Best
Value Colleges in Providence in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Providence, Rhode Island, combines management, finance, marketing, accounting, economics, business law, and analytics. Programs typically include team projects, case studies, and internships with local organizations. Popular options include Johnson & Wales University, Providence College, and Rhode Island College, each offering business-focused undergraduate study. Graduates may pursue roles as marketing coordinators, financial analysts, accountants, human resources specialists, sales representatives, operations supervisors, or management trainees. Course offerings and career paths vary by program.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Providence offers access to programs at Brown University, Providence College, and Rhode Island College. Courses commonly include developmental, social, cognitive, and abnormal psychology, research methods, statistics, and neuroscience. Students examine behavior, mental processes, and how biology shapes well-being. A bachelor's degree can prepare graduates for roles such as behavioral health technician, case manager, human resources assistant, or research assistant. Clinical counseling and licensed psychology careers often generally require graduate study and supervised experience.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Providence, Rhode Island, combines programming, mathematics, and problem-solving with access to a technology community. Typical courses include algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Popular local options include Brown University, Providence College, and Johnson & Wales University. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, data analysts, systems administrators, cybersecurity analysts, or web developers. Coursework includes projects and internships that help students build practical experience and portfolios.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Providence, RI, combines classroom learning with supervised fieldwork. Students typically study counseling theories, human development, ethics, assessment, group counseling, crisis intervention, and multicultural practice. Programs at Rhode Island College, Johnson & Wales University, and Providence College may offer relevant counseling or school-counseling pathways. Graduates commonly pursue roles as licensed mental-health counselors, school counselors, substance-use counselors, or community agency case managers, depending on degree level, supervised experience, and state licensure requirements.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Providence, Rhode Island, combines classroom learning with clinical experience in the city's hospitals and community settings. Typical courses include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, nursing fundamentals, and maternal-child and mental health nursing. Rhode Island College is a choice, while Community College of Rhode Island's Providence campus offers related study options. Graduates may become registered nurses, depending on degree and licensure, or work as practical nurses, nursing assistants, patient-care technicians, and community health workers.

Best Colleges in Providence, RI Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 41,782.0, compared with 64,956.8 at schools in the top 10% - a higher median cost at those schools.
• Financial aid reaches an average of 100.0% of students overall, compared with 57.67% at top 10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 57.67%. Schools receive an average of 13,639.33 applicants overall, while top 10% schools average 30,712.5 applicants. The median number of applicants is 2,313.0 men and 5,126.5 women.
• Average SAT and ACT scores are 1,378.33 and 31.33, respectively.
• The average number of enrolled students is 5,181.67, including averages of 399.17 men and 590.17 women.
• The average graduation rate is 62.33%, compared with 92.5% at top 10% schools. Median graduation rates are 85.0% for men and 73.0% for women.
• Among the institutions, 2 offer associate's degrees, 7 offer bachelor's degrees, 6 offer master's degrees, and 4 offer doctor's degrees.
• There are 6 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare the cost of studying with the availability of financial aid, and weigh admissions selectivity, applicant volume, test-score averages, enrollment, and graduation rates. Consider how degree offerings and school type match your goals, and review the reported differences in graduation rates by gender when evaluating outcomes.

How much does studying at a college in Providence, RI cost?

The average total cost of studying in Providence, RI, is $40,660.43. This is a useful starting point as you compare local options, but it is not necessarily the full price of completing a multi-year degree; your program, enrollment pattern, and financial aid can change what you pay. The reported average tuition and fees are $40,884.86, while average room and board is $17,502.40 and books and supplies average $1,762.50. Because these figures do not add up to the reported total, treat them as separate reported averages rather than a bill to total together.

Providence-area schools to consider include:

• Brown University
• Providence College
• Rhode Island College
• Johnson & Wales University

Ask each college for a personalized cost estimate, then compare tuition, housing, books, and available aid. If you plan to live at home or commute, ask how that changes your budget. Reviewing the details early can make planning feel more manageable and help you focus on finding a program that fits both your goals and finances.

How long does it take to finish college in Providence, RI?

Most bachelor's degrees in Providence, RI, take about four years full-time; associate degrees typically take two. At Brown University, Providence College, Johnson & Wales University, and the Rhode Island School of Design, timelines vary by program, course load, and year-round attendance. Part-time study or requirements such as clinical and studio work can add time.

To finish faster, consider Advanced Placement or transfer credits, summer classes, an accelerated program, or a heavier course load. Check prerequisites and financial-aid rules, and meet an adviser early to map requirements and ensure credits apply to your major.

The average graduation rate in the data is 62.33%, or roughly six in ten students; the average for the top 10% of schools is 92.5%. Reported averages are 72.0% for men and 63.67% for women. These figures are not guarantees, so compare completion data for Providence colleges when choosing a supportive path and planning your degree ahead.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in Providence, RI, earn a median alumni salary of about $48,347. At schools ranked in the top 10%, the median rises to about $61,505 - a promising benchmark as you consider your next step after graduation.

Your own earnings can vary based on your field, experience, and the role you pursue. Providence offers a range of educational paths at institutions such as Brown University, Providence College, Rhode Island School of Design, and Johnson & Wales University, so your degree and career direction can shape where you land within that range.

People also ask

How many universities are there in Providence?

Using a narrow definition - institutions formally called universities and based in Providence - the count is two: Brown University and Johnson & Wales University. Providence also has colleges and other higher-education institutions, so totals may be higher when those are included. That variety gives students a lively range of academic communities to explore.

What is the largest university in Providence?

Brown University is the largest Providence-based university by student enrollment. Its campus sits in the city's historic College Hill neighborhood, close to downtown, arts venues, and local cafés. For prospective students, Brown offers a substantial campus community while remaining connected to Providence's walkable city life.

How many universities are there in Providence?

The answer is still two when counting only universities based in Providence: Brown and Johnson & Wales. The number changes if you also count colleges or campuses of institutions based elsewhere. When comparing options, it can help to look beyond the label and consider each school's programs, campus setting, and student experience.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Value Colleges Ranking in Providence, RI Ranking in 2026-2027

Brown University, located in Providence, offers students a research-focused education and an open curriculum that encourages interdisciplinary study. Its 11,939 enrolled students have a 96% graduation rate, while admission is highly selective at 5%. The listed total study cost is $68,612, and median alumni salary is $62,411. For a student already in Providence, campus life and local internships can be close to home, though budgeting carefully is important given the high cost and competitive admissions and academic demands of study.

Rhode Island College, situated in Providence, is a public institution offering a practical, community-oriented setting for undergraduate study. Its 6,644 enrolled students benefit from a 92% acceptance rate, while its graduation rate is 48%. The listed total cost is $25,764, the lowest among these five schools, and median alumni salary is $48,347. For Providence residents, attending nearby can simplify commuting and help keep expenses manageable; compare program offerings, graduation support, and financial-aid options to judge overall value for your goals.

Providence College, a Catholic liberal arts college in Providence, combines a close-knit campus environment with broad academic programs. It enrolls 5,093 students and reports an 86% graduation rate and 51% acceptance rate. Its listed total cost is $62,520, while median alumni salary is $60,901. For someone living locally, studying nearby offers access to campus activities without leaving the city. Consider the higher cost alongside outcomes and financial aid when comparing it with other Providence-area choices for your future career plans.

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), based in Providence, is a specialized college centered on art and design education. Its 2,616 students experience an 89% graduation rate, while the acceptance rate is 19%. The listed total cost is $61,564, and median alumni salary is $32,379. Local students can pursue studio-based learning in the city and connect their studies with Providence's creative scene. Since the reported alumni salary is comparatively modest, weigh tuition carefully against program fit and financial support options.

Johnson & Wales University-Providence, located in Providence, is a career-oriented university with programs including business and food-related fields. It enrolls 4,303 students, has a 55% graduation rate and an 88% acceptance rate. The listed total cost is $41,782, and median alumni salary is $42,538. For a local student, studying in Providence may make commuting convenient and keep city opportunities nearby. Compare specific majors, internship access, graduation support and aid packages to determine whether its career-focused approach suits your goals and budget.