Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Rhode Island
Rhode Island, the Ocean State, maybe the smallest in the United States, but its commitment to higher education is immense. The state is home to some of the most prestigious institutions in the country, offering a range of liberal arts programs that foster creativity, innovation, and critical thinking.
Brown University
Located in Providence, Brown University is a member of the Ivy League and known for its unique Open Curriculum.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Brown’s Open Curriculum allows students to personalize their education with no required core curriculum. Students can explore humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering courses, cultivating intellectual flexibility and critical thinking skills.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost, including tuition and room and board, is approximately $78,000. Brown enrolls around 7,000 undergraduates, with a middle 50% SAT range of 1440-1570.
Salve Regina University
Located in Newport, Salve Regina University is a private Catholic institution known for its vibrant community and dedication to academic excellence.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Salve Regina offers a comprehensive liberal arts education, with majors ranging from art and design to social work, international relations, and biology. The university is committed to intellectual curiosity, ethical leadership, and fostering a global perspective.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost is around $54,000. Salve Regina enrolls approximately 2,100 undergraduates with a middle 50% SAT range of 1050-1230.
Providence College
Providence College, a private Catholic institution, is the only college in the nation administered by the Dominican Friars.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Providence offers a range of liberal arts majors and is noted for its Development of Western Civilization Program—a core curriculum element. This program seeks to cultivate students’ understanding of Western civilization’s intellectual, historical, and cultural roots.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost at Providence College is approximately $68,000. The college enrolls around 4,300 students, with a middle 50% SAT range of 1220-1390.
Bryant University
Located in Smithfield, Bryant University is a private institution that combines business and liberal arts education.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Bryant offers liberal arts programs that allow students to complement their business or professional focus with a broader perspective. Majors include literary and cultural studies, politics and law, environmental science, and more.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost at Bryant is around $64,000. The university enrolls approximately 3,500 undergraduates, with a middle 50% SAT range of 1180-1320.
University of Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island, a public research institution in Kingston, is known for its vibrant student life and innovative curriculum.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
URI offers many liberal arts programs in English, philosophy, psychology, and international studies. The university’s liberal arts curriculum fosters creativity, critical thinking, and effective communication.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual in-state cost at URI is around $30,000, while out-of-state students pay approximately $46,000. The university enrolls about 14,600 undergraduates, with a middle 50% SAT range of 1080-1250.
Rhode Island College
Located in Providence, Rhode Island College is a public institution offering a range of academic programs at an affordable cost.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Rhode Island College offers liberal arts programs in art, music, political science, and sociology. The college’s curriculum cultivates analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual in-state cost is around $23,000, while out-of-state students pay approximately $33,000. The college enrolls about 7,000 students, with a middle 50% SAT range of 900-1100.
Roger Williams University
In Bristol, Roger Williams University is a private institution focusing on experiential learning.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Roger Williams offers a range of liberal arts programs, including anthropology, history, marine biology, and theatre. The university’s commitment to experiential learning allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost at Roger Williams is around $54,000. The university enrolls approximately 4,600 undergraduates, with a middle 50% SAT range of 1070-1220.
Johnson & Wales University- Providence
Johnson & Wales University in Providence is known for its career-focused programs and commitment to experiential education.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Though known for its culinary and hospitality programs, Johnson & Wales offers liberal arts programs in psychology, public health, and criminal justice. The university emphasizes career-focused, experiential learning.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost at Johnson & Wales-Providence is approximately $51,000. The university enrolls around 7,300 undergraduates, with a middle 50% SAT range of 970-1140.
Community College of Rhode Island
The Community College of Rhode Island, with campuses throughout the state, provides affordable education and an inclusive, supportive environment.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
CCRI offers Associate degrees in liberal arts, which provide a solid foundation for students planning to transfer to four-year institutions. Students can explore a variety of fields, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual in-state cost is around $5,000, while out-of-state students pay approximately $12,000. CCRI enrolls about 15,000 students and does not require SAT scores for admission.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Three Other States
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has many highly esteemed liberal arts colleges, including Williams College, Amherst College, and Wellesley College. These institutions are renowned for their rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus cultures.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut
Connecticut’s liberal arts scene is equally impressive, with colleges like Wesleyan University, Trinity College, and Connecticut College. These schools provide students with robust academics, diverse curriculums, and vibrant campus communities.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York
New York State offers an array of excellent liberal arts colleges, including Vassar College, Colgate University, and Hamilton College. These institutions are recognized for their rigorous academics, diverse student bodies, and vibrant campus cultures.
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Rhode Island’s commitment to providing diverse, high-quality liberal arts programs is clear. From Ivy League universities to affordable community colleges, students have various options catering to different needs and interests. Students can thrive in these institutions and beyond with the right resources and preparation.
