About University of Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island stands out for its ocean engineering and marine science research programs, fitting for a state surrounded by water. The 13,822 students learn from the same institution that produced Robert Ballard, the explorer who discovered the Titanic wreck, and NBA Hall of Famer Chris Mullin. URI's suburban Kingston campus gives students space to focus while staying connected to research opportunities that make the university nationally known for marine studies.
Students pay an average net price of $19,899 after financial aid, making this public research university accessible to middle-class families. Graduates earn a median of $69,743 ten years after leaving school, while carrying typical debt of $22,250. The monthly loan payment of $236 represents a manageable burden given the strong earning potential, especially for engineering and marine science graduates who command premium salaries.
URI attracts students from across the region, with 60% coming from out of state despite the $35,804 non-resident tuition. The 84% retention rate shows students stick around once they arrive. As Atlantic 10 Conference competitors, the Rams field 15 varsity sports with 502 student-athletes. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio ensures access to professors while maintaining the research university atmosphere that drives URI's reputation.
Students pay an average net price of $19,899 after financial aid, making this public research university accessible to middle-class families. Graduates earn a median of $69,743 ten years after leaving school, while carrying typical debt of $22,250. The monthly loan payment of $236 represents a manageable burden given the strong earning potential, especially for engineering and marine science graduates who command premium salaries.
URI attracts students from across the region, with 60% coming from out of state despite the $35,804 non-resident tuition. The 84% retention rate shows students stick around once they arrive. As Atlantic 10 Conference competitors, the Rams field 15 varsity sports with 502 student-athletes. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio ensures access to professors while maintaining the research university atmosphere that drives URI's reputation.
Academics & Faculty
URI built its reputation around ocean engineering and marine science, taking advantage of its coastal Rhode Island location to become a leader in underwater research. The university operates as a public research institution where students can access modern marine facilities and work alongside faculty who study everything from shipwrecks to coastal erosion. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay manageable despite the 13,822-person enrollment. The 71% graduation rate reflects solid academic support, though some students take longer to complete degrees in demanding STEM fields. Ocean engineering remains the crown jewel program, but URI has expanded into pharmacy, nursing, and business while maintaining its maritime identity.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 65.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 71.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 71.0%
- Retention Rate
- 84.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $69,743
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $113,894 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $109,286 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $73,720 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,693 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,473 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $67,995 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,332 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $65,557 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $63,997 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,880 |
Campus Life
The Kingston campus sits 30 miles south of Providence, where 46% of the 13,822 students live in residence halls among rolling hills and historic brick buildings. New England winters mean heavy coats and snow boots from December through March, while spring brings perfect weather for the popular quad activities. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio creates manageable class sizes, though you'll notice the research university atmosphere in labs and lecture halls.
Weekends center around Ram basketball games and the legendary "Beach Weekend" tradition each spring. Students drive 15 minutes to Narragansett Beach or explore Newport's mansions when they need a break from campus life. The 84% retention rate reflects strong school spirit, particularly around the ocean engineering program that attracts students worldwide. Greek life influences social scenes, while the graduate school presence adds academic seriousness to daily life. With 60% of students from out of state, you'll meet people from across New England and beyond, creating a diverse community despite the predominantly white student body at 74%.
Weekends center around Ram basketball games and the legendary "Beach Weekend" tradition each spring. Students drive 15 minutes to Narragansett Beach or explore Newport's mansions when they need a break from campus life. The 84% retention rate reflects strong school spirit, particularly around the ocean engineering program that attracts students worldwide. Greek life influences social scenes, while the graduate school presence adds academic seriousness to daily life. With 60% of students from out of state, you'll meet people from across New England and beyond, creating a diverse community despite the predominantly white student body at 74%.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 6,379 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1892
Campus Safety (2023)
43 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 10 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Stalking | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–39°F
- July Avg
- 60°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 52.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 30.2"
Student Demographics
URI draws a mix of local Rhode Island students and out-of-state residents seeking marine science programs, with 40% coming from in-state. The student body leans female, reflecting strong programs in nursing, education, and marine sciences that traditionally attract more women. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing the university serves middle-class families alongside more affluent students. The blend of local Ocean State pride and national recognition in specialized fields like ocean engineering creates a campus where New England roots meet global research ambitions.
- Men
- 42.1%
- Women
- 57.9%
- White
- 73.9%
- Black
- 4.8%
- Hispanic
- 11.5%
- Asian
- 3.2%
- In-State Students
- 40.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 21.2%
Location
Kingston sits in southern Rhode Island, about 30 miles south of Providence and roughly 100 miles from Boston. The campus sprawls across 1,200 acres in what feels more like a college town than a typical suburb. Students are just six miles from the Rhode Island beaches, making URI one of the few major universities where you can study oceanography in the morning and surf in the afternoon. The surrounding area blends New England charm with coastal access. Nearly 60% of students come from out of state, drawn partly by this unique seaside location. Students considering colleges in Rhode Island may also compare University of Rhode Island with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Kingston, Rhode Island 02881
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $69,743
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $67,282
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $42,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 69.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $236/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Rhode Island?
URI accepts 76% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a public research university. Students typically need SAT scores between 1050-1270 to be competitive. The school attracts students interested in marine science and engineering programs.
How much does University of Rhode Island cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $19,899 annually after aid. In-state tuition runs $16,408 while out-of-state students pay $35,804. Graduates leave with a median debt of $22,250 and monthly loan payments of $236.
What is University of Rhode Island known for academically?
URI built its reputation on ocean engineering and marine science research programs. The university operates as a public research institution with a student-faculty ratio of 17:1. Students benefit from proximity to the Atlantic Ocean for hands-on marine research.
What are the job prospects after graduating from University of Rhode Island?
URI graduates achieve a 96.4% employment rate within six months of graduation. Alumni earn a median salary of $69,743 ten years after graduation. The 71% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's focus on getting students to the finish line.
Where is University of Rhode Island located and what is campus life like?
The Kingston campus sits in a large suburban setting with housing for 6,379 students out of 13,822 total enrollment. Women make up 58% of the student body while 40% come from in-state. The Rams compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 15 varsity sports.
Is University of Rhode Island connected to any famous discoveries?
Alumni Robert Ballard discovered the Titanic wreck, putting URI's oceanographic programs on the world map. The university's motto "Think Big. We Do." reflects this tradition of significant research achievements. URI continues to lead in marine science research and ocean exploration.
