2022 Top Private Universities in Rhode Island

Brown University

• 4 Year
• PROVIDENCE, RI
• Rating 3.8 out of 5  1,019 reviews

Senior: I love Brown. I transferred here, and quickly met some of the most amazing, passionate, and genuine people I could imagine. The student body is so friendly and hard-working. Still, the best part of Brown is the open curriculum—the academic freedom and autonomy I am given here has changed my relationship to learning and life in general. I have discovered so many interests I never know I had! The open curriculum, in general, is perfect for students who have lots of wide-ranging interests and want to pursue multiple fields, or know exactly what they want to specialize in. But it's also great for students who have no idea, and want time to explore and try new areas of study while they figure things out. I agree with other reviewers that the food and dorms aren't outstanding by any means. However, the academic environement, professors, and fellow students at Brown are more than worth it. I'm so sad to be graduating :(
Read 1,019 Reviews

• grade A+

• 7% Acceptance Rate
• $27,218 Net Price
• 1440-1570 SAT Range

Rhode Island School of Design

• 4 Year
• PROVIDENCE, RI
• Rating 3.75 out of 5  329 reviews

• grade A

• 26% Acceptance Rate
• $39,791 Net Price
• 1230-1470 SAT Range

Providence College

• 4 Year
• PROVIDENCE, RI
• Rating 3.64 out of 5  810 reviews

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 810 Reviews

• grade A minus

• 47% Acceptance Rate
• $35,796 Net Price
• 1210-1350 SAT Range

Bryant University

• 4 Year
• SMITHFIELD, RI
• Rating 3.5 out of 5  1,047 reviews

Sophomore: Bryant University employs many excellent professors. All the professors I've interacted with have been great at teaching class material, as well as always being available for extra help, further instruction, or even just conversation. I've even had professors reach out to me with research opportunities. Bryant also has the Amica Center, which is an excellent resource dedicated to helping students learn about career options, build their resumes, and find internships and jobs. A unique feature of Bryant is its requirement to take courses in both the Liberal Arts and Business schools-- if you major in a Liberal Arts degree, you have to take a business degree minor, and vice versa. This isn't great for students who know their interests lie in one specific field, but it is good for students who want to shop around with possible career directions or maybe just diversify their skillset. Bryant is relatively new to the liberal arts, though, and is still building arts and humanities.
Read 1,047 Reviews

• grade B+

• 71% Acceptance Rate
• $40,038 Net Price
• 1050-1220 SAT Range

Salve Regina University

• 4 Year
• NEWPORT, RI
• Rating 3.69 out of 5  800 reviews

Alum: Attending Salve was a great decision. Beautiful, safe campus! Professors provide individualized attention to students. Competitive athletic opportunities developed into lifelong friendships that I will forever cherish. The coastal environment was only a bonus to all the wonderful aspects of this college.
Read 800 Reviews

• grade B+

• 74% Acceptance Rate
• $36,646 Net Price
• 1020-1190 SAT Range

New England Institute of Technology

• 4 Year
• EAST GREENWICH, RI
• Rating 3.86 out of 5  401 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 401 Reviews

• grade B minus

• 63% Acceptance Rate
• $31,704 Net Price
• 960-1160 SAT Range

Roger Williams University

• 4 Year
• BRISTOL, RI
• Rating 3.52 out of 5  943 reviews

Junior: I love Roger Williams. Everyone is really nice, and I’ve learned so much! The professors are ALWAYS willing to work with you and help you understand the material. Everyone has made me feel welcomed in this space!
Read 943 Reviews

• grade B minus

• 85% Acceptance Rate
• $37,611 Net Price
• — SAT Range

Johnson & Wales University- Providence

• 4 Year
• PROVIDENCE, RI
• Rating 3.63 out of 5  2,777 reviews

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 2,777 Reviews

• grade C+

• 93% Acceptance Rate
• $27,922 Net Price
• — SAT Range

Johnson & Wales University - Online

• 4 Year (Online)
• Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Sophomore: The app is very easy to follow and understand. The school financial advisors was very helpful on me getting other ways to pay for my tuition. I heard great things about this school through others that went in-person to one of the colleges.
Read 1 Review

• grade unavailable

• 41% Acceptance Rate
• $18,499 Net Price
• — SAT Range