Exploring RI's Public Higher Education System

Despite being the country's smallest state, Rhode Island is proud to have a strong higher education system in place that boasts the largest community college in New England, a college that provides over 60% of the state's teaching force, and a research university that is best in class. The Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner provides support to all three institutions and works on initiatives at a systemwide level. 

Rhode Island is proud to have three strong public institutions of higher learning: 

• Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI)

• Rhode Island College (RIC)

• University of Rhode Island (URI)

Thinking about transferring? Check out information on that process here. 

Community College of Rhode Island

400 East Avenue Warwick, RI 02886-1807 www.ccri.edu

The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is the state’s only public comprehensive associate degree-granting institution. CCRI provides affordable open access to higher education at locations throughout the state. CCRI’s primary mission is to offer recent high school graduates and returning adults the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for intellectual, professional and personal growth through an array of academic, career and lifelong learning programs. CCRI meets the wide-ranging educational needs of a diverse student population, building on a rich tradition of excellence in teaching and a dedication to all students with the ability and motivation to succeed. CCRI sets high academic standards necessary for transfer and career success, champions diversity, responds to community needs, and contributes to the state’s economic development and the region’s workforce.

FAST FACTS: 

• Annual Tuition & Fees (resident): $4,266; Per Credit Tuition: $180

• Total Cost of Attendance: $10,992 (Financially Dependent Student Living at Home)

• Student Body Size: 16,195 (Undergraduate Students: 16,195)

• Rhode Island Residents: 96%

• Minority Students: 37%

• Student/Teacher Ratio: 18:1

• On-Campus Housing: No

• Degrees offered: Certificate, Associate

• Financial Aid Priority: July 1; (401) 825-2468 financialaid@ccri.edu

• Admissions Contact: (401) 825-2003 webadmission@ccri.edu

Rhode Island College

600 Mount Pleasant Avenue Providence, RI 02908 www.ric.edu

As a leading regional public college, Rhode Island College (RIC) personalizes higher education of the finest quality for undergraduate and graduate students. RIC offers vibrant programs in arts and sciences, business and professional disciplines within a supportive, respectful and diverse community. Dedicated faculty engage students in learning, research, and career attainment, and RIC’s innovative curricula and co-curricula foster intellectual curiosity and prepare an educated citizenry for responsible leadership. 

FAST FACTS:

• Annual Tuition & Fees (resident): $8,197; Per Credit Tuition: $280

• Room & Board: $11,396

• Total Annual Cost of Attendance: $22,233 (On-Campus Resident)

• Student Body Size: 8,641; Undergraduate Students: 7,518; Graduate Students: 1,123

• Rhode Island Residents: 78%

• Minority Students: 25%

• Student/Teacher Ratio: 15:1

• On-Campus Housing: Yes

• Degrees Offered: Certificate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral; Undergraduate Majors Offered: 90 +

• Financial Aid Deadline: March 1; (401) 456-8033 joconnor@ric.edu

• Admissions Deadline: March 15; (401) 456-8234 admissions@ric.edu

 University of Rhode Island

45 Upper College Rd Kingston, RI 02881 www.uri.edu

 The University of Rhode Island (URI) is the State’s public learner-centered research university. URI is a community joined in a common quest for knowledge. URI is committed to enriching the lives of its students through its land, sea, and urban grant traditions. URI is the only public institution in Rhode Island offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students the distinctive educational opportunities of a major research university. URI’s undergraduate, graduate, and professional education, research, and outreach serve Rhode Island and beyond. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni are united in one common purpose: to learn and lead together. Embracing Rhode Island ’s heritage of independent thought, URI values creativity and scholarship; diversity, fairness, and respect; engaged learning and civic involvement; intellectual and ethical leadership.

FAST FACTS:

• Annual Tuition & Fees (resident): $14,854; Per Credit Tuition: $464

• Room & Board: $11,956

• Total Annual Cost of Attendance: $30,061 (On-Campus Resident)

• Student Body Size: 16,571; Undergraduate Students: 13,589; Graduate Students: 2,982

• Rhode Island Residents: 56%

• Minority Students: 22%

• Student/Teacher Ratio: 16:1

• On-Campus Housing: Yes

• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral; Undergraduate Majors Offered: 80 +

• Admissions Deadlines: Early Admissions: December 1; Regular Admissions: February 1; (401) 874-7000 admission@uri.edu

• Scholarship Deadline: February 1

• Financial Aid Deadline: March 1; (401) 874-9500 esmail@etal.uri.edu