Skip to main content

Urban Colleges in Rhode Island

7 schools in Rhode Island. See our methodology.

Brown University's 5.06% acceptance rate makes it one of America's most selective institutions, yet Rhode Island's urban college market spans from this Ivy League powerhouse to the Community College of Rhode Island serving over 11,000 students at just $5,240 annually. Providence dominates the state's higher education scene, hosting six of the seven major urban institutions including the specialized Rhode Island School of Design with its $68,140 median earnings for art and design graduates. The earnings gap tells a compelling story: Brown graduates average $93,487 while community college alumni earn $42,659, reflecting Rhode Island's economy where defense contractors, healthcare systems, and tech companies create opportunities across education levels. The state's RI Promise program covers two years of community college tuition, making higher education accessible as students navigate from associate degrees to four-year programs. Johnson & Wales University operates both traditional and online campuses in Providence, adapting to changing workforce demands in hospitality and business sectors that anchor Rhode Island's urban economy.
7
Schools
$28,115
Avg. Net Price
$63,029
Avg. Earnings
70.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Urban Colleges in Rhode Island

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 City-Midsize 7,273 $26,572 95.9%
2 City-Midsize 2,090 $46,253 88.5%
3 City-Midsize 4,170 $45,538 87.9%
4 City-Small 11,455 $5,240 25.0%
5 City-Midsize 3,913 $32,478 54.9%
6 City-Midsize 1,980 $21,611
7 City-Midsize 398 $19,116

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Brown University stand out among Rhode Island colleges?

Brown accepts only 5.06% of applicants and maintains a 95.9% graduation rate, the highest in the state. Its graduates earn a median of $93,487 annually, nearly double the state average. The university's open curriculum and Ivy League status attract students globally to Providence.

How affordable are urban colleges in Rhode Island?

Net prices range from $5,240 at Community College of Rhode Island to $46,253 at Rhode Island School of Design. The state's RI Promise program covers two years of community college tuition, while Brown's average net cost of $26,572 reflects significant financial aid.

Is Rhode Island School of Design worth the high cost?

RISD charges $46,253 annually but delivers an 88.5% graduation rate and $68,140 median earnings for graduates. With only 2,090 students and a 17.42% acceptance rate, it offers specialized art and design education connecting to Rhode Island's creative economy.

Does Providence College offer good value for students?

Providence College graduates 87.9% of students and delivers median earnings of $87,054, second only to Brown. At $45,538 net cost with a 52.78% acceptance rate, it provides strong outcomes for 4,170 students in liberal arts and business programs.

Where can students find the most accessible admission options?

Johnson & Wales University-Providence accepts 83.43% of applicants, making it the most accessible four-year option. Community College of Rhode Island serves 11,455 students with open admission, providing pathways to transfer or immediate workforce entry at $5,240 annually.

Related

Urban Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Rhode Island Cheapest Programs in Rhode Island

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.