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Rhode Island Colleges Shine in Money’s 2025 Rankings

Students relax and engage in activities on a beautiful Rhode Island college campus.

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.