News Summary
Several colleges in Rhode Island have been recognized in Money’s rankings for their affordability and educational outcomes. Brown University led the state with a five-star rating, followed by Bryant, Providence, and Salve Regina universities. The rankings evaluate institutions based on graduation and job placement rates, emphasizing affordability and educational quality. With changes in higher education policy affecting funding, this year’s ratings reflect a decline in the number of colleges achieving top honors, providing critical insights for students and families navigating college choices.
Providence, RI – Several Rhode Island colleges have been highlighted in Money’s 2025 Best Colleges in America rankings for their affordability, academic strengths, and promising post-graduation salaries. The rankings are intended to aid families in the process of selecting a college amid an evolving higher education landscape.
A total of 732 institutions were evaluated based on factors including the likelihood of graduation and job placement rates. The methodology emphasizes affordability (40% of the total score) and educational quality and outcomes (30% each), enabling families to make informed decisions about higher education options.
Among the Rhode Island institutions recognized, Brown University received the highest distinction with a five-star rating. It has an acceptance rate of 5%, with an estimated total cost of $90,960 for the 2025-2026 academic year. After accounting for average financial aid, students can expect to pay approximately $28,200. The university boasts an impressive graduation rate of 96%.
Bryant University achieved a rating of four and a half stars and has an acceptance rate of 66%. The college’s full cost is estimated at $73,740, with average aid reducing the cost to approximately $43,100. Its graduation rate stands at 84%.
Providence College is noted for its four-star rating, accepting 49% of applicants. The school’s total estimated cost is $83,680, while the average price after aid is about $49,500. Providence College has a graduation rate of 89%.
The Rhode Island School of Design received a three-star rating, although its standing decreased from the previous year, where it held a four and a half star rating. With a 14% acceptance rate, the school has an estimated 2025-2026 cost of $84,900, and students typically pay around $44,700 after financial aid. Its graduation rate is 88%.
Roger Williams University earned a three-star rating, with an 88% acceptance rate. The estimated cost for the upcoming academic year is $66,010, with an average net price of approximately $40,300. The graduation rate for this institution is 67%.
Salve Regina University has received a four-star rating and has a 70% acceptance rate. The full cost for attendance is estimated at $73,590, while the average price after aid is roughly $40,100. Its graduation rate is reported at 74%.
The University of Rhode Island, which also holds a four-star rating and achieved R1 status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, has an acceptance rate of 77%. Its estimated full cost for 2025-2026 is $36,320, and the average price with aid is about $22,200. The graduation rate stands at 69%. The university recorded a research spending of $144 million in fiscal year 2023, showcasing significant growth in research activities. Additionally, the doctoral enrollment at the University of Rhode Island has increased by 11% over the past five years.
The rankings reflect a broader context of changes in higher education policy, particularly under the recent administration, which has impacted funding and accessibility for various institutions. Notably, there has been a decrease in colleges achieving the highest star ratings this year, with only 39 colleges, including Brown University, receiving the top honor. While some Rhode Island colleges maintained their previous ratings, others, such as the Rhode Island School of Design, saw a decline. Johnson & Wales University and Rhode Island College did not make this year’s rankings.
As college-bound students and their families navigate these options, the availability of robust data in rankings like Money’s can play a crucial role in steering them toward choices that align with their financial capabilities and educational aspirations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Providence School Board to Host Community Listening Sessions
Rhode Island Colleges Shine in Money’s 2025 Rankings
House Judiciary Committee Subpoenas Ivy League Universities
Brown University Subpoenaed in Ivy League Price-Fixing Probe
Brown University Faces Significant Financial Crisis
Brown University Implements Cost-Cutting Measures Amid Budget Deficit
Trump Administration Targets Brown University Funding Over Antisemitism
Backlash Against Brown University Over Pro-Palestinian Protests
Rhode Island Colleges Showcase Diverse Admission Rates
Rhode Island Higher Education Faces Funding Crisis
Additional Resources
- Patch: These RI Colleges Earned Top Score in New National Ranking
- Providence Journal: Rhode Island Has 7 Institutions on Money’s Best Colleges List for 2025
- World Atlas: The Best College Town in Rhode Island
- Wikipedia: College Ranking
- Best Colleges: Free College Tuition for Senior Citizens
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE 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.
