Best Colleges in Rhode Island (2026)
23 colleges ranked by graduate earnings, acceptance rates, and outcomes — powered by federal data from the U.S. Department of Education.
23
Colleges
$56,328
Avg Earnings (10yr)
$26,706
Avg Net Price
62%
Avg Admit Rate
69%
Avg Grad Rate
State Overview
Rhode Island is home to 23 colleges and universities, ranging from research universities to community colleges. Brown University leads the state in graduate earnings, with state alumni earning $56,328 on average ten years after enrollment. Whether you're looking for a flagship research university, a liberal arts college, or a career-focused program, Rhode Island offers diverse options across all price points.
Quick Facts — Rhode Island Colleges
Top 10 Colleges in Rhode Island by Graduate Earnings
Ranked by median earnings 10 years after enrollment. Public and private nonprofit only.
Admit
70%
Net Price
$35,682
Grad Rate
75%
Earnings
$72,975
Admit
88%
Net Price
$38,123
Grad Rate
67%
Earnings
$70,266
Admit
N/A
Net Price
N/A
Grad Rate
N/A
Earnings
$70,266
Admit
14%
Net Price
$46,253
Grad Rate
90%
Earnings
$68,140
Admit
73%
Net Price
$36,906
Grad Rate
54%
Earnings
$48,684
Most Affordable Colleges in Rhode Island
Lowest average net price after grants and scholarships. Public and private nonprofit only.
Newport, RI
79% grad rate
Popular Majors
Compare the best colleges for top fields of study — ranked by graduate earnings nationwide.
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Find my Rhode Island collegeAll Colleges in Rhode Island
All 23 accredited institutions. Click column headers to sort.
| School | City | Type | Admit Rate | Net Price | Grad Rate | Earnings (10yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brown University | Providence | Private Nonprofit | 5% | $26,572 | 95% | $93,487 |
| Bryant University | Smithfield | Private Nonprofit | 66% | $40,846 | 82% | $90,008 |
| COLLECTIV Academy-Cranston | Cranston | Private For-Profit | N/A | $18,493 | 73% | N/A |
| College Unbound | Providence | Private Nonprofit | N/A | $19,116 | N/A | N/A |
| College Unbound - Newport/Aquidneck Island | Newport | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Community College of Rhode Island | Warwick | Public | N/A | $5,240 | 24% | $42,659 |
| Empire Beauty School-Warwick | Providence | Private For-Profit | N/A | $19,633 | 68% | $23,589 |
| IYRS School of Technology & Trades | Newport | Private Nonprofit | 80% | $18,436 | 79% | N/A |
| Johnson & Wales University-Online | Providence | Private Nonprofit | 54% | $21,611 | N/A | $43,418 |
| Johnson & Wales University-Providence | Providence | Private Nonprofit | 84% | $32,478 | 57% | $43,418 |
| Lincoln Technical Institute-Lincoln | Lincoln | Private For-Profit | N/A | $30,860 | 63% | $31,914 |
| MotoRing Technical Training Institute | East Providence | Private For-Profit | N/A | $19,403 | 90% | $48,281 |
| New England Institute of Technology | East Greenwich | Private Nonprofit | 73% | $36,906 | 54% | $48,684 |
| New England Tractor Trailer Training School of Rhode Island | Pawtucket | Private For-Profit | N/A | $15,411 | 72% | $53,085 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Rhode Island | Cranston | Private For-Profit | N/A | $32,626 | 52% | $26,897 |
| Providence College | Providence | Private Nonprofit | 49% | $45,538 | 87% | $87,054 |
| Rhode Island College | Providence | Public | 81% | $10,988 | 45% | $56,318 |
| Rhode Island School of Design | Providence | Private Nonprofit | 14% | $46,253 | 90% | $68,140 |
| Rob Roy Academy - Woonsocket | Woonsocket | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $30,033 |
| Roger Williams University | Bristol | Private Nonprofit | 88% | $38,123 | 67% | $70,266 |
| Roger Williams University School of Law | Bristol | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $70,266 |
| Salve Regina University | Newport | Private Nonprofit | 70% | $35,682 | 75% | $72,975 |
| University of Rhode Island | Kingston | Public | 77% | $19,899 | 71% | $69,743 |
Showing 23 of 23 schools