About Bryant University
Bryant University has built its reputation as a business-focused institution where 3,236 students pursue entrepreneurship and professional programs on a suburban Rhode Island campus. The school has produced notable graduates like Stewart Butterfield, who co-founded Slack, and John Hazen White Jr., CEO of Taco Comfort Solutions. Students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio that supports the university's hands-on approach to business education. The acceptance rate of 68.81% makes admission competitive but accessible for motivated students.
The financial picture tells a compelling story about return on investment. While the sticker price reaches $69,507, the average net price drops to $40,846 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $90,008 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $26,849 manageable with monthly payments around $285. The employment rate of 96.8% demonstrates strong career outcomes that justify the investment in a Bryant education.
The student body skews heavily male at 65.95%, reflecting the business and technology focus that attracts more men than women. With 720 athletes competing in 21 Division I sports, the Bulldogs maintain a strong athletic presence that balances the career-focused academic culture. Nearly 92% of students live on campus, creating a tight-knit community despite the school's proximity to Providence.
The financial picture tells a compelling story about return on investment. While the sticker price reaches $69,507, the average net price drops to $40,846 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $90,008 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $26,849 manageable with monthly payments around $285. The employment rate of 96.8% demonstrates strong career outcomes that justify the investment in a Bryant education.
The student body skews heavily male at 65.95%, reflecting the business and technology focus that attracts more men than women. With 720 athletes competing in 21 Division I sports, the Bulldogs maintain a strong athletic presence that balances the career-focused academic culture. Nearly 92% of students live on campus, creating a tight-knit community despite the school's proximity to Providence.
Academics & Faculty
Bryant University built its reputation as a business powerhouse, with entrepreneurship and finance programs that consistently rank among the best in New England. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, not just ID numbers. This personalized attention shows in the numbers: 81.53% of students graduate in four years, well above the national average. The Archway Investment Fund gives students real money to manage, while the Innovation Center helps launch actual startups. Business majors dominate the campus, but Bryant has expanded into data analytics and cybersecurity to meet modern demands. Career services connects students directly to Wall Street and Fortune 500 companies.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 60.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 81.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 80.6%
- Retention Rate
- 86.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $90,008
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $66,287 |
| Applied Mathematics. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $61,516 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $60,821 |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $57,995 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $57,995 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $57,318 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $54,470 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $53,358 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $51,612 |
Campus Life
Bryant's 435-acre campus sits 15 miles outside Providence, where students experience true New England seasons with snowy winters requiring heavy coats and mild summers. The university houses 2,974 students on campus, accommodating nearly all undergraduates in modern residence halls and apartments. With 65.95% male enrollment, the campus leans heavily toward business-minded students who form tight networks through Bryant's strong alumni connections.
The Bulldogs compete in 21 Division I sports, creating weekend energy around hockey and basketball games. Students frequently head to Providence for internships and nightlife, or take day trips to Boston just an hour away. Bryant's location in suburban Smithfield means most social life centers on campus events and the close-knit residence hall communities. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates small class environments where professors know students by name. With a 96.8% employment rate after graduation, career preparation dominates campus culture through networking events, business plan competitions, and the Innovation Center where students launch real companies.
The Bulldogs compete in 21 Division I sports, creating weekend energy around hockey and basketball games. Students frequently head to Providence for internships and nightlife, or take day trips to Boston just an hour away. Bryant's location in suburban Smithfield means most social life centers on campus events and the close-knit residence hall communities. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates small class environments where professors know students by name. With a 96.8% employment rate after graduation, career preparation dominates campus culture through networking events, business plan competitions, and the Innovation Center where students launch real companies.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 2,974 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1863
Campus Safety (2023)
24 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–37°F
- July Avg
- 63°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 51.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 41.5"
Student Demographics
Bryant draws ambitious business students from across the country, with over 90% coming from outside Rhode Island. The student body skews heavily male at nearly 66%, reflecting the university's reputation as a business and entrepreneurship powerhouse. Most students come from middle and upper-middle-class families, with only 10.76% receiving Pell Grants. These are typically career-focused undergraduates who chose Bryant specifically for its strong alumni network in finance and business. The demographics reflect a school that attracts students willing to pay premium tuition for direct pathways into corporate careers.
- Men
- 66.0%
- Women
- 34.1%
- White
- 73.9%
- Black
- 4.5%
- Hispanic
- 8.1%
- Asian
- 3.9%
- In-State Students
- 7.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 10.8%
Location
Bryant University sits in Smithfield, Rhode Island, about 15 miles northwest of Providence. The campus occupies 428 acres in a suburban setting that feels more spacious than typical New England college towns. Rhode Island's small size means students can reach Boston in an hour and New York City in three hours by car. The area blends suburban neighborhoods with New England's characteristic wooded landscapes and stone walls. Only 7.94% of students come from Rhode Island, reflecting the school's draw from across the Northeast corridor. The location offers internship access to Providence's financial district while maintaining a distinct campus feel. Students considering colleges in Rhode Island may also compare Bryant with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917-1291
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $90,008
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $88,644
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $58,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 86.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $285/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,849
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Bryant University?
Bryant University accepts 68.81% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1242. The business-focused university draws students who appreciate its entrepreneurship programs and practical approach to education.
How much does Bryant University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $40,846 annually, down from the full cost of $69,507. Only 10.76% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's appeal to middle and upper-middle class families seeking strong business education.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Bryant University?
Bryant maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio across its 3,236 enrolled students. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and mentorship in its business programs, which have produced notable alumni like Slack co-founder Stewart Butterfield.
What do Bryant University graduates earn after graduation?
Bryant graduates earn a median of $90,008 ten years after graduation with a 96.8% employment rate. The university's strong focus on business education and entrepreneurship helps explain these robust earnings outcomes.
Where is Bryant University located and what is campus life like?
Bryant sits in Smithfield, Rhode Island, a large suburban setting that houses 2,974 students on campus. The campus culture is male-heavy at 65.95% men, creating a distinctive social active around its Division I athletics program.
Does Bryant University have strong athletics programs?
Bryant fields 21 varsity sports in NCAA Division I's America East Conference with 720 total athletes. The university invests $11.78 million in athletic scholarships, demonstrating its commitment to competitive sports alongside business education.
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