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Suburban Colleges in Rhode Island

7 schools in Rhode Island. See our methodology.

Bryant University graduates earn $90,008 annually, the highest among Rhode Island's suburban colleges, reflecting strong connections to the state's finance and healthcare sectors. The $29,858 gap between Bryant's $40,846 net price and Rhode Island College's $10,988 cost represents one of the largest pricing spreads in New England higher education. State residents benefit from the RI Promise program covering community college costs, creating pathways to four-year institutions. Acceptance rates across these seven schools range from 68.8% to 91.0%, with most maintaining accessible admission standards. The University of Rhode Island serves as the state's flagship with 13,822 students in Kingston, while specialized institutions like New England Institute of Technology focus on technical fields supporting Rhode Island's defense contractors and medical device manufacturers. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Rhode Island College's 46.2% to Bryant's 80.6%, often correlating with institutional resources and student support services.
7
Schools
$30,407
Avg. Net Price
$68,323
Avg. Earnings
66.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Suburban Colleges in Rhode Island

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Suburb-Large 13,822 $19,899 71.0%
2 Suburb-Large 3,236 $40,846 80.6%
3 Suburb-Large 2,102 $35,682 74.9%
4 Suburb-Large 4,630 $10,988 46.2%
5 Suburb-Large 3,957 $38,123 66.6%
6 Suburb-Large 1,712 $36,906 57.5%
7 Suburb-Large

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Bryant University worth its $40,846 net price compared to other Rhode Island schools?

Bryant graduates earn $90,008 annually, nearly $20,000 more than the state average. The school's 80.6% graduation rate ranks highest among Rhode Island colleges, and its business programs connect directly to major employers like CVS Health and Textron, justifying the premium cost.

How does the RI Promise program affect college planning for suburban students?

RI Promise covers two years at community colleges, allowing students to complete prerequisites affordably before transferring. This reduces debt loads at four-year schools like URI or RIC, where net prices range from $10,988 to $40,846 depending on the institution.

Is Rhode Island College a good value despite its 46.2% graduation rate?

At $10,988 net price, RIC offers the state's most affordable four-year education. Graduates earn $56,318 annually, and the 87.5% acceptance rate provides access for students who might struggle elsewhere. Many students work while attending, affecting completion timelines.

Does the University of Rhode Island's size create advantages for suburban students?

With 13,822 students, URI offers extensive research opportunities and alumni networks throughout New England. The Kingston campus provides suburban setting benefits while maintaining resources typically found at larger institutions. Graduate earnings of $69,743 reflect strong regional employer recognition.

Where do New England Institute of Technology graduates typically find employment?

NEIT's technical focus serves Rhode Island's defense and manufacturing sectors, including Electric Boat and Raytheon. Despite earning $48,684 annually, graduates enter high-demand fields with strong job security. The 57.5% graduation rate reflects the hands-on, intensive nature of technical programs.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.