Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the U.S., but it boasts an impressive roster of higher education institutions. From Ivy League Brown University to the creative powerhouse of Rhode Island School of Design, this state offers a range of colleges to suit a diversity of academic interests and career aspirations. This guide will delve into the annual cost, enrollment numbers, SAT ranges, and popular majors of some of Rhode Island’s top colleges.

Brown University

Brown University is an Ivy League institution located in Providence. Known for its open curriculum and focus on undergraduate education, Brown offers a stimulating and supportive academic environment.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The average annual cost is about $78,000. Brown has an enrollment of approximately 7,000 undergraduates, with an SAT range of 1420-1570.

Majors: Brown offers 80 concentrations, with popular majors including Economics, Computer Science, and Biology.

University of Rhode Island (URI)

URI is a public research university located in Kingston. It offers a diverse array of academic programs across various disciplines.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The average annual cost for in-state students is approximately $30,000, while for out-of-state students it’s about $45,000. URI has an undergraduate enrollment of around 14,000 students, with an SAT range of 1050-1240.

Majors: URI offers over 90 majors. Among the most popular are Nursing, Psychology, and Business.

Rhode Island College

Located in Providence, Rhode Island College is a public institution offering a wide range of degree programs.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The average annual cost for in-state students is about $22,000, while for out-of-state students it’s approximately $33,000. The college has an enrollment of about 7,000 students, with an SAT range of 910-1120.

Majors: The college offers over 90 undergraduate programs. Popular majors include Nursing, Psychology, and Social Work.

Bryant University

Bryant University, located in Smithfield, is a private institution known for its strong programs in Business.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The average annual cost at Bryant is about $65,000. It enrolls around 3,500 undergraduate students, with an SAT range of 1180-1330.

Majors: Bryant offers a selection of over 80 undergraduate programs. Business, Finance, and Marketing are some of the most popular majors.

Roger Williams University

Located in Bristol, Roger Williams University is a private institution with a focus on liberal arts and professional programs.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The average annual cost at Roger Williams is approximately $55,000. The university enrolls about 4,500 undergraduates, with an SAT range of 1080-1260.

Majors: Roger Williams offers over 45 majors. Popular majors include Architecture, Criminal Justice, and Psychology.

Salve Regina University

Salve Regina is a private, Catholic university in Newport known for its scenic oceanfront campus and personalized learning approach.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The average annual cost at Salve Regina is around $60,000. The university enrolls approximately 2,700 undergraduate students, with an SAT range of 1050-1250.

Majors: Salve Regina offers over 40 academic programs. Nursing, Business, and Criminal Justice are among the most popular majors.

Providence College

Providence College is a private, Catholic institution known for its strong liberal arts program and commitment to community service.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The average annual cost at Providence College is around $69,000. The college enrolls approximately 4,200 undergraduate students, with an SAT range of 1200-1380.

Majors: Providence College offers over 50 majors. Some of the most popular majors include Finance, Marketing, and Biology.

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

RISD is one of the leading colleges of art and design in the U.S., located in Providence.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The average annual cost at RISD is around $72,000. The college enrolls about 2,000 undergraduate students, with an SAT range typically above 1300. However, RISD emphasizes portfolio reviews as part of their admission process.

Majors: RISD offers 21 major concentrations, all in fields of art and design. Some of the most sought-after programs include Industrial Design, Graphic Design, and Illustration.

Taking an SAT Class to Improve

The SAT is a pivotal factor in the college admissions process. Thus, taking an SAT prep course can greatly improve your prospects of getting into your preferred college in Rhode Island, or elsewhere. These classes help you understand the structure of the test, provide practice problems, teach test-taking strategies, and identify areas where you need to improve. A higher SAT score not only enhances your chances of acceptance but also potentially unlocks scholarship opportunities.

In summary, despite its small size, Rhode Island hosts various colleges and universities that cater to a wide range of academic interests and career goals. Each institution possesses unique qualities, from Brown University’s open curriculum to RISD’s robust design programs. Remember to consider factors such as the size of the school, location, cost, majors available, campus culture, and available resources when selecting the best college for you.

 

Best Rhode Island Colleges by Major