Best Small Colleges in Rhode Island 2024
Small colleges in Rhode Island are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.
Best Small Colleges in Rhode Island 2024
- Providence College
- Bryant University
- Roger Williams University
- Salve Regina University
- New England Institute of Technology
- Providence College
- Bryant University
- Roger Williams University
- Salve Regina University
- New England Institute of Technology
- Roger Williams University 91%
- New England Institute of Technology 74%
- Salve Regina University 70%
- Bryant University 69%
- Providence College 53%
- Roger Williams University 14 to 1
- Bryant University 13 to 1
- Salve Regina University 13 to 1
- New England Institute of Technology 12 to 1
- Providence College 11 to 1
- Providence College $57,928
- Bryant University $49,329
- Salve Regina University $46,000
- Roger Williams University $40,962
- New England Institute of Technology $33,900
- Bryant University $47,100
- Roger Williams University $18,565
- New England Institute of Technology $15,000
- Salve Regina University $12,060
- Providence College $11,070
- New England Institute of Technology
- Salve Regina University
- Roger Williams University
- Bryant University
- Providence College
- New England Institute of Technology
- Salve Regina University
- Roger Williams University
- Bryant University
- Providence College
- Providence College 53%
- Bryant University 69%
- Salve Regina University 70%
- New England Institute of Technology 74%
- Roger Williams University 91%
- Providence College 11 to 1
- New England Institute of Technology 12 to 1
- Bryant University 13 to 1
- Salve Regina University 13 to 1
- Roger Williams University 14 to 1
- New England Institute of Technology $33,900
- Roger Williams University $40,962
- Salve Regina University $46,000
- Bryant University $49,329
- Providence College $57,928
- Providence College $11,070
- Salve Regina University $12,060
- New England Institute of Technology $15,000
- Roger Williams University $18,565
- Bryant University $47,100
Colleges and Universities in Rhode Island
Of the three public schools, the University of Rhode Island is the largest, having more than 15,000 students in attendance. The main campus is located in Kingston, and the tuition rate is $14,000. The most prestigious school in the state is Brown University, a private Ivy League institution located in Providence. Over 9,000 students study on this campus in fields like biophysics, ethnic studies, and public health. Tuition is more expensive at about $55,000, but the school boasts a 96% graduation rate.
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Of the eight private schools, two are religiously affiliated. Both Salve Regina University and Providence College have under 5,000 students, though the tuition fees are more expensive at $40,000 and $51,000, respectively. Whether you seek an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, Rhode Island also offers a unique opportunity for graduates. As a financial incentive to pursue a career or start a business in Rhode Island in the technology, engineering, design, or other sectors, the Wavemaker Fellowship program defrays student loan payments for up to four years.
Rhode Island is the smallest U.S. state, but it has more than 400 miles of coastline, giving it the nickname The Ocean State. With sandy beaches and colonial towns, this state offers relaxation and history. Rhode Island also has 11 public and private higher education institutions with an average tuition of just over $12,000.
Meet your academic goals at one of the higher learning centers in Rhode Island. Check out the top programs to see which school fits your needs.
What are Rhode Island’s Colleges & Universities?
- 2 Research Universities
- 6 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 4 Graduate Schools
- 2 Public Colleges & Universities
- 6 Private Colleges & Universities
- 2 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 5 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 2 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 3 Online Colleges
Rhode Island’s Best Overall
The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Rhode Island is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 5 small colleges in Rhode Island. The list below of the best small colleges in Rhode Island. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.
Best Small Colleges in Rhode Island 2023
- #7 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #18 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Rhode Island 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Private Colleges in Rhode Island 2024
- #3 Best Colleges in Rhode Island 2024
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Rhode Island 2024
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Rhode Island 2024
- #2 Best Online Associate in General Studies
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Rhode Island 2024
- #3 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #4 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts
- #6 The Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Bachelor's Degrees
- #7 Fastest Online Associate Degrees Ranked for 2024
- #7 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #12 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2024
- #15 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2024
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: $57,928Expenses: $18,982Starting Salary: $73,400Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Providence College known for?
Providence College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Social Work
- Religious Studies
- History
- Biology
- Business
- Literature
- Political Science
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #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: $49,329Expenses: $19,484Starting Salary: $77,600Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bryant University known for?
Bryant University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #5 Best Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Rhode Island
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Rhode Island 2024
- #2 Best Online Associate in Cybersecurity
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Rhode Island 2024
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #11 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #18 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
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: $41,398Expenses: $20,644Starting Salary: $56,000Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Roger Williams University known for?
Roger Williams University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Engineering
- Biology
- Business
- Law
- Literature
- History
- Political Science
- Communications
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Rhode Island 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Rhode Island 2024
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: $46,000Expenses: $21,780Starting Salary: $57,700Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Salve Regina University known for?
Salve Regina University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- History
- Communications
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Business
- Education
- Literature
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
Salve Regina University’s Online Degrees
BSN in Nursing: RN To BSN
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #3 Most Affordable Online Occupational Therapy Masters Programs
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
50%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at New England Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $33,900Expenses: $21,870Starting Salary: $45,800Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is New England Institute of Technology known for?
New England Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Rhode Island’s Best Small College in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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.
Many states have great small colleges. If you’re interested in looking into what other states have to offer, check out the best small colleges in Delaware and Pennsylvania.