Best Grad Schools in Rhode Island 2024

Badge for BEST IN RHODE ISLAND GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Rhode Island offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

Top Grad Schools in Rhode Island 2024

  1. Brown University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Literature, Mathematics, and History
  2. University of Rhode Island
    • Most Popular Degrees: Earth Sciences, Biology, and Mathematics
  3. Rhode Island College
    • Most Popular Degrees: Social Work, Anthropology, and Mathematics
  4. Salve Regina University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Social Work, History, and Communications

There are 4 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Rhode Island. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Rhode Island is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

Best Grad Schools in Rhode Island 2024

  1. #1

    Brown University

    Providence , RI
    #10 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #16 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #17 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #17 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/35

    Career Outlook for degree at Brown University

    Cost of Degree: $68,230
    Expenses: $19,418
    Starting Salary: $89,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Brown University is one of the best schools for graduate education if you want to collaborate with others. You’ll find that all mentors and professors focus on personalized teaching. Ultimately, the school’s goal is to produce graduates who can make a positive impact on the world.

    What we love about Brown University:

    You’ll be a part of a supportive environment with an emphasis on collaboration when you study at Brown University. Whether you need academic advising or financial support, Brown University comes with many opportunities to help you achieve your graduate goals.

    Brown University is ideal for students who:

    Want to attend a school that provides a variety of financial aid options.

    Brown University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Would prefer a more structured academic system.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Rhode Island

    Kingston , RI
    #1 Best Public Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #2 Best Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Rhode Island 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/27

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Rhode Island

    Cost of Degree: $16,408
    Expenses: $18,586
    Starting Salary: $58,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Rhode Island is a top-notch university known for its academic excellence. They offer diverse branches of study for graduate education.

    What we love about the University of Rhode Island:

    All the graduate programs offered at the University of Rhode Island are structured to meet the demands of modern companies. The goal is to create and deliver innovative solutions to modern challenges in diverse industries.

    The University of Rhode Island is ideal for students who:

    Want to attend a school that is close to the beach.

    The University of Rhode Island might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a school in a different climate, as many current students complain about the weather.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Rhode Island College

    Providence , RI
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #4 Best Colleges in Rhode Island 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Rhode Island College

    Cost of Degree: $10,986
    Expenses: $16,359
    Starting Salary: $43,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Rhode Island College provides graduate students with great value through their high-quality graduate education. Every graduate program has a track record of delivering an excellent curriculum and allowing students to develop professionally and personally.

    What we love about Rhode Island College:

    You’ll get solid support at Rhode Island College whether you need help with job placement, professional development, or building a network. The school’s community of learners is diverse, supportive, and respectful.

    Rhode Island College is ideal for students who:

    Want to attend a school that is focused on innovation and access.

    Rhode Island College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer to have easier access to instructors and peers.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Salve Regina University

    Newport , RI
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Rhode Island 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1205/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Salve Regina University

    Cost of Degree: $47,930
    Expenses: $22,986
    Starting Salary: $57,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Graduate students at Salve Regina University are encouraged to make a positive impact in their respective industries. Tradition and culture are both emphasized at this institution.

    What we love about Salve Regina University:

    Salve Regina University makes use of a liberal arts approach when it comes to its teachings. Graduate students are supported in their unique ideas and research initiatives.

    Salve Regina University is ideal for students who:

    Want to attend a school that is supportive of students.

    Salve Regina University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer to have more dining options.

    Compare school
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Rhode Island’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. Brown University
  2. University of Rhode Island
  3. Salve Regina University
  4. Rhode Island College
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