Top Ranked Rhode Island Colleges

The Best Colleges in Rhode Island Ranked for 2019

These are the best four year colleges in Rhode Island as ranked by CollegeSimply. This Rhode Island ranking is a subset of our national ranking of the best colleges in America. Our ranking methodology is purely statistical and not subjective in nature. Measuring factors include but are not limited to: student body intellect as indicated by admission scores, graduation rate and admission selectivity. In order to be considered for the ranking, a school must offer four year undergraduate degrees, selectively admit students and be a non-profit institution. Leading the 2019 ranking as the best college in Rhode Island is Brown University.

List of The Best Colleges & Universities in Rhode Island

Rank	College	National Academic Rank1	National Selectivity Rank2	National Graduation Rank3
1	Brown University	13	11	15
2	Rhode Island School of Design	164	100	78
3	Providence College	221	337	98
4	University of Rhode Island	488	828	480
5	Rhode Island College	1,036	967	1,081
6	Bryant University	1,682	924	196
7	Salve Regina University	1,686	894	251
8	Roger Williams University	1,685	1,202	589
9	Johnson & Wales University Providence	1,683	1,351	837

Ranking Methodology

Overall Rank is calculated based on the following school characteristics.

¹National Academic Rank is calculated using standardized test admission data as well as GPA data for admitted freshman.
²National Selectivity Rank is based on admission selectivity for incoming students starting the 2016-2017 academic year.
³National Graduation Rank is based on the percentage of students graduating with bachelor's degrees within six years.