Rhode Island College: 87.5% Acceptance Rate

87.5%Acceptance

$10,986Tuition

4,630Students

46%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$56,318Earnings

#7 in Rhode IslandPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Rhode Island College

Rhode Island College has built its reputation as the state's top teacher training institution since 1854. The university serves 4,630 students on its suburban Providence campus, with education programs that have shaped generations of Rhode Island educators. Nearly 85% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community focused on serving local communities. The college has become particularly known for supporting first-generation college students who might not otherwise pursue higher education.

Students pay an average net price of $10,988 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable four-year options in New England. Graduates earn a median of $56,318 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $20,500. The monthly loan payment of $217 represents a manageable burden given the earning potential. Over 41% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve working-class families.

The student body is 69% female, reflecting the college's strength in education and social work fields traditionally dominated by women. The campus houses only 840 students in residence halls, so most students commute from nearby communities. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, classes remain small despite the college's full university status.

Academics & Faculty

Rhode Island College serves as the state's primary teacher preparation institution, graduating more educators than any other Rhode Island college. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors, though the 46% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many first-generation students face. Education remains the flagship program, producing teachers for urban and suburban districts across New England. Social work, nursing, and business programs also draw strong enrollment. As a full public university, RIC offers traditional liberal arts alongside professional programs designed for working students. The college's mission centers on accessibility rather than selectivity, with strong support systems for students who are the first in their families to attend college.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 97.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 45.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 46.2%
Retention Rate: 73.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $56,318
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$104,192
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$71,575
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$65,797
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$65,610
Accounting and Related Services.	Master	$65,387
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Master	$56,641
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.	Certificate	$54,748
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Bachelor	$53,775
Special Education and Teaching.	Master	$52,941
Finance and Financial Management Services.	Bachelor	$52,607

View all 107 programs →

Campus Life

Rhode Island College sits in a residential area of Providence, just minutes from downtown and about an hour from Boston. With only 840 beds for 4,630 students, just 18% live on campus. Most students commute from across Rhode Island, where 84.74% of the student body calls home. You'll need a solid winter coat for snowy New England winters and can enjoy pleasant falls and springs.

The campus buzzes during weekdays but empties on weekends as commuter students head home. With 69.22% women, the student body skews female, reflecting the school's strength in education programs. Many students work part-time jobs to help pay for college, as 41.47% receive Pell Grants. The Anchormen compete in 21 Division III sports, though with no athletic scholarships, games draw modest crowds. Students often hang out in Providence's Federal Hill or Thayer Street areas when they stay for weekends. The diverse student body includes 26.18% Hispanic students and serves many first-generation college students navigating higher education.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 840 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1854

Campus Safety (2023)

21 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Stalking	3	3
Aggravated Assault	4	0
Rape	2	2
Motor Vehicle Theft	3	0
Burglary	1	1
Dating Violence	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 22°–38°F
July Avg: 65°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.5"
Annual Snowfall: 36.6"

Student Demographics

Rhode Island College draws primarily local students, with 85% coming from in-state. Women make up 69% of the student body, reflecting the school's strong reputation in education and social work programs. The campus serves a diverse population where nearly half are students of color, including significant Hispanic and Black communities. With 41% receiving Pell Grants, RIC fulfills its mission as an accessible option for first-generation college students and working families throughout Rhode Island. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio supports these learners who often balance school with work and family responsibilities.

Men: 30.8%
Women: 69.2%
White: 48.8%
Black: 11.7%
Hispanic: 26.2%
Asian: 3.4%
In-State Students: 84.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 41.5%

Location

Rhode Island College sits in Providence, Rhode Island's capital and largest city. The campus occupies a suburban setting within this city of 190,000 residents. Providence anchors southern New England as a major metropolitan area, sitting just 50 miles south of Boston and 180 miles northeast of New York City. The city blends historic colonial architecture with modern urban amenities, featuring a thriving arts scene and diverse neighborhoods. With 84.74% of students coming from in-state, RIC serves as a local anchor for Rhode Island families. The college draws heavily from Providence's working-class communities, reflecting the city's blue-collar heritage and immigrant populations. Students considering colleges in Rhode Island may also compare Rhode Island College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Providence, Rhode Island 02908

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $56,318
Median Earnings (5 years): $57,191
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $35,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 59.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $217/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $20,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Rhode Island College?

Rhode Island College accepts 87.53% of applicants with an average SAT score of 990. The school serves as an accessible pathway to higher education for Rhode Island residents, with 84.74% of students coming from in-state.

How much does Rhode Island College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $10,988, making it one of the most affordable college options in New England. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,674 after aid, while 41.47% of students receive Pell Grants for low-income families.

What academic programs is Rhode Island College known for?

Rhode Island College has built its reputation around strong education programs that prepare teachers for the state's schools. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention, particularly valuable for the many first-generation college students who make up a significant portion of the 4,630 enrolled students.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Rhode Island College?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 46.20%, with graduates earning a median salary of $56,318 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 96.1%, reflecting the practical, career-focused education the college provides.

Where is Rhode Island College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in suburban Providence with housing for 840 students out of the total enrollment of 4,630. The Anchormen compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports with 323 total athletes, creating a close-knit athletic community without the pressure of athletic scholarships.

Does Rhode Island College serve a diverse student population?

The student body is 69.22% women and reflects Rhode Island's changing demographics with 48.81% White, 26.18% Hispanic, and 11.68% Black students. As a public comprehensive university founded in 1854, it has evolved to serve the state's increasingly diverse population while maintaining its mission of educational access.