Rankings / By State

Best Colleges in Rhode Island

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 11 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$67,523

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

69%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$31,395

Avg. Net Price

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Choosing a college can feel overwhelming, especially when weighing options in a specific state like Rhode Island. With 11 colleges to consider, each institution brings unique strengths and challenges. Understanding what these schools have in common can help families make informed decisions about their educational paths.

The schools on this list stand out for their graduation rates, post-graduate earnings, and manageable debt levels. For instance, the average earnings across these colleges is $67,523, and the average graduation rate is 69%. These metrics matter because they provide insight into the long-term value of a college degree and its ability to support students in achieving financial stability.

Take Brown University and the University of Rhode Island, for example. Brown boasts impressive earnings of $93,487 with a graduation rate of 96%, while URI’s earnings are lower at $69,743 and it has a 72% graduation rate. This contrast illustrates the tradeoffs students might face: a higher net price at Brown versus URI's more affordable tuition. It's crucial to consider both the financial implications and potential outcomes as you scroll through the rankings below.

Key Findings

Brown University graduates earn an average of $93,487, the highest in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island College has a graduation rate of only 47%, the lowest among these schools.

The average debt for a graduate from Bryant University is $26,849.

Community College of Rhode Island offers the lowest net price at $6,513.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 11

Avg. earnings at 10yr $67,523

Avg. graduation rate 69%

Avg. net price $31,395

Avg. median debt $22,050

How We Ranked

Composite score for institutions in Rhode Island

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

Brown University

Providence, RI

Graduation96%

Earnings$93,487

Net Price$25,184

View full profile →

Rhode Island College

Providence, RI

Graduation47%

Earnings$56,318

Net Price$9,478

View full profile →

University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI

Graduation72%

Earnings$69,743

Net Price$21,440

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

Brown University

Providence, RI · 7,226 students · Private nonprofit

With a graduation rate of 96%, Brown University demonstrates a strong commitment to student success. The school’s unique open curriculum encourages students to explore diverse fields, allowing them to tailor their education to their interests and career goals. This flexibility can lead to a rewarding academic experience and a well-rounded skill set that employers value.

5% accepted 96% graduate $93,487 earnings

Rhode Island College

Providence, RI · 5,049 students · Public

Rhode Island College may not have the highest graduation rate, at 47%, but it serves as an accessible gateway to higher education for many. With a 92% acceptance rate, the college welcomes a wide range of students who are looking for a supportive environment to pursue their academic and career aspirations. The college’s commitment to inclusivity is evident with 42% of students receiving Pell Grants, reflecting its dedication to serving lower-income families.

92% accepted 47% graduate $56,318 earnings

University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI · 13,381 students · Public

At the University of Rhode Island, students benefit from a rich academic experience in a vibrant coastal setting. With a graduation rate of 72%, the university strikes a balance between accessibility and quality education. A diverse student body, including 22% Pell Grant recipients, reflects its commitment to supporting students from various economic backgrounds and fostering an inclusive campus community.

72% accepted 72% graduate $69,743 earnings

University's full profile

Community College of Rhode Island

Warwick, RI · 11,171 students · Public

For many students, the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) serves as a crucial stepping stone to higher education. With a graduation rate of just 26%, the college recognizes the challenges many face in completing their degrees, yet it remains a vital resource for those seeking to improve their skills and knowledge. The affordable tuition and accessible programs allow students to explore their interests without the burden of high costs.

26% graduate $42,659 earnings

Community's full profile

Bryant University

Smithfield, RI · 3,194 students · Private nonprofit

With a median earning of $90,008 at ten years after graduation, Bryant University in Smithfield, RI, presents a compelling case for prospective students. The school's 80% graduation rate indicates that most students successfully complete their degrees, setting them up for strong financial futures in the workforce.

65% accepted 80% graduate $90,008 earnings

Bryant's full profile

Providence College

Providence, RI · 4,229 students · Private nonprofit

At Providence College, where 87% of students graduate, the focus is on academic excellence and student success. The school's strong commitment to education is reflected in its median earnings of $87,054 after ten years, demonstrating a solid return on investment for graduates entering the job market.

51% accepted 87% graduate $87,054 earnings

Providence's full profile

Salve Regina University

Newport, RI · 2,121 students · Private nonprofit

Salve Regina University, located in scenic Newport, RI, is home to a tight-knit community of 2,121 students. While it has a graduation rate of 76%, the university fosters an environment where students are encouraged to engage deeply with their studies, leading to a median earning of $72,975 at ten years post-graduation.

68% accepted 76% graduate $72,975 earnings

Rhode Island School of Design

Providence, RI · 2,084 students · Private nonprofit

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) attracts creative minds with its strong graduation rate of 89%. Graduates can expect to earn about $68,140 within ten years, reflecting the value of a degree in the arts and design fields, which can lead to fulfilling careers in various creative industries.

19% accepted 89% graduate $68,140 earnings

Roger Williams University

Bristol, RI · 3,946 students · Private nonprofit

With a median earning of $70,266 ten years after graduation, Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI, presents a compelling option for students looking to build a successful career. The university's robust programs and supportive environment help the 3,946 students thrive, leading to a graduation rate of 68%.

88% accepted 68% graduate $70,266 earnings

New England Institute of Technology

East Greenwich, RI · 1,718 students · Private nonprofit

For those interested in hands-on learning and technical fields, the New England Institute of Technology in East Greenwich, RI, is worth a serious look. The school has a focused approach to career readiness, reflected in its 59% graduation rate and a supportive size of 1,718 students, making it a close-knit community.

67% accepted 59% graduate $48,684 earnings

Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Providence, RI · 3,868 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Providence, RI, Johnson & Wales University attracts students with its blend of academic rigor and career-oriented programs. Although the graduation rate sits at 55%, the university fosters a vibrant community of 3,868 students, many of whom find their niche in various professional pathways.

88% accepted 55% graduate $43,418 earnings

Johnson's full profile

When we look closely at the data, a clear pattern emerges. Brown University outperforms the University of Rhode Island not just in earnings but also in graduation rates. Brown's 96% graduation rate contrasts sharply with URI's 72%. This suggests that while URI may be a more affordable option, students at Brown are more likely to complete their degrees and earn significantly higher incomes after graduation.

After reviewing the list, think about what matters most to you. If affordability is a priority, consider Community College of Rhode Island, where the net price is just $6,513. On the other hand, if long-term earnings are your main concern, Brown University stands out with a high average income of $93,487. Balance these metrics with factors like program fit, campus culture, and location to find the right match for your needs.

The journey from college to a stable life is shaped by the choices we make today. A family weighing their options in Rhode Island must recognize that attending a school with strong outcomes can impact their future significantly. The decision made now can influence not just earnings, but also long-term career satisfaction and stability. It’s about finding a school that aligns with both financial and personal aspirations.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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