University of Rhode Island

  • 6/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Kingston, RI
  • 4.0 7 reviews
#1 Best Public Universities in Rhode Island

Overview

Total enrollment

17,210
University of Rhode Island overview
University of Rhode Island overview
  • Size Mid-size
  • Status Non-profit
  • Housing Yes
  • Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

The University of Rhode Island's main campus is located in Kingston, Rhode Island, approximately 30 miles south of Providence and 75 miles from Boston. Set on over 1,200 acres in a rural New England setting, the campus features a mix of historic granite buildings and modern facilities, including waterfront research facilities at Narragansett Bay. Founded in 1892 as an agricultural school, URI has evolved into a public land and sea grant research institution, known for its programs in marine sciences, engineering, pharmacy, and business. The university maintains a competitive admission process and operates additional campuses in Providence, Narragansett, and West Greenwich. Students typically reside in one of the 22 residence halls during their first two years, and the university competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Rams, participating in the Atlantic 10 Conference.

Ratings

URI is rated within the top 42% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    6 out of 10
  • Academics
    7 out of 10
  • Resources
    5 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    7 out of 10
  • Value
    5 out of 10

Admissions

Admission Standards

Average
University of Rhode Island admission standards
  • SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1020/1280
  • GPA 3.58

Acceptance Rate

72.2%
University of Rhode Island applications overview
  • Applications Due Feb 1, 2027
  • Enrollment Rate 15.4%
  • Application Fee $65

Applicant Competition Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Rhode Island Resident Tuition

$16,942

Out of State Resident Tuition

$37,146

Breakdown

In State Costs for University of Rhode Island
  • Tuition $16,942
  • Books and Supplies $1,250
  • Other Fees $2,312
  • Room and Board $15,607
  • Budget for Other Expenses $2,678
  • Total One Year Cost $38,789

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$56,200 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

63% within 6 years

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at University of Rhode Island are Business, Communication, and Health Professions. 14% of students major in Business, 10% in Communication, and 10% in Health Professions.

  • Business 14%
  • Communication 10%
  • Health Professions 10%
  • Social Sciences 9%
  • Engineering 9%

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering University of Rhode Island are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=217484.

GPA calculator: University of Rhode Island GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026