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2022 Top Public Universities in Rhode Island

Public universities are often the most affordable option for students pursuing higher education, but it's not just affordability that makes these institutions attractive. Public universities also rank highly among the best universities in many states, Rhode Island included.

Public universities receive state and federal funding. Although they generally have larger class sizes than private institutions, they also tend to offer a wide variety of academic programs, diverse student bodies, and prestigious research opportunities.

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.

Showing 3 schools

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    School Name

    Location

    Program

    Learning Format

    School Type

    #1

    University of Rhode Island

    Kingston, RI

    Graduation Rate

    69%

    Enrollment

    17,465

    Format

    Online, In person

    University of Rhode Island is a public institution located in Kingston, Rhode Island. Instructors bring expertise in their fields. The college offers academic and technical programs that prepare graduates for the workforce or further study. The amount students pay per credit on average is unknown. At the accredited institution, degree-seekers qualify for financial aid, including federal loans, scholarships, and grants. The school reports a graduation rate of 69%. The institution's admission rate is unknown at this time. Contact the admissions department for more details about application requirements. University of Rhode Island is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education, an independent accrediting body.

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    #2

    Rhode Island College

    Providence, RI

    Graduation Rate

    49%

    Enrollment

    7,523

    Format

    In person

    Located in Rhode Island, Rhode Island College offers 150 academic programs. Degree-seekers enroll in top-ranked programs that offer a rigorous course of study. Information on the student-to-faculty ratio is unavailable. Data on the average amount of aid students receive is unavailable. Students in the school's programs graduate at a rate of 49%. Students should explore how workplace experience makes them more competitive employee candidates. The admission rate is unknown at this time. Some programs let applicants apply without submitting test scores. Contact the admissions department for more details about application requirements.

    #3

    Community College of Rhode Island

    Warwick, RI

    Graduation Rate

    20%

    Enrollment

    14,775

    Format

    Online, In person

    From its campus in Warwick, Rhode Island, Community College of Rhode Island enrolls students as a public institution. With both academic and technical programs, the college helps learners reach their career goals. Students prepare for a successful career by completing degree- or certificate-specific coursework. Depending on the program, applicants may need to submit test scores. Applicants may find it easier to enroll without a test score requirement. Learners benefit from support services, which include tutoring and career counseling. The amount students pay per credit is unknown at this time. Learners at the accredited school qualify for federal financial aid programs such as the Pell Grant. Community College of Rhode Island has been accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.