Campus Vibe
Known for health sciences — excellent value
Rhode Island College is a public institution in Providence with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1010, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 4.6K undergraduates with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
46% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $56,318 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $10,988.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Rhode Island College Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1010
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Regular Decision
May 1
Decision by rolling
Financial Aid
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
51.8%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$13,833
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
34
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Academics
Programs (107)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
74%
- •74% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Campus Life
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Dining
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History Rhode Island College was first established as the "Rhode Island State Normal School" by the Rhode Island General Assembly in 1854.
- •His efforts were rewarded in 1871 when the General Assembly unanimously voted a $10,000 appropriation for the school's re-opening in Providence.
- •Renamed the "Rhode Island Normal School", the institution settled into a period of steady growth punctuated by periodic moves to larger quarters.
- •In 1920, the Rhode Island Normal School was renamed "Rhode Island College of Education" by order of the General Assembly.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Amtrak
Providence Station downtown (Amtrak and MBTA commuter rail)
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
Nearby Attractions
Downtown Providence
State capital with restaurants, WaterFire, and cultural venues, 10 minutes away
Federal Hill
Historic Italian neighborhood with restaurants and bakeries
Providence Performing Arts Center
Broadway shows and concerts
Roger Williams Park
Large urban park with zoo, botanical gardens, and museum
Transfer Admission
International Students
English Proficiency Requirements
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