September 23, 2025

Rhode Island School of Design Ranks Third Among Regional Universities

News Summary

The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) has achieved a significant milestone by ranking third in the Regional Universities of the North in the latest U.S. News & World Report. This ranking underscores RISD’s dedication to quality education and student success, among various evaluated institutions. Other Rhode Island colleges also received commendable positions, highlighting the state’s excellence in higher education. The rankings focus on social mobility and post-graduate success, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and affordability in college education.

Providence, Rhode Island – The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) has secured its place among the elite institutions in the country, ranking third among Regional Universities of the North in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2026 rankings. This accomplishment highlights the quality of education and commitment to student success at RISD, amidst a broader landscape in which approximately 1,700 colleges and universities were evaluated.

The U.S. News rankings, which place a stronger emphasis on social mobility and post-graduate success this year, utilized more than a dozen measures of academic quality to assess institutions. Social mobility is defined as the ability to enroll and graduate students from diverse backgrounds while keeping student debt manageable. This focus reinforces the importance of accessibility in higher education.

Other Rhode Island Institutions Also Recognized

Alongside RISD, several other colleges in Rhode Island achieved notable rankings. Bryant University placed fifth in the same Regional Universities of the North category. Salve Regina University secured the 24th position, while Roger Williams University came in at 35th. Both Johnson & Wales University and Rhode Island College tied for 84th place, marking a successful showing for the state’s higher education institutions.

National Rankings Overview

In the broader national category, top universities included Princeton University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Harvard University, which dominated the rankings, showcasing their established reputations for academic excellence.

Specialty Rankings and Their Importance

The U.S. News report also features specialized rankings aimed at enhancing student experiences. Categories such as best value schools, most innovative colleges, top performers on social mobility, and historically Black universities allow prospective students to identify schools that best fit their needs. This is especially important as students consider not only the educational offerings but also factors like financial value and innovative approaches to learning.

Impact of Rankings on Student Choices

LaMont Jones, managing editor for Education at U.S. News, emphasized the publication’s role in providing data-based resources for college searches. The rankings serve as a comprehensive tool designed to assist prospective students in finding schools that align with their academic and personal aspirations. As the landscape of higher education evolves, these rankings reflect changes in student priorities and expectations.

Contextualizing the Rankings

This year’s rankings highlight the critical issues of affordability and accessibility within the higher education system. As the cost of college continues to rise, institutions that prioritize social mobility and demonstrate their effectiveness through graduation rates and manageable debt will likely attract more students from varied backgrounds. The emphasis on post-graduate success further stresses the importance of preparing students for life after college, contributing to their overall employability.

In addition to the U.S. News rankings, Rhode Island colleges are also noted in the Princeton Review’s Best Colleges List, which adds another layer of recognition to these institutions. This ongoing acknowledgment reflects the quality of education provided and commitment to enhancing the student experience from local colleges.

The methodologies used by U.S. News & World Report for assessing colleges can be referenced in a detailed news release, providing a transparent view into how the evaluations were conducted.

As students across the nation gear up for the college application process, the latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report serve as a timely reminder of the diverse options available in Rhode Island and beyond. These assessments can help shape educational pathways and ultimately contribute to student success in the future.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

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.

STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER

Stay Connected

More Updates

Luxury waterfront estate at 320 Harrison Avenue Newport

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Submit