Most
Popular Colleges in Providence in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Providence, RI, combines coursework in accounting, economics, marketing, finance, management, business law, and data analysis. Students develop communication, leadership, and decision-making skills through projects and internships. Popular local options include Johnson & Wales University, Providence College, and Rhode Island College, each offering business-related study. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as marketing coordinator, financial analyst, human resources specialist, sales representative, operations manager, or business analyst, with opportunities across companies, nonprofits, and government.

Psychology

In Providence, studying psychology offers a foundation in human behavior, mental processes, and research. Typical courses include introductory psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, statistics, and research methods. Brown University, Providence College, and Rhode Island College offer psychology study opportunities in the city. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as research assistant, human resources specialist, case manager, behavioral health technician, or community support worker. Advanced clinical or counseling careers generally require graduate education and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying a computer science program in Providence, Rhode Island combines programming, algorithms, data structures, operating systems, databases, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Students build software, solve computational problems, and develop teamwork through projects and internships. Popular local options include Brown University, Providence College, and Rhode Island College, each offering computer science study. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, data scientists, cybersecurity analysts, or web developers, working in technology, healthcare, finance, government, and education.

Counseling

In Providence, studying counseling prepares students to support individuals and communities through evidence-based care. Typical coursework includes counseling theories, human development, ethics, assessment, multicultural counseling, group therapy, and supervised practice. Depending on the program, students may pursue school or clinical mental health specialties. Providence-based options include Rhode Island College, Providence College, and Johnson & Wales University. Graduates work as school counselors, mental health counselors, case managers, or community outreach specialists, subject to credentialing and licensure requirements.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Providence, Rhode Island, combines classroom learning with clinical practice in local healthcare settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and community and medical-surgical nursing. Graduates may work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, or public health. Popular Providence options include Rhode Island College and Johnson & Wales University, which offer nursing study and clinical preparation. Students develop communication, critical-thinking, and patient-care skills through simulation and placements.

Best Colleges in Providence, RI Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $51,673, compared with $65,566 for schools in the top 10%. Average financial aid coverage is 98.0% overall, versus 57.67% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 57.67%. Schools receive an average of 13,639.33 applicants, while schools in the top 10% average 30,712.5 applicants. The median number of male applicants is 2,313.0, compared with 5,126.5 female applicants.
• Average SAT and ACT scores are 1,378.33 and 31.33, respectively.
• The average number of enrolled students is 6,119.0. Average enrollment is 399.17 men and 590.17 women.
• The average graduation rate is 62.33%, compared with 92.5% at top-10% schools. The median graduation rate is 85.0% for men and 73.0% for women.
• Among the institutions, 2 offer associate's degrees, 6 offer bachelor's degrees, 6 offer master's degrees, and 4 offer doctor's degrees.
• There are 5 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost with financial aid availability, and consider how acceptance rates, applicant numbers, and SAT and ACT averages relate to your circumstances. Graduation rates also differ substantially across the overall group, top-10% schools, and by gender; weigh those figures alongside the available degree levels and school types when deciding which institution best fits your goals.

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

The reported average total cost of getting a degree in Providence, RI, is $45,601.17. This figure offers a useful starting point as you compare local options, including Brown University, Providence College, Rhode Island School of Design, and Johnson & Wales University. Use it as a starting point when planning your education budget.

The provided cost averages list tuition and fees at $45,807, room and board at $17,502.40, and books and supplies at $1,762.50. These figures are useful for mapping major expenses, but compare each college's published estimate carefully: the listed categories do not reconcile with the reported total, and campus housing or personal choices can change what you pay.

Your budget may differ with housing and commuting choices. Ask Brown, Providence College, RISD, or Johnson & Wales about current attendance costs and aid. Scholarships can make the goal feel more manageable; explore options early and plan around your situation.

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

In Providence, RI, plan on about four years for a full-time bachelor's degree, while an associate degree commonly takes two years. Your timeline at Brown University, Providence College, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), or Johnson & Wales University can vary with your major, course load, and whether you attend year-round.

Local completion figures offer a useful reality check: the average graduation rate is 62.33%, meaning completion is common but not automatic; the top 10% of schools average 92.5%. Rates average 72.0% for men and 63.67% for women, so ask each college for program-specific outcomes and support. At Providence-area colleges, check summer availability and transfer-credit rules carefully before committing.

You may finish sooner by:

• Using AP, IB, or transfer credits accepted by your college to meet requirements.
• Taking summer courses or heavier course loads, if prerequisites and finances allow.
• Choosing an accelerated or competency-based pathway when your program offers one.

Salary

Graduates in Providence, RI, can expect a median alumni salary of about $45,443. At schools in the top 10%, the median alumni salary is about $61,656 - a promising benchmark as you consider what a degree could help you earn.

Providence students can explore colleges such as Brown University, Providence College, and Johnson & Wales University. These figures are broad benchmarks, not salary guarantees for any particular school or degree; your earnings can vary by field, experience, and employer.

People also ask

What is the most attended college in Providence?

By total student enrollment, Brown University is generally the largest college or university based in Providence, with around 11,000 students. That includes undergraduate and graduate students, so figures can vary by year and by how enrollment is counted. For a prospective student, Brown's size means a broad range of academic programs and campus activities within the city.

What is the richest university in Providence?

Brown University is generally considered Providence's wealthiest university when "richest" means the size of its endowment. Its endowment was about $7.2 billion in fiscal year 2024. An endowment is invested to support the university over time; it does not mean that the full amount is available for student spending or tuition reductions.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Popular Colleges Ranking in Providence, RI Ranking in 2026-2027

Brown University, located in Providence, offers students an Ivy League education in a compact, historic city with a lively arts and research scene. It enrolls 11,939 students, reports a 96% graduation rate, and admits 5% of applicants. The total study cost is $68,612, while median alumni salary is $62,411. Its open curriculum gives undergraduates flexibility to shape their studies across disciplines. For Providence residents, Brown combines rigorous academics, campus resources, and easy access to the city's neighborhoods and cultural institutions.

Rhode Island School of Design in Providence is an art and design college suited to students seeking studio-centered learning and creative community. It enrolls 2,616 students, has an 89% graduation rate, and accepts 19% of applicants. Its listed total study cost is $61,564, and median alumni salary is $32,379. Located beside Brown and downtown, RISD offers engagement with museums, galleries, and creative industries. For a Providence-based student, its specialized programs and hands-on culture make the city an extension of campus.

Providence College, a Catholic liberal arts institution in Providence, offers a campus-based experience with a strong community and Dominican tradition. It enrolls 5,093 students, graduates 86%, and has a 51% acceptance rate. The listed total cost of study is $62,520, and median alumni salary is $60,901. Its broad undergraduate programs and emphasis on learning across disciplines can suit students seeking a traditional college environment. Living in Providence also places students near internships, hospitals, cultural venues, and the state's employers and opportunities.

Johnson & Wales University-Providence brings a career-focused, hands-on approach to higher education in the heart of Providence. Its programs include areas such as business, hospitality, and culinary arts, connecting study with practical skills. The university enrolls 4,303 students, has a 55% graduation rate, and admits 88% of applicants. Its listed total study cost is $41,782; median alumni salary is $42,538. Students can benefit from Providence's restaurants, hotels, businesses, and internships while enjoying an urban campus and access to city life.

Rhode Island College is a public institution in Providence, offering undergraduate and graduate study in a supportive campus setting. It enrolls 6,644 students, with a 48% graduation rate and a 92% acceptance rate. The listed total cost of study is $25,764, the lowest among these five schools; median alumni salary is $48,347. Its range of academic and professional programs may appeal to students seeking value and access to public education. Providence's employers and community organizations provide nearby opportunities for experience.