News Summary
Several colleges in Rhode Island have gained recognition in Money’s 2025 Best Colleges rankings, which evaluate institutions based on affordability and academic outcomes. Featured schools include Brown University, Providence College, and the University of Rhode Island. The rankings assist families in making informed decisions for higher education amidst changing federal financial landscapes. Emerging trends in higher education, such as three-year bachelor’s programs at Johnson & Wales University, address student needs for affordability and time efficiency. The report highlights a commitment to adapting and enhancing educational access in the state.
Providence – Several colleges in Rhode Island have earned recognition in Money’s 2025 Best Colleges rankings, which highlight affordability, strong academic programs, and potential post-graduation salaries. This is the 11th annual edition of the rankings, designed to assist families in making informed decisions about higher education for their college-bound students.
A total of 732 colleges across the United States were evaluated for their likelihood of student graduation and job placement outcomes. Among the institutions noted are Brown University, Bryant University, Providence College, Rhode Island School of Design, Roger Williams University, Salve Regina University, and the University of Rhode Island.
Rhode Island’s Recognized Institutions
- Brown University, Providence – Star rating: Five, Acceptance rate: 5%, Estimated full cost (2025-2026): $90,960, Estimated price with average aid: $28,200, Graduation rate: 96%
- Bryant University, Smithfield – Star rating: Four and a half, Acceptance rate: 66%, Estimated full cost (2025-2026): $73,740, Estimated price with average aid: $43,100, Graduation rate: 84%
- Providence College, Providence – Star rating: Four, Acceptance rate: 49%, Estimated full cost (2025-2026): $83,680, Estimated price with average aid: $49,500, Graduation rate: 89%
- Rhode Island School of Design, Providence – Star rating: Three, Acceptance rate: 14%, Estimated full cost (2025-2026): $84,900, Estimated price with average aid: $44,700, Graduation rate: 88%
- Roger Williams University, Bristol – Star rating: Three, Acceptance rate: 88%, Estimated full cost (2025-2026): $66,010, Estimated price with average aid: $40,300, Graduation rate: 67%
- Salve Regina University, Newport – Star rating: Four, Acceptance rate: 70%, Estimated full cost (2025-2026): $73,590, Estimated price with average aid: $40,100, Graduation rate: 74%
- University of Rhode Island, Kingston – Star rating: Four, Acceptance rate: 77%, Estimated full cost (2025-2026): $36,320, Estimated price with average aid: $22,200, Graduation rate: 69%
The rankings are based on a methodology that includes two dozen data points, focusing heavily on affordability (40% of the score) and the quality of education and outcomes, including post-graduation salaries (30% each). This year, the significance of these rankings is even more pronounced as families navigate changes in federal funding for higher education, including cuts to research grants and loan modifications that arose during the previous administration.
Emerging Trends in Higher Education
Meanwhile, Johnson & Wales University (JWU) is addressing financial and time constraints faced by students by launching three-year bachelor’s degree programs in majors such as Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Hospitality, and Graphic Design. The three-year format minimizes credit requirements to 90-96 credits, enabling students to enter the workforce sooner while also reducing the overall cost of their education by eliminating an entire year of tuition, currently set at $41,782 for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Students in these new programs will not be required to complete credit-bearing internships. Instead, they are expected to pursue work or volunteer experiences, adapting to a growing trend among universities aiming to enhance educational access and affordability.
Tuition Increases and New Initiatives
As tuition rates fluctuate, institutions continue to respond to economic challenges. The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) recently approved a 5.7% tuition increase for in-state students, bringing their total tuition to nearly $5,900. Similarly, Rhode Island College will see a 3.6% rise in in-state tuition, making it approximately $11,700.
Despite these increases, CCRI has launched a $2 million pilot program aimed at improving student retention and graduation rates through additional academic support resources. The college emphasizes that in-state tuition remains below the maximum Pell Grant limit, highlighting its commitment to affordability.
In summary, the 2025 Best Colleges rankings provide valuable insights for prospective students and their families, while institutions in Rhode Island are actively adapting their programs and support structures in response to financial challenges and shifts in the higher education landscape.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Johnson & Wales University to Offer Three-Year Bachelor’s Degrees
- Kiplinger: Free or Cheap College for Retirees in All 50 States
- Boston Globe: NEIT Launches Two-Year Bachelor Degree Program
- Providence Journal: Recent Bonds Passed for Educational Experience
- Boston Globe: Tuition Increases at Rhode Island Colleges
- Wikipedia: Higher Education in the United States
- Google Search: Higher Education Affordability
- Google Scholar: College Tuition Trends
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College
- Google News: Higher Education News
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
