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Best Colleges in Rhode Island 2026

Rankings based on graduation rates, earnings, selectivity, and affordability. See our methodology.

Rhode Island's top colleges blend academic excellence with distinct institutional strengths, offering students quality education in a compact state setting. The top 5 schools include 4 private institutions and 1 public university, reflecting the state's strong independent college tradition. Brown University leads with its open curriculum and Ivy League resources, while specialized programs like RISD's art and design focus set certain schools apart. When evaluating Rhode Island's 10 qualifying institutions, students should consider program strength, campus culture, and financial aid packages. The state's small size allows for close faculty relationships and tight-knit communities, but students should also weigh location preferences and career support services when making their choice.
11
Schools Ranked
$67,523
Avg. Earnings
68.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Top 11 Schools

College rankings
# School Graduation Rate Median Earnings Acceptance Rate In-State Tuition
1 95.9% $93,487 5.1% $68,230
2 88.5% $68,140 17.4% $59,760
3 87.9% $87,054 52.8% $60,848
4 71.0% $69,743 76.4% $16,408
5 80.6% $90,008 68.8% $51,169
6 74.9% $72,975 69.5% $47,930
7 46.2% $56,318 87.5% $10,986
8 66.6% $70,266 91.0% $42,666
9 25.0% $42,659 $5,326
10 57.5% $48,684 74.5% $35,625
11 54.9% $43,418 83.4% $40,408

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See our methodology for how rankings are calculated.