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2020 Top Private Universities in Rhode IslandAbout this List

The Top Private Universities ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along for millions of reviews from students and alumni. The ranking compares top private colleges and universities in each state. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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  1. Brown University

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 977 reviews
    #1 Top Private Universities 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 977 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,651 Net Price
    • 1400-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. Rhode Island School of Design

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 315 reviews
    #2 Top Private Universities in Rhode Island

    Alum: Excellent environment to grow artistically. Programs are rigorous and quite demanding on your time and skill levels. School is more for students who are brainy and critical thinkers so if you are just trying to build technical skills, this school is not for you. You'll run into best of the best many times over so it challenges you to be better! Campus life is so much fun and quite unique.
    Read 315 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 32% Acceptance Rate
    • $39,777 Net Price
    • 1130-1370 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. Providence College

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 773 reviews
    #3 Top Private Universities in Rhode Island

    Sophomore: One thing I love about PC is the small-campus community feel while being able to see a new face every day. Being in Providence means there is always something to do or new to try. While it may not be the safest city, campus security helps make PC feel like it is in its own "bubble". Even though the food is not the best on campus, do not feel discouraged because the food off campus is always a hit! Dorms are mostly average, some are great while some of the older buildings definitely need renovation. Athletics are a big plus to this school whether you will be playing or in the audience. The school is strongly affiliated with the Catholic faith, however, all of the professors and Dominican Friars will be welcoming of all religious backgrounds. Also, PC may be lacking in diversity but I can tell they are trying to be more inclusive, especially when it comes to clubs and organizations. Overall, a great (and expensive) school. I am very proud to call myself a Friar!
    Read 773 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 52% Acceptance Rate
    • $36,099 Net Price
    • 1160-1330 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  4. Bryant University

    • 4 Year
    • Smithfield, RI
    • 1,009 reviews
    #4 Top Private Universities in Rhode Island

    Sophomore: I'm a person who does not like to be away from home, after my first year (living on campus) I found that I've really evolved as a person. I love the community Bryant stands for. I'm glad to call it my home away from home! If there's anything I would change it would be a better interview/analysis of some of the professors. Some of the ones I had my first year sucked, and need more training to better teach/help the students with material.
    Read 1,009 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 73% Acceptance Rate
    • $34,663 Net Price
    • 1050-1220 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. Salve Regina University

    • 4 Year
    • Newport, RI
    • 692 reviews
    #5 Top Private Universities in Rhode Island

    Freshman: Salve Regina University is an amazing school! I toured many colleges but no other school is like Salve Regina University. The campus is beautiful. The campus is right next to the ocean and it is surrounded by historic mansions. It is also a very safe campus. All the professors are so nice and welcoming. The professors are very eager to help their students become successful. The Salve community is very welcoming and their are many clubs and athletic teams to participate in. The school offers different dorm options. All the dorms are very nice. The food selection is awesome. The cafeteria has all different types of foods, drinks, and snacks.
    Read 692 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $33,997 Net Price
    • 1020-1190 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Roger Williams University

    • 4 Year
    • Bristol, RI
    • 885 reviews

    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 885 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 82% Acceptance Rate
    • $36,862 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. New England Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • East Greenwich, RI
    • 371 reviews

    Freshman: Overall I like NEIT because of the hands on experience you get in your field almost immediately. It focuses strictly on the career path that you are choosing and the schedule is already set up so you don't waste anytime getting the degree you want. I love that it also focuses helping students get jobs in their career field after school. There is internships built into the degree program, and they have job fairs with prospective employers multiple times a year. The campus is all up to date facilities and infrastructure. From my experience the teachers all have lots of experience in their field and are knowledgeable in their subject matter. The only negative thing is the price to go here.
    Read 371 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $30,538 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  8. Johnson & Wales University- Providence

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 2,698 reviews

    Sophomore: Love the program and the staff, instructors, and chefs are great! They are very dedicated to their field and ensuring student success! Also, there are lots of ways to get involved on campus and in the city of Providence.
    Read 2,698 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 88% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,165 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  9. Roger Williams University School of Law

    • Bristol, RI
    • 11 reviews

    Freshman: This campus is absolutely gorgeous and in a very culturally rich area. The administrators are very easy to approach and are always available to help. I am very eager to begin my journey at Roger Williams University School of Law.
    Read 11 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • — Acceptance Rate
    • — Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  12. Sponsored

    Johnson & Wales University- Providence

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 2,698 reviews

    Sophomore: Love the program and the staff, instructors, and chefs are great! They are very dedicated to their field and ensuring student success! Also, there are lots of ways to get involved on campus and in the city of Providence.
    Read 2,698 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 88% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,165 Net Price
    Will You Get In?
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