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
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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
