Best Colleges in Rhode Island

Colleges with online classes offer a flexible option to earn your degree while also balancing many of life's other responsibilities. Check out the most popular online programs of 2023 below.

Best Accredited Colleges

#1 Brown University

Providence, RI

$25651

95%

Established in 1764, Brown University is the seventh-oldest postsecondary school in the United States. A private, Ivy League research institution, Brown offers 80 undergraduate concentrations and 84 graduate programs. Freshmen applicants undergo a rigorous admissions process that requires official transcripts, three recommendation letters, and ACT/SAT scores. The university recommends that candidates also provide results from two SAT subject tests. Through the Brown Promise, all students receive a generous financial aid package that covers 100% of their demonstrated need with scholarships and work-study awards. Undergraduate learners benefit from an open curriculum model that allows them to choose courses that align with their interests as long as they fulfill two specific requirements. First, candidates must take 30 courses in eight semesters. Second, they need to complete at least one concentration. Graduate programs operate under more conventional degree models. Options include biotechnology, cybersecurity, comparative literature, and global public health. Students can also enroll in a dual-degree program to earn both a master of science and a doctor of medicine in population health.

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#2 Providence College

Providence, RI

$36099

84%

A private liberal arts institution, Providence College serves over 4,800 students annually. PC offers a variety of financial aid opportunities, including the Roddy Scholarship for candidates pursuing medical professions. Students pick from 48 undergraduate majors and 14 graduate programs. Bachelor's options include business innovation, health policy and management, Latin American studies, and film. PC also delivers a comprehensive optometry program that enables incoming freshmen to earn a doctorate in optometry in seven years. At the graduate level, programs cover fields like urban teaching, biblical studies, and school counseling. Learners may also pursue a master of business administration, with options for part-time and full-time enrollment as well as a dual-degree track and a cohort accounting program. The school uses a holistic applicant evaluation process that considers academic performance (including curricular rigor), standardized test results, and extracurricular achievements centered on leadership. Transfer candidates need a minimum 3.0 GPA.

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#3 Bryant University

Smithfield, RI

$34663

79%

Located in Smithfield, Bryant University focuses on delivering affordable and student-centric academics. The school's undergraduate catalog contains bachelor's degrees in social entrepreneurship, global supply chain management, Africana and Black studies, and legal studies. Learners can also enroll in a marketing analytics program, which trains them to analyze market, product, and consumer data to drive organizational decision-making and innovation. To help students diversify their studies, Bryant requires all business majors to complete at least one liberal arts minor. Graduate offerings include master's programs in communication, professional accountancy, and physician assisting. The university also offers a campus-based master of business administration that students can earn in one or two years. Alternatively, MBA candidates may obtain their credentials entirely online through a professional track that features five start dates annually. Bryant uses a test-optional policy that allows freshmen applicants to decide whether SAT/ACT performance accurately reflects their academic potential. Graduate admission requirements vary by program but generally include a minimum 3.0 GPA. The university automatically considers all admitted students for scholarships.

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#4 University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI

$18391

63%

Based in Kingston, the University of Rhode Island offers both on-campus and online options to students seeking to get an education. Online students at URI pay in-state tuition regardless of where they live. Resources available to distance learners include a writing center that offers online appointments, access to online tutors who provide one-on-one assistance, and technological support. URI offers one online program: a RN to BSN in nursing that requires students to complete 24 credit hours during courses that last seven weeks. UFI delivers online content asynchronously, and students can complete the program in as little as 15 months. Admission to the online RN to BSN in nursing program requires students to possess an RN license, a minimum 2.6 GPA, and either a nursing diploma or an associate degree in nursing from an ACEN-accredited program of nursing.

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#5 Salve Regina University

Newport, RI

$33997

71%

Salve Regina University regularly receives praise as one of the best regional higher education institutions in the Northern United States. The school enrolls over 2,700 students in 60 undergraduate and graduate programs. Freshmen applicants submit official high school transcripts, two recommendation letters, a personal essay, and ACT/SAT scores. In addition to a regionally accredited bachelor's degree, prospective graduate students typically need to demonstrate relevant professional experience. Bachelor's candidates choose from majors like cultural and historic preservation, marketing, administration of justice, and music. They may also pursue a global business and economics degree that emphasizes ethical leadership for the international sector. High-achieving business students can accelerate their education to earn both a bachelor's and master's in five years. Traditional graduate programs include creative writing, holistic counseling, and applied behavior analysis. Salve also delivers a master of science in nursing and a doctor of nursing practice. DNP candidates gain the advanced research and leadership skills to work as healthcare quality specialists and clinical program directors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best colleges in Rhode Island?

Some of the best colleges in Rhode Island include Brown University, Providence College, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), University of Rhode Island (URI), and Bryant University.

2. How do I apply to colleges in Rhode Island?

To apply to colleges in Rhode Island, you typically need to complete an online application form, submit your high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or essay. Each college may have specific requirements, so it's important to check their websites for detailed instructions.

3. What majors and programs are offered at Rhode Island colleges?

Rhode Island colleges offer a wide range of majors and programs. Some popular areas of study include business, engineering, computer science, art and design, health sciences, education, and liberal arts. Each college has its own unique offerings, so it's best to explore their websites or contact their admissions offices for specific information.

4. How much does tuition cost at Rhode Island colleges?

Tuition costs vary depending on the college and program you choose. Private colleges like Brown University and RISD tend to have higher tuition rates, while public institutions like URI offer more affordable options for in-state students. It's important to research the tuition and financial aid options available at each college to determine the cost that best fits your budget.

5. What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Rhode Island colleges?

The student-to-faculty ratio varies among Rhode Island colleges. Some colleges, like Brown University, have a lower ratio of around 6:1, which allows for more personalized attention and smaller class sizes. Other colleges may have larger ratios, ranging from 15:1 to 20:1. It's important to consider your preferred learning environment when choosing a college.

6. Are there opportunities for internships and co-op programs at Rhode Island colleges?

Yes, many Rhode Island colleges offer opportunities for internships and co-op programs. These programs allow students to gain real-world experience in their field of study and make valuable connections. Colleges often have career services offices that can assist students in finding internships and co-op placements.

7. What is the campus life like at Rhode Island colleges?

Rhode Island colleges offer diverse campus life experiences. Each college has its own unique campus culture, clubs, organizations, and events. Some colleges have a strong focus on sports and athletics, while others emphasize the arts or community service. It's important to visit the campuses and speak with current students to get a sense of the campus life that aligns with your interests.

8. What support services are available for students at Rhode Island colleges?

Rhode Island colleges provide various support services to help students succeed academically and personally. These services may include academic advising, tutoring centers, counseling services, career development resources, health services, and disability support. It's important to familiarize yourself with the support services available at each college to ensure you have the resources you need.

9. Can I transfer credits from a community college to a Rhode Island college?

Yes, many Rhode Island colleges accept transfer credits from community colleges. However, the transfer credit policies may vary between colleges. It's important to consult with the admissions office of the college you plan to transfer to and provide them with your community college transcripts to determine which credits will transfer and count towards your degree.

10. What are the housing options for students at Rhode Island colleges?

Rhode Island colleges typically offer a range of housing options for students, including on-campus dormitories, apartments, and off-campus housing. Some colleges require freshmen to live on campus, while others offer more flexibility. It's important to review the housing policies and options of each college to determine what best suits your preferences and needs.