Is a research university right for me?–

Research universities are colleges and universities whose faculty are active in research and publishing. Research universities offer a wide array of doctoral programs, especially in the sciences. They tend to be big, with tens of thousands of students. Do you prefer a larger university setting, such as largest public university in your state? Research universities are typically big, offering degrees in many different disciplines. Is a big high-powered research environment the thing for you? If not, you should think about a liberal arts college. In deciding on an undergraduate institution, ask yourself what sort of environment will best help you to be happy and excel. Consider whether you are self motivated enough to be a face in the crowd for some classes and largely unknown on campus at a large university. Of course you can find clubs and friends at a large university, but often liberal arts colleges have a more personal quality to them. If you want the community feel, a research university may not fit you well. Are you interested in STEM fields? Research universities have that name for a reason – real research is happening there. This can create an exciting atmosphere for students interested in STEM. Attending a research university can give you a better chance of getting into better programs for graduate degrees, although a lot of that depends on your performance.

Is an online college right for me?–

Online colleges are typically the same colleges and universities you could attend in-person, but for certain degree programs the college or unviersity has made the degree programs available to be completed online. For over 5 million students, online degree programs allow students to earn their degrees in the most flexible format available. Online degrees are as respected as the on-campus degrees you could earn from the same schools. There’s usually no distinction between the two degrees, and your degree and transcript will not say that the degree was earned online. Online degree programs are offered by a vast majority of colleges and universities, and the number of offering continues to grow. Whether you are searching for an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, there’s a good chance you can earn your degree online from a respectable online college. Are you a self-driven student? Perhaps the hardest aspect of obtaining an online degree is whether you will be disciplined enough to manage your time and course demands. Many online students report that online college made them more disciplined in all areas of their lives, but the flexible, self-paced learning that makes online colleges attractive can often be the same qualities that make it difficult. If you tend to be a procrastinator, you need to be honest with yourself. You can change your habits and propensities, or you can throw money down the drain. Do you need the flexibility of an online degree program? Most online students study online because of time demands of balancing work and life, or because the online college affords them the chance to attend a better school without moving. If you are serious about earning your degree for career advancement, online colleges make it possible. The most flexible options among online degrees are those that are asynchronous, meaning you don’t have scheduled times to meet with your class online. However, many students seek synchronous online degree programs so that they have some structure – set meeting times, scheduled exams, etc. The good news is that attending an online college doesn’t mean you will miss out on getting to know your professors and classmates. In fact, many online students who have experienced both online and on-campus courses report having easier access to their professors. Since most communication with your professor is expected to be in text – via email or your class learning management system – it makes asking your questions easier. The same students also report that they got to better know the thoughts of their classmates. While in-person course conversations can be dominated by a few extroverts, online courses that require online discussions make it so that you see all of your classmates’ thoughts and questions. If you’re interested in an online bachelor’s degree, check out what the best online colleges offer, or search our online degrees for the exact program that interests you. In either case, you will find well respected colleges and universities that offer online degrees.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Rhode Island 2025

Q: Is a liberal arts college right for me?–

Often referred to as “teaching colleges” liberal arts colleges put a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. Do you want your professors to know you? Liberal arts colleges strive to cultivate campus cultures that encourage tight bonds between professors and students. Professors at these schools will typically conduct original research. Yet the best of these schools offer their faculty reduced teaching loads so that they can both be productive researchers and still have plenty of time for students (both in and outside the classroom). Do you want to feel like you know everybody? One of the most enticing features of a liberal arts college is that in very little time, you can feel like you know who’s who, which can create strong friendships and make walks across campus more fun. While your sports teams may never be on ESPN, it’s more likely that you’ll know the athletes as your peers. Beyond student and faculty relationships, it’s not unusual for the school president and other administrators to learn who you are. When faced with problems with your student account or the need to switch classes, this can be comforting during a stressful moment.

Badge for BEST IN RHODE ISLAND LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES

By Dr. James Barham

Published: Mar 31, 2021
Updated: Nov 13, 2024

Liberal arts colleges are a great option for students seeking a well-rounded education in an intimate campus setting. The best liberal arts colleges in Rhode Island offer a diverse selection of degree programs with opportunities for a highly individualized educational experience.

Key Takeaways

The top liberal arts colleges in Rhode Island offer a broad, interdisciplinary curriculum that encourages students to explore various academic fields, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
With small student populations, liberal arts colleges in Rhode Island provide personalized attention from faculty, a supportive peer network, and opportunities for meaningful interactions within a tight-knit campus environment.
Many of these institutions emphasize community service, leadership development, and global education, preparing students to be socially responsible and culturally aware citizens.

Table of Contents

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Rhode Island in 2025

Providence College
Rhode Island College
Bryant University
Roger Williams University
Salve Regina University
New England Institute of Technology

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best liberal arts colleges in Rhode Island saw no change in ranking positions. This was a result of all the schools in the ranking making similar improvements to their curriculum, internship opportunities, and other program features.

A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 6 liberal arts colleges in Rhode Island. To be ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in Rhode Island, schools must fully accredited institutions.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Rhode Island 2025

Last Year’s Ranking:
1. Providence College
2. Rhode Island College
3. Bryant University
4. Roger Williams University
5. Salve Regina University
6. New England Institute of Technology
#1
Providence College
Providence , RI
#7 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #12 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in Rhode Island 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$58K
Acceptance
53%
Graduation
86%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1340/30
Career Outlook for degree at Providence College
Cost of Degree: $60,848
Expenses: $19,792
Starting Salary: $73,400
Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Providence College started in 1910 and officially opened in 1915. Today, the college is home to over 4,000 students from all over the United States.
What we love about Providence College:
It is the only college in the country founded and run by the Dominican Friars.
Providence College is ideal for students who:
Appreciate the fact that the school has been ranked number one among the nation’s best regional colleges.
Providence College might not be the best fit for students who:
Find this college’s tuition to be expensive.
Providence College’s Online Degrees
BS in Fire Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in History

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Leadership Development

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Liberal Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Professional Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Social Science

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Theology

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#2
Rhode Island College
Providence , RI
#2 Best Public Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Rhode Island 2024 #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 was established in 1854 as the state’s first public institution of higher education. It offers high-quality academic programs with small class sizes, ensuring personalized, hands-on learning experiences for all students.
What we love about Rhode Island College:
This college offers both traditional and non-traditional learning opportunities with its 76 undergraduate degrees and 46 graduate programs.
Rhode Island College is ideal for students who:
Want to go to a college that is close to both nature and modern amenities.
Rhode Island College might not be the best fit for students who:
Find that having only eight areas of study available doesn’t provide them with many options when it comes to pursuing their academic goals.
Compare school
#3
Bryant University
Smithfield , RI
#2 Best Small Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Tuition + fees
$49K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
83%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1241/29
Career Outlook for degree at Bryant University
Cost of Degree: $51,169
Expenses: $19,888
Starting Salary: $77,600
Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Bryant University is a private university founded in 1863. It is committed to innovation and has a global vision for success. Its goal is to educate and inspire individuals to pursue their passions and become innovative leaders.
What we love about Bryant University:
This university offers almost 100 courses of study to give students a plethora of options.
Bryant University is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a school with academic programs that are a blend of business, the arts, and the sciences.
Bryant University might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer a school with a wider variety of academic programs aside from business and related fields.
Compare school
#4
Roger Williams University
Bristol , RI
#3 Best Small Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #6 Best Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
66%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1195/28
Career Outlook for degree at Roger Williams University
Cost of Degree: $42,666
Expenses: $20,940
Starting Salary: $56,000
Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
The goal of Roger Williams University is to prepare its students for outstanding careers and successful lives after graduation. It is committed to helping students find their path and passion, as well as a clear sense of purpose and self.
What we love about Roger Williams University:
This university offers a wide range of opportunities for building connections and networking.
Roger Williams University is ideal for students who:
Seek a school that offers quality and affordable education through low tuition fees and excellent financial assistance.
Roger Williams University might not be the best fit for students who:
Would not find the school’s location to be ideal if they would prefer the opportunities of larger universities in urban settings.
Roger Williams University’s Online Degrees
BS in Criminal Justice

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Cybersecurity And Networking

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Applied Psychology

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#5
Salve Regina University
Newport , RI
#2 Best Christian Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Rhode Island 2024 #5 Best Private 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
Salve Regina University was founded in 1934 by the Sisters of Mercy. It is nestled in an 80-acre campus surrounded by historic buildings. Today, it is home to 2,800 undergraduate students who are empowered to explore their passions through the university’s diverse academic programs.
What we love about Salve Regina University:
This university provides leadership development programs to empower students to create positive social changes.
Salve Regina University is ideal for students who:
Prefer a school that provides a variety of housing options.
Salve Regina University might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer a secular educational setting.
Salve Regina University’s Online Degrees
BSN in Nursing: RN To BSN

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#6
New England Institute of Technology
East Greenwich , RI
#5 Best Small Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #8 Best Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #4 Most Affordable Online Occupational Therapy Masters Programs 2025
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
50%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at New England Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $35,625
Expenses: $21,306
Starting Salary: $45,800
Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
New England Institute of Technology is committed to hands-on learning to give students an edge in their respective careers. It offers lab-based learning experiences to develop each individual’s skill sets in their chosen fields.
What we love about the New England Institute of Technology:
This institution provides 3-year bachelor’s degree programs and 18-month associate’s degree programs.
New England Institute of Technology is ideal for students who:
Value a school with faculty members with deep knowledge of what employers are looking for in employees.
New England Institute of Technology might not be the best fit for students who:
Are looking for a college or university with more undergraduate and graduate degree programs to choose from.
Compare school

Build your own college rankings

Rhode Island’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest

Frequently Asked Questions About Research Universities, Liberal Arts Colleges, Online Colleges

In pursuing a bachelor’s degree, you will need to choose between three kinds of schools: research universities, liberal arts colleges, and online colleges.

Research universities are colleges and universities whose faculty are active in research and publishing. Research universities offer a wide array of doctoral programs, especially in the sciences. They tend to be big, with tens of thousands of students.

Do you prefer a larger university setting, such as largest public university in your state? Research universities are typically big, offering degrees in many different disciplines.

Is a big high-powered research environment the thing for you? If not, you should think about a liberal arts college. In deciding on an undergraduate institution, ask yourself what sort of environment will best help you to be happy and excel.

Consider whether you are self motivated enough to be a face in the crowd for some classes and largely unknown on campus at a large university. Of course you can find clubs and friends at a large university, but often liberal arts colleges have a more personal quality to them. If you want the community feel, a research university may not fit you well.
Are you interested in STEM fields? Research universities have that name for a reason – real research is happening there. This can create an exciting atmosphere for students interested in STEM. Attending a research university can give you a better chance of getting into better programs for graduate degrees, although a lot of that depends on your performance.

Learn more about research universities by reading about the best research universities in the US.

Often referred to as “teaching colleges” liberal arts colleges put a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree.

Do you want your professors to know you? Liberal arts colleges strive to cultivate campus cultures that encourage tight bonds between professors and students.

Professors at these schools will typically conduct original research. Yet the best of these schools offer their faculty reduced teaching loads so that they can both be productive researchers and still have plenty of time for students (both in and outside the classroom).

Do you want to feel like you know everybody? One of the most enticing features of a liberal arts college is that in very little time, you can feel like you know who’s who, which can create strong friendships and make walks across campus more fun. While your sports teams may never be on ESPN, it’s more likely that you’ll know the athletes as your peers.

Beyond student and faculty relationships, it’s not unusual for the school president and other administrators to learn who you are. When faced with problems with your student account or the need to switch classes, this can be comforting during a stressful moment.

Learn more about liberal arts colleges by reading about the best liberal arts colleges in the US.

Online colleges are typically the same colleges and universities you could attend in-person, but for certain degree programs the college or unviersity has made the degree programs available to be completed online. For over 5 million students, online degree programs allow students to earn their degrees in the most flexible format available.

Online degrees are as respected as the on-campus degrees you could earn from the same schools. There’s usually no distinction between the two degrees, and your degree and transcript will not say that the degree was earned online.

Online degree programs are offered by a vast majority of colleges and universities, and the number of offering continues to grow. Whether you are searching for an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, there’s a good chance you can earn your degree online from a respectable online college.

Are you a self-driven student? Perhaps the hardest aspect of obtaining an online degree is whether you will be disciplined enough to manage your time and course demands.

Many online students report that online college made them more disciplined in all areas of their lives, but the flexible, self-paced learning that makes online colleges attractive can often be the same qualities that make it difficult. If you tend to be a procrastinator, you need to be honest with yourself. You can change your habits and propensities, or you can throw money down the drain.

Do you need the flexibility of an online degree program? Most online students study online because of time demands of balancing work and life, or because the online college affords them the chance to attend a better school without moving.

If you are serious about earning your degree for career advancement, online colleges make it possible. The most flexible options among online degrees are those that are asynchronous, meaning you don’t have scheduled times to meet with your class online. However, many students seek synchronous online degree programs so that they have some structure – set meeting times, scheduled exams, etc.

The good news is that attending an online college doesn’t mean you will miss out on getting to know your professors and classmates. In fact, many online students who have experienced both online and on-campus courses report having easier access to their professors.

Since most communication with your professor is expected to be in text – via email or your class learning management system – it makes asking your questions easier. The same students also report that they got to better know the thoughts of their classmates. While in-person course conversations can be dominated by a few extroverts, online courses that require online discussions make it so that you see all of your classmates’ thoughts and questions.

If you’re interested in an online bachelor’s degree, check out what the best online colleges offer, or search our online degrees for the exact program that interests you. In either case, you will find well respected colleges and universities that offer online degrees.

Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Rhode Island 2025

Key Takeaways

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Rhode Island in 2025

2025 Ranking Update

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Rhode Island 2025

Last Year’s Ranking:

Providence College

Career Outlook for degree at Providence College

What we love about Providence College:

Providence College is ideal for students who:

Providence College might not be the best fit for students who:

Providence College’s Online Degrees

Rhode Island College

Career Outlook for degree at Rhode Island College

What we love about Rhode Island College:

Rhode Island College is ideal for students who:

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

Bryant University

Career Outlook for degree at Bryant University

What we love about Bryant University:

Bryant University is ideal for students who:

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

Roger Williams University

Career Outlook for degree at Roger Williams University

What we love about Roger Williams University:

Roger Williams University is ideal for students who:

Roger Williams University might not be the best fit for students who:

Roger Williams University’s Online Degrees

Salve Regina University

Career Outlook for degree at Salve Regina University

What we love about Salve Regina University:

Salve Regina University is ideal for students who:

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

Salve Regina University’s Online Degrees

New England Institute of Technology

Career Outlook for degree at New England Institute of Technology

What we love about the New England Institute of Technology:

New England Institute of Technology is ideal for students who:

New England Institute of Technology might not be the best fit for students who:

Rhode Island’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest