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Rhode Island Colleges

Small state, big opportunity! Easily compare Rhode Island colleges and find your best fit. Sort the list of Rhode Island colleges by size, price and other stats.

Find the Best Colleges in Rhode Island

Rhode Island is a tiny state, yet 12 accredited colleges and universities fit within its borders — and the Rhode Island college list has something for everyone. The state is home to an Ivy League university, a large public university, a community college with multiple campuses, the federal government’s Naval War College, a top-ranked art school, a leading college of culinary arts, two Catholic colleges and more.
Additional options are available through the Regional Student Program. This tuition discount program supports out-of-state study at many public universities and colleges in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont.

Rhode Island College Statistics

  • Online learning is available from Rhode Island colleges, but the vast majority of students attend class in person. In 2012 approximately 2% of Rhode Island college students took 100% of their courses online. Online degree programs in Rhode Island are offered by the University of Rhode Island, the New England Institute of Technology and private colleges.
  • Public college tuition in Rhode Island cost an average of about $8700 for the 2014-2015 academic year. The most expensive public school in Rhode Island is the University of Rhode Island. The least expensive is the Community College of Rhode Island, which charged about $3600 for tuition in 2014-2015.
  • Financial aid significantly reduces college expenses in Rhode Island. For instance, in 2014-2015 about 90% of students at the University of Rhode Island received need-based financial aid. They saved an average of $16,000 each. The 10% of students not qualifying for need-based aid got financial assistance too; the averaged merit-based award was about $6000.

Find the perfect Rhode Island college for you using our search tool below.

Rank School Name City State Net Cost School Level Retention Rate Distance Learning
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Rhode Island Fun Facts & More Education Stats

  • Rhode Island has the longest name of any US state. It’s officially named “State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.”
  • Rhode Island is the smallest state in terms of area. It measures just 48 miles north to south and 37 miles east to west. Nearly 4000 Rhode Islands could fit into a US map. More than 400 Rhode Islands could fit into Alaska.
  • This state has a large population considering its land area. Rhode Island is the second most densely populated state. The most densely populated state is New Jersey.
  • The oldest schoolhouse still standing in the US is located in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. It was built in 1716.
  • The oldest bar still standing and operating in the US is the White Horse tavern. It was built in Rhode Island in 1673. Also, Rhode Island never approved Prohibition.
  • Portsmouth, Rhode Island was the first American town established by a woman. Anne Hutchinson founded Portsmouth in 1640.
  • Rhode Island was the first state to prohibit slavery. Its oldest anti-slavery law was passed in 1652.
  • Ethnic diversity has climbed at Rhode Island colleges and universities over the past few decades. In 1980 only about 5% of Rhode Island college students identified as racial minorities. Today more than 20% identify as minorities.
  • Mr. Potato Head is the state’s official family travel ambassador. His manufacturer, Hasbro, is headquartered in Pawtucket.

Make your list of best Rhode Island college programs! Compare Rhode Island college tuitions, admission rates and other stats with our free search tool.