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Small Colleges in Rhode Island

10 schools in Rhode Island. See our methodology.

Rhode Island School of Design stands apart with the state's most selective admissions at just 17.4% acceptance, while graduates earn $68,140 annually in creative fields that fuel the Ocean State's growing design economy. The cost spectrum spans dramatically from Rhode Island College's $10,988 net price to RISD's $46,253, reflecting different pathways into Rhode Island's defense contractors, healthcare systems, and education sector. Bryant University graduates command the highest earnings at $90,008, capitalizing on the state's finance and business opportunities. Providence College maintains an 87.9% graduation rate, nearly double that of Rhode Island College at 46.2%, yet both serve essential roles in preparing workers for the state's major employers like Raytheon and CVS Health. The RI Promise program covers community college tuition, creating transfer pathways that make these four-year options more accessible to students seeking careers in the state's key industries.
10
Schools
$32,754
Avg. Net Price
$64,476
Avg. Earnings
69.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Small Colleges in Rhode Island

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 2,090 $46,253 88.5% 17.4%
2 4,170 $45,538 87.9% 52.8%
3 3,236 $40,846 80.6% 68.8%
4 2,102 $35,682 74.9% 69.5%
5 4,630 $10,988 46.2% 87.5%
6 3,957 $38,123 66.6% 91.0%
7 1,712 $36,906 57.5% 74.5%
8 3,913 $32,478 54.9% 83.4%
9 1,980 $21,611 67.5%
10 398 $19,116

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Rhode Island School of Design so selective compared to other small colleges in the state?

RISD accepts only 17.4% of applicants, making it the most competitive small college in Rhode Island. This reflects the school's specialized focus on art and design, attracting applicants nationwide for just 2,090 enrollment spots. Graduates earn $68,140 annually in creative industries.

How do earnings vary among graduates from Rhode Island's small colleges?

Bryant University leads with graduates earning $90,008 annually, while Johnson & Wales graduates start at $43,418. This $46,590 gap reflects different career paths, with Bryant focusing on business and finance while Johnson & Wales emphasizes hospitality and culinary arts.

Is Rhode Island College a good value despite its lower graduation rate?

At $10,988 net cost, Rhode Island College costs $25,000 less than most private alternatives. While its 46.2% graduation rate trails others, graduates earn $56,318 annually. The school serves 4,630 students, many working while attending college.

Does the RI Promise program affect college choice for students?

RI Promise covers two years of community college, creating pathways to four-year schools. This helps students transfer to institutions like Rhode Island College or Roger Williams University while reducing overall debt before entering the state's defense and healthcare job markets.

Where do most small college graduates work in Rhode Island's economy?

Graduates enter defense (Raytheon, General Dynamics), healthcare (CVS Health, Lifespan), and education sectors. Bryant's business graduates often join finance companies, while New England Institute of Technology's 1,712 students prepare for technical roles earning $48,684 annually.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.