POPULATION (2021): 1.1 million
CAPITAL: Providence
LARGEST PUBLIC UNIVERSITY IN RHODE ISLAND: University of Rhode Island
LARGEST PRIVATE UNIVERSITY IN RHODE ISLAND: Brown University
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the country by land size, and it’s also one of the least populous. However, there are still a few very prestigious colleges and universities in the state, including Brown University, one of the most difficult Ivy League schools to get into in the country, and for good reason.
The New England state has 4 seasons, and even though it is small, there is a vast difference between the cities in Rhode Island, and the rural areas with beautiful rolling hills and a lot of waterways to enjoy. Proximity-wise, it’s quite close to many of the biggest cities in America, such as New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C., meaning a lot of opportunities for internships during college, and employment when it’s over.
Universities in Rhode Island- 4-Year Colleges and Online
There are 13 colleges and universities in Rhode Island that offer 4-year degrees. Here’s a look!
Public Universities in Rhode Island
There are only 2 public universities in Rhode Island that offer 4-year degrees, but both the University of Rhode Island in Kingston and Rhode Island College in the capital of Providence offer a big school feel to students. Additionally, there are several state-run community colleges.
Private Universities in Rhode Island
Brown University headlines the private universities in Rhode Island, but Johson & Wales University, Roger Williams University, Providence College, Bryant University, Salve Regina University, Rhode Island School of Design, and the New England Institute of Technology all offer 4-year degree programs.
Community Colleges in Rhode Island
There are 6 campuses for the Community Colleges of Rhode Island, each with a pathway for transfer to one of the 2 state universities.
- Knight Campus (Warwick)
- Flanagan Campus (Lincoln)
- Liston Campus (Providence)
- Newport County Campus
- Westerly Campus
- Woonsocket Campus
Prominent Online Colleges in Rhode Island
Several of the colleges in Rhode Island offer some form of online education, but for full degree programs, the University of Rhode Island on the public side, and Johnson & Wales University-Online have the most to offer online college students in Rhode Island.
Get to Know Rhode Island
Rhode Island is small in stature, but big in charm. The people are friendly, it’s close to several booming cities, and has some coastline to relax on, too! The proximity to big cities while still being quiet and quaint makes it very enticing to many people, both college-age and otherwise. Be sure to enjoy one of the many festivals in Providence in the summer!
| Institution Name | City | State | Website | Degree Levels Offered | Modality | Profit Status (CNTLAFFI) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brown University | Providence | RI | www.brown.edu | Bachelors Masters Doctorate |
Campus | No |
| Bryant University | Smithfield | RI | www.bryant.edu | Bachelors Masters |
Campus | No |
| College Unbound | Providence | RI | collegeunbound.org | Bachelors |
Campus | No |
| Community College of Rhode Island | Warwick | RI | www.ccri.edu | Certificates Associates |
Campus | No |
| Empire Beauty School-Warwick | Providence | RI | www.empire.edu | Certificates |
Campus | No |
| IYRS School of Technology & Trades | Newport | RI | www.iyrs.edu | Certificates |
Campus | No |
| Johnson & Wales University-Online | Providence | RI | online.jwu.edu | Bachelors Masters Doctorate |
Online | No |
| Johnson & Wales University-Providence | Providence | RI | www.jwu.edu | Certificates Associates Bachelors Masters Doctorate |
Campus | No |
| Lincoln Technical Institute-Lincoln | Lincoln | RI | www.lincolntech.edu | Certificates |
Campus | No |
| MKG Beauty & Business | Cranston | RI | www.mkgacademy.edu | Certificates |
Campus | No |
| MotoRing Technical Training Institute | East Providence | RI | www.mtti.edu | Certificates |
Campus | No |
| New England Institute of Technology | East Greenwich | RI | www.neit.edu | Associates Bachelors Masters Doctorate |
Campus | No |
| New England Tractor Trailer Training School of Rhode Island | Pawtucket | RI | www.nettts.com | Certificates |
Campus | No |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Rhode Island | Cranston | RI | paulmitchell.edu | Certificates |
Campus | No |
| Providence College | Providence | RI | www.providence.edu | Certificates Associates Bachelors Masters |
Campus | No |
| Rhode Island College | Providence | RI | www.ric.edu | Certificates Bachelors Masters Doctorate |
Campus | No |
| Rhode Island School of Design | Providence | RI | www.risd.edu | Bachelors Masters |
Campus | No |
| Roger Williams University | Bristol | RI | www.rwu.edu | Certificates Associates Bachelors Masters |
Campus | No |
| Roger Williams University School of Law | Bristol | RI | law.rwu.edu | Masters Doctorate |
Campus | No |
| Salve Regina University | Newport | RI | www.salve.edu | Associates Bachelors Masters Doctorate |
Campus | No |
| Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy-Cranston | Cranston | RI | rhodeisland.toniguy.edu | Certificates |
Campus | No |
| University of Rhode Island | Kingston | RI | web.uri.edu | Certificates Bachelors Masters Doctorate |
Campus | No |