Value Colleges in Rhode Island
Sophomore: Bryant Univerity is an up-and-coming school. Well developed community with a very diverse faculty. Students tend to get along, and classes are in small groups, so it is straightforward to interact with each other. You have to be very careful with what professor you decide to go along, because no matter how easy or hard the class material is; the professor is a vital element in your learning process and grade in Bryant. Residence life is average, they lack some remodeling in dorms and the common rooms. Nevertheless, the university facilities are fully remodeled and filled with technology advanced. I will recommend this school for someone that is looking for a school that everyone knows each other, like some type of high school edition but with the great college experience.
Read 1,036 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Value
76% Acceptance Rate
$38,102 Net Price
1050-1220 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Providence College
4 Year
Providence, RI
797 reviews
#3 Best Value Colleges in Rhode Island
Freshman: Not my first choice but I’ve never been happier. Some kids here are privileged, shallow, and disconnected, but if you look around you will find amazing people that fit your vibe. Classes are amazing, the professors really want you to succeed and the small class size allows you to get to know them more personally. It’s an amazing place to network. Party scene is there if you want it, but there’s always something to do if you’re not into that. They improved the food second semester and it was really going great! The college could definitely be more diverse and welcoming towards low income students, but there are safe spaces and good and down to earth people, you just need to know where to look.
Read 797 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A
Value
49% Acceptance Rate
$37,842 Net Price
1210-1360 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Virtual Tour
University of Rhode Island
4 Year
Kingston, RI
2,370 reviews
#4 Best Value Colleges in Rhode Island
Freshman: Although life is nowhere near 'normal', URI has done a commendable job at handling the Covid-19 restrictions by offering free testing Monday-Friday, hosting a series of events for students on campus that meet all guidelines instilled by our governor as well as creating and enforcing a safe campus environment. While dining hall food isn't idea the university offers a variety of options from pizza to sushi they have it all! There are also various restaurants located at the top of campus within walking distance from dorms, some even offer delivery! I was hesitant about going to URI during the pandemic, but living on campus has definitely been worthwhile... although it is not ideal, I have met such great people who I couldn't imagine my life without. I even chose to get involved on campus by rushing a sorority and joining 'Best Buddies' which has opened up so many opportunities for me. URI offers a variety of different clubs/intramural sports for people with all interests to choose from.
Read 2,370 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Value
69% Acceptance Rate
$19,731 Net Price
1070-1240 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Salve Regina University
4 Year
Newport, RI
722 reviews
#5 Best Value Colleges in Rhode Island
Sophomore: Choosing Salve Regina was one of the best/easiest decisions I've ever made. It has definitely turned into much more than a school for me; it's become a home away from home. Everyone on campus is super welcoming, the professors are very accommodating and able to answer any questions I have, and the community has turned into one big family for me. I've already made life-long friendships, and, being such a small campus, I was able to develop close relationships with my professors starting freshman year. There are tons of helpful resources available to students all over campus, which help with anything from homesickness to getting a little extra help in Bio-101. I am forever grateful for what Salve has done for me so far and recommend anyone interested in the school to reach out admissions! They are extremely helpful and are there to answer any questions you have!
Read 722 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Value
76% Acceptance Rate
$33,291 Net Price
1020-1190 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Virtual Tour
Rhode Island School of Design
4 Year
Providence, RI
330 reviews
#6 Best Value Colleges in Rhode Island
Sophomore: Really top of the notch art school. Everyone here definitely was the best at their school or in their city and it's very competitive, but not in a toxic way because nobody's really overcompensating for lack of talent. A lot of students here already have careers comparable to professionals or at least post-graduates; some have exhibited at national or international events, working at very elite companies, and a few even run businesses already. The food is also amazing? Culinary students from nearby work there and like... having access to a sushi/soup/salad/sandwich/grille bar and a wood-fired pizza oven makes coping with the long hard hours a little less harsh. Not a lot to do in Providence so you really have no choice but to focus on work. Don't come here if you aren't 100% serious about art and dedicated to it or you'll struggle, but if you live and breathe art you'll fit right in and find the pace and workload inspiring.
Read 330 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Value
24% Acceptance Rate
$39,289 Net Price
1180-1440 SAT Range
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Rhode Island College
4 Year
Providence, RI
1,036 reviews
#7 Best Value Colleges in Rhode Island
Alum: Rhode Island College is an excellent school with a very supportive staff. The student community is tightnit, and there is something for everyone: small class sizes, knowledgeable professors, and a wide range of clubs activities, including Greek life. The campus has undergone renovations and is has beautiful facilities. Overall, RIC is a great bang for your buck if you're looking for an excellent education and location!
Read 1,036 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
B+
Value
73% Acceptance Rate
$9,273 Net Price
890-1100 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Roger Williams University
4 Year
Bristol, RI
923 reviews
#8 Best Value Colleges in Rhode Island
Freshman: So far, so good! Deposit made. Housing chosen. Off we go! Everyone we have had the pleasure in dealing with throughout this preliminary period, has been wonderful! Beautiful school...the counselors, professors, and students that have answered questions and done tours, etc., have been outstanding! The N/As below are only because she hasn't started yet, so can't rate at the moment.
Read 923 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
B+
Value
86% Acceptance Rate
$37,138 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Virtual Tour
New England Institute of Technology
4 Year
East Greenwich, RI
388 reviews
#9 Best Value Colleges in Rhode Island
Freshman: My experience so far is very good! I am currently getting used to the building and where to go for what. I am applying into the nursing program because it is my dream to gain a career as a doctor in the future. I love the staff and teachers who have already helped me along the way so far. I am truly blessed and excited to begin the next step in my life here at this very school of my choice. The architecture and the way the building is made is amazing. I was so surprised to see a beautiful water fall in the middle of the entrance walkway inside the school. Everyone was so welcoming and always smiling. I was going in the wrong direction and asked for help and was immediately pointed in the right direction. The students I passed seemed very nice and eager to further their education which is very motivating in my opinion. As I said before I am so excited to start and meet many new people to gain friendships with.
Read 388 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
B
Value
100% Acceptance Rate
$30,624 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Johnson & Wales University- Providence
4 Year
Providence, RI
2,747 reviews
#10 Best Value Colleges in Rhode Island
Alum: Overall happy with JWU! I graduated in 2018. Great if you're interested in: hospitality/business/culinary. Easy to get into & easy to finish in 3 years.Spent a lot of money for tuition/ books, but that is the case for most schools. Decent classes. Some professors are better than others, read up on professor ratings. As long as you do the work well you can maintain a strong GPA, it's not too challenging. A lot of group work. Campus clubs are okay, not a lot of student involvement, but find something you like! Great study abroad programs! I went to Berlin, which is offered to freshman too! DO it! A lot of house parties/18+bar nights. Nightlife was a lot of fun and frequent. JWU is really good at setting you up post-grad for getting into a career, getting a job, teaching you to apply/ interview. Go to the job fairs! It takes some self motivation because a good chunk of the professors are pretty laid back as long as you do the work required/ show up for class.
Read 2,747 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
B
Value
91% Acceptance Rate
$28,089 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
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Riverside College of Health Careers
2 Year
Newport News, VA
14 reviews
Sophomore: Riverside is an amazing college if you re pursuing the medical field. They offer an extraordinary amount of programs there like LPN, RN, X-ray tech, and physical therapy. I would however like to see them offer loans for school. They aren't eligible for student loans and this could help a lot of students not only pay for college, but build their credit as well.
Read 14 Reviews
27% Acceptance Rate
$14,528 Net Price
Will You Get In?Compare
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About This List

Explore the colleges that are the best value for your money based on net price, alumni earnings, graduation rates, and student debt using data from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews. The ranking compares the most affordable colleges with the best return on investment. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Where Niche Grades come from and how Niche calculates rankings.

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