1. Brown University
Overview
Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Founded in 1764, Brown University is a private Ivy League research university and one of the oldest institutions in the United States. Known for its open curriculum, which allows students to design their own course of study, Brown is renowned for its programs in the liberal arts, sciences, and engineering. The university has a strong focus on undergraduate education, research, and interdisciplinary studies.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #9 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 10,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 6%
- Average SAT Score: 1460-1570
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Brown Bears Athletics
- Brown Daily Herald (student newspaper)
- Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program
- Brown University Orchestra
- Greek life
Famous Alumni
- John F. Kennedy Jr. – Lawyer, journalist, and son of President John F. Kennedy
- Emma Watson – Actress (Harry Potter)
- John Krasinski – Actor (The Office)
- Janet Yellen – U.S. Secretary of the Treasury
- Ted Turner – Media mogul, founder of CNN
Top Employers
- Amazon
- Goldman Sachs
- Brown University
2. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
Overview
Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Founded in 1877, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is one of the most prestigious art and design schools in the world. Known for its rigorous curriculum and emphasis on creative thinking, RISD offers top programs in fine arts, graphic design, architecture, and industrial design. RISD has strong ties to neighboring Brown University, offering students cross-registration opportunities between the two institutions.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #4 Best Fine Arts Schools (Graduate)
- Number of Students: About 2,500
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 20%
- Average SAT Score: 1250-1440
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- RISD Museum
- Art and design exhibitions
- Student-run galleries and studios
- Industrial Design Society of America (student chapter)
- RISD Works (student business and entrepreneurship clubs)
Famous Alumni
- James Franco – Actor and director
- Seth MacFarlane – Creator of Family Guy
- David Byrne – Lead singer of Talking Heads
- Nicole Eisenman – MacArthur Fellow and visual artist
- Sage Vaughn – Contemporary artist
Top Employers
- Nike
- Apple
- Pixar Animation Studios
- RISD Museum
3. University of Rhode Island (URI)
Overview
Location: Kingston, Rhode Island
Founded in 1892, the University of Rhode Island (URI) is the state’s flagship public research university. URI is known for its programs in marine biology, oceanography, pharmacy, and engineering. The university’s coastal location provides students with unique research opportunities in marine sciences, and the College of Pharmacy is recognized as one of the best in the region.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #182 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 17,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Average SAT Score: 1080-1270
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- URI Rams Athletics
- Greek life
- Student government
- Sailing and surf clubs
- Volunteer and service organizations
Famous Alumni
- Christiane Amanpour – CNN Chief International Anchor
- Lamar Odom – NBA player
- Robert Ballard – Oceanographer who discovered the Titanic wreck
- J. Clement Cicilline – U.S. Congressman
- David Weinberger – Technologist and author
Top Employers
- Pfizer
- CVS Health
- Fidelity Investments
- General Dynamics Electric Boat
- Rhode Island Department of Health
4. Providence College
Overview
Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Founded in 1917, Providence College is a private Catholic university known for its liberal arts education and commitment to the Dominican tradition of academic excellence and service. The college is particularly recognized for its programs in business, political science, and theology. Providence College’s rigorous Core Curriculum emphasizes the integration of faith and reason, and its basketball team has a strong presence in the NCAA.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #1 Regional Universities North
- Number of Students: About 4,800
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 47%
- Average SAT Score: 1210-1370
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Friars Athletics
- Campus Ministry and service programs
- Student Congress (government)
- Model United Nations
- The Cowl (student newspaper)
Famous Alumni
- Chris Dodd – Former U.S. Senator
- John Thompson – Former Georgetown University basketball coach
- Janeane Garofalo – Actress and comedian
- Patrick J. Kennedy – Former U.S. Congressman
- Peter Farrelly – Film director (Green Book)
Top Employers
- Amica Insurance
- Fidelity Investments
- CVS Health
- Hasbro
- Deloitte
5. Bryant University
Overview
Location: Smithfield, Rhode Island
Founded in 1863, Bryant University is a private university known for its strong business programs, particularly in accounting, finance, and marketing. The university emphasizes a combination of business and liberal arts education, and its College of Business is consistently ranked among the best in the country. Bryant’s global focus is reflected in its partnerships with universities around the world and its study abroad programs.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #7 Regional Universities North
- Number of Students: About 3,700
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Average SAT Score: 1120-1280
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Bulldogs Athletics
- Investment and finance clubs
- Student government
- International Business Association
- Greek life
Famous Alumni
- Nicholas Colas – Co-founder of DataTrek Research
- William Conaty – Former Senior VP of Human Resources at General Electric
- John DelBonis – Former CFO of Amica Insurance
- Scott Donnelly – CEO of Textron
- Charlie Bassett – CFO of the Chicago Cubs
Top Employers
- Fidelity Investments
- PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
- Amica Insurance
- Textron
- Deloitte
6. Roger Williams University
Overview
Location: Bristol, Rhode Island
Founded in 1956, Roger Williams University is a private university known for its programs in architecture, law, and marine biology. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning and civic engagement, RWU offers students opportunities for hands-on experience through internships and community projects. The university’s School of Architecture, Art, and Historic Preservation is highly regarded.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #31 Regional Universities North
- Number of Students: About 4,500
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Average SAT Score: 1070-1260
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Hawks Athletics
- Student Senate
- Architecture and design clubs
- Environmental and sustainability organizations
- Volunteer and service programs
Famous Alumni
- Nancy Benoit – Professional wrestler
- Tim Baxter – Former President of Samsung Electronics America
- Adam Braver – Novelist and historian
- Ted Nesi – Journalist at WPRI 12
- Jessica Rhodes – Podcasting entrepreneur
Top Employers
- Hasbro
- CVS Health
- Fidelity Investments
- Amica Insurance
- Roger Williams University
7. Salve Regina University
Overview
Location: Newport, Rhode Island
Founded in 1934, Salve Regina University is a private Catholic university known for its programs in nursing, business, and the humanities. The university’s scenic coastal campus in Newport provides a beautiful setting for its strong liberal arts curriculum. Salve Regina emphasizes service, ethics, and global awareness, encouraging students to engage in community service and global studies.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #28 Regional Universities North
- Number of Students: About 2,800
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Average SAT Score: 1070-1220
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Seahawks Athletics
- Campus ministry and service organizations
- Performing arts and music clubs
- Student government
- Environmental sustainability groups
Famous Alumni
- Claudine Schneider – Former U.S. Congresswoman
- Lucie Arnaz – Actress and producer
- Jack Reed – U.S. Senator from Rhode Island
- Elisabeth Hasselbeck – TV host and author
- Christian Winthrop – Journalist and editor of The Newport Buzz
Top Employers
- Lifespan Health System
- Bank of America
- CVS Health
- Newport Hospital
- Salve Regina University
8. Johnson & Wales University
Overview
Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales University (JWU) is a private university best known for its culinary arts, hospitality, and business programs. JWU offers hands-on learning experiences and a career-focused curriculum that prepares students for leadership roles in their industries. The College of Culinary Arts is one of the top programs in the world, and JWU has a strong reputation in hospitality management and entrepreneurship.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #94 Regional Universities North
- Number of Students: About 7,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Average SAT Score: 980-1190
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Wildcat Athletics
- Culinary and hospitality clubs
- Greek life
- Entrepreneurship and business organizations
- Student government
Famous Alumni
- Emeril Lagasse – Celebrity chef
- Tyler Florence – Celebrity chef
- Graham Elliot – Michelin-starred chef
- Michelle Bernstein – Award-winning chef and restaurateur
- Melissa King – Top Chef winner
Top Employers
- Marriott International
- Walt Disney World
- Compass Group
- Sodexo
- Hilton Hotels
9. New England Institute of Technology
Overview
Location: East Greenwich, Rhode Island
Founded in 1940, New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) is a private technical university offering programs in engineering, technology, and health sciences. NEIT is known for its hands-on, practical education that prepares students for careers in high-demand technical fields. The university’s programs in automotive technology, nursing, and information technology are particularly well-regarded.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #38 Regional Colleges North
- Number of Students: About 3,000
- Degrees Offered: Associate, Bachelor’s, and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 63%
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Tech-related student organizations
- Esports and gaming clubs
- Student government
- Career development workshops
- Robotics and engineering competitions
Famous Alumni
- Brian Stack – Emmy Award-winning writer
- Michaela Rentea – Robotics engineer
- Carl Clements – Software developer
- Tim Brown – Chief Engineer at Tesla Motors
- Ashley Medlar – Healthcare technology specialist
Top Employers
- Tesla
- General Dynamics Electric Boat
- Raytheon Technologies
- Lifespan Health System
- Amazon
10. Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI)
Overview
Location: Warwick, Rhode Island
Founded in 1964, the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is the largest community college in New England, offering associate degrees and certificate programs in a variety of fields. CCRI is known for its affordable education and strong transfer programs, allowing students to continue their studies at four-year universities. The college has a strong nursing program and provides workforce development opportunities.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: Unranked (Community College)
- Number of Students: About 13,000
- Degrees Offered: Associate degrees and certificates
- Acceptance Rate: Open admissions
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Knights Athletics
- Student government
- Volunteer and community service programs
- Career and technical clubs
- Health and wellness organizations
Famous Alumni
- Deborah Gist – Former Rhode Island Commissioner of Education
- David Cicilline – U.S. Congressman
- Doreen Costa – Rhode Island State Representative
- Paul Geremia – Blues musician
- Joe Polisena – Mayor of Johnston, Rhode Island
Top Employers
- Lifespan Health System
- Rhode Island Department of Education
- Electric Boat
- CVS Health
- Rhode Island Hospital