Colleges in Rhode Island

There are 15 accredited colleges and universities in Rhode Island. They admit an average of 60% of applicants, and the average net price after aid is $29,746 per year. Compare acceptance rates, SAT/ACT scores, and net prices — and see your personal admission chances for free.

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By Admit Coach editorial · GPTKIDS LLC · Methodology · Updated August 2026

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Top Colleges in Rhode Island

The most selective and highly ranked accredited universities in Rhode Island. Click any school for its acceptance rate, SAT/ACT scores, net price, and a free admission-chance estimate.

UniversityLocationAcceptance Rate
Brown UniversityProvidence, RI5%
Rhode Island School of DesignProvidence, RI16%
Providence CollegeProvidence, RI49%
Bryant UniversitySmithfield, RI66%
Salve Regina UniversityNewport, RI70%
University of Rhode IslandKingston, RI77%
Roger Williams UniversityBristol, RI88%
Johnson & Wales University-ProvidenceProvidence, RI84%
Johnson & Wales University-OnlineProvidence, RI54%
Rhode Island CollegeProvidence, RI81%
New England Institute of TechnologyEast Greenwich, RI73%
Roger Williams University School of LawBristol, RI
College UnboundProvidence, RI
Providence Veterans Affairs Medical CenterProvidence, RI
Community College of Rhode IslandWarwick, RI

Data from IPEDS & College Scorecard. Browse all 3,500+ universities →

Most Affordable Colleges in Rhode Island

Universities in Rhode Island with the lowest average net price after grants and scholarships (federal College Scorecard data).

UniversityLocationAvg Net Price
Community College of Rhode IslandWarwick, RI$6,513
Rhode Island CollegeProvidence, RI$9,478

Data from IPEDS & College Scorecard. Browse all 3,500+ universities →

Frequently Asked Questions

How many colleges are in Rhode Island?

There are 15 accredited colleges and universities in Rhode Island in Admit Coach's database, sourced from federal IPEDS data. They admit an average of 60% of applicants and cost about $29,746 per year after aid.

What is the best college in Rhode Island?

Brown University is the highest nationally ranked university in Rhode Island. The best college depends on your major, budget, and admission chances, though. Admit Coach ranks all 15 Rhode Island colleges by your personal fit using your GPA and test scores, not just national reputation.

What is the average cost of college in Rhode Island?

The average net price — the real cost after grants and scholarships — at colleges in Rhode Island is about $29,746 per year. Admit Coach shows net price by five income brackets for every school, so you see the estimate for your family's income bracket, not just the sticker price.

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