About Rhode Island College

Founded in 1854, Rhode Island College. is a Public college. Located in Rhode Island, which is a city setting in Rhode Island, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 7,398 full time undergraduate students, and 1,048 full time graduate students.

The Rhode Island College Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 14:1. There are 340 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Rhode Island College include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate74%
Application Deadline
Application Fee50
SAT Range790-1020
ACT Range16-20

Admissions at RIC are considered Selective, with ,27% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 23 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

75% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 35% were in the top quarter, and 11% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Rhode Island College.

7%
“We”re apathetic”
37%
“We know about current events and vote”
51%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
4%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
12%
“We save it for the classroom”
31%
“Sometimes, but not often”
49%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
9%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
1%
“I only go out in groups”
31%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
68%
“I feel extremely safe”
46%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
38%
“We bought the gear”
16%
“We live for the big game”
13%
“It”s not really our thing”
15%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
48%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
24%
“We”re a very artistic group”
1%
“Haven”t met them”
10%
“Available in class”
62%
“They keep regular office hours”
26%
“They”re always available”
13%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
50%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
37%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
21%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
48%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
28%
“We only party on weekends”
3%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
24%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
60%
“There might be people who do”
15%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
1%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
7%
“We”re apathetic”
37%
“We know about current events and vote”
51%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
4%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
12%
“We save it for the classroom”
31%
“Sometimes, but not often”
49%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
9%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
1%
“I only go out in groups”
31%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
68%
“I feel extremely safe”
46%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
38%
“We bought the gear”
16%
“We live for the big game”
13%
“It”s not really our thing”
15%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
48%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
24%
“We”re a very artistic group”
1%
“Haven”t met them”
10%
“Available in class”
62%
“They keep regular office hours”
26%
“They”re always available”
13%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
50%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
37%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
21%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
48%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
28%
“We only party on weekends”
3%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
24%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
60%
“There might be people who do”
15%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
1%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    119 Students rated on-campus housing 3.1 stars. 12 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    98 Students rated off-campus housing 3 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    147 Students rated campus food 2.8 stars. 8 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    151 Students rated campus facilities 3.6 stars. 20 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    151 Students rated class size 4.2 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    149 Students rated school activities 3.3 stars. 18 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    151 Students rated local services 3.7 stars. 30 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    151 Students rated academics 3.9 stars. 38 % gave the school a 5.0.

Rhode Island College REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Rhode Island College?

75 Students rated Rhode Island College

Brynn - 04/07/2024

I think Rhode Island College is great. It is pretty affordable. The class sizes aren’t too big. Most of the professors are really great. The dining hall and cleaning staff are so nice and caring. The food and dorms aren’t the best but for the price it’s not too bad. I’ve met some really amazing people while being here. I’m only a freshman but I’m really excited for the next 3 years. I’m also thinking about getting my masters because of the social work masters program. I also think it’s great how they have the hope scholarship. That will help me tremendously! The counseling office is also amazing. I was struggling with my mental health and decided to go to the counseling center. My therapist is amazing and so helpful and I feel like I’ve really seen a difference. My only complaint is that the preschool is closing. I have been working at the preschool all year and recently found out that it will be closing at the end of this year. Mrs. Shields (the owner) informed us that the school cannot support it financially. The preschool was funded by student community government but they decided they didn’t want to fund it anymore. I think it is truly sad and unfair that a handful of students in this club can decide they don’t want to fund the preschool anymore. I bet none of them have ever even stepped foot inside the preschool. If they did they would realize how amazing and beneficial the program is. Mrs. Shields had a meeting with the president and had a whole business plan prepared for him. She gave him a whole binder full of information in hopes that he would decided to keep the preschool open but he said the school is unable to support it. He only took 2 weeks to review everything she had prepared. I highly doubt that he took the time to read everything. Rhode Island College is the only college in RI to have a program like this. The preschool allows parent students, professors, and staff to bring their children here. I think it is absolutely disgusting that the president can’t find the funding for the preschool. The roof of the preschool apparently needs repairs. However, there are other buildings and rooms that the preschool could be in. I strongly believe that Rhode Island College failed the preschool. Not many people know about the preschool. I believe that the college should have done a better job at advertising the preschool. RIC could make money off of the preschool and benefit from it but instead they decide to just give up on such an amazing program. It’s truly disgusting. I really do love RIC but I am deeply saddened by this. I was planning on working here for my entire college experience but now I have to figure out another job. Not only did the school fail the preschool, they also failed Mrs. Shields, someone who has the biggest heart and did everything possible to keep the preschool open. She loves her job and loves the children. To her, this is more than just a job, it is more like a family to her. To let the preschool close is a big loss. Although I am disappointed by this I do still like RIC I just wish the president would reconsider his decision.

Jannilette - 02/12/2024

This college is incredible for people who wish to pursue social work as a major as we have the best possible program for that. We have a mix of so many other things but if you want to do social work, and need an affordable option, Ric is an amazing place to start. The professors in the school of social work are so kind and very helpful!

Oliviea - 02/21/2023

Rhode Island college is a great option for people that do not have a lot of money for a college education. Despite being a major commuter school, there is plenty of events and gatherings for students on campus. The have really nice programs here and activities for students here! This is where Viola Davis graduated !

Matthew - 11/18/2022

Good college but some issues communication outside of office hours is an issue with some teachers not all but a select few, other teachers have grown past their teaching window and havent realized it yet they don't do any online work but like to do everything in class

Rhode Island College FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Rhode Island College?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Rhode Island College is 74%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    If I could go back in time and talk to me as a high school senior I would say the following: Danielle I know that you have messed up and gotten pregnant, but dont drop out of school, you only have 3 months left. If you work hard and not worry about what others are saying around you, you can do this. Finish high school and go to college, Momma said that she would help you take care of the baby until you finish. Dont be so stubron and hard headed take advantage of the oppertunity go to law school like you have dreamed about for all these years because its hard out here. If you wait until you get older you will have to worry about bills and other responsibilities on top of keeping up your grades. Its not as easy as you think it is to just go back. The longer you wait the harder it gets. So be smart. I will be here to help you if you need it. Dont give up, Please dont give up.

    Read all 152 answers

  3. What's unique about your campus?

    I consider that there are many things that make my school great. This school is full of education opportunities. It made me become professional and independent everyone around me was always eager to learn, listen, and help each other.

    Read all 38 answers

  4. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    What I consider to be the worst part of my school is the sports. Rhode Island College does not have a football team, a cheerleading team. People tend to take pride in their school when their football team does well. and it is hard to be proud of a school that is division three school.

    Read all 36 answers

  5. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    Rhode Island College class rooms have a very wide range of ethnicities and ages. This certainly has the potential to make RIC a great learning place for students. I love the way each person tha comes to class has a completely different outlook on life than the person sitting next to them because it adds a lot to class discussions.

    Read all 27 answers

  6. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    nothing

    Read all 25 answers

  7. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Someone who is career driven. Someone who is determined and wants a bright future.

    Read all 25 answers

  8. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    It could be a lot better.

    Read all 21 answers

  9. Describe the students at your school.

    Caring and very helpful. Want to help each other understand material better. Easily able to attain study groups with new classmates however, strong continuity of classmates. Once you are accepted you generally stay together and get to know each other. This makes the difficulty of the nursing program a much easier to obtain goal with the support of people who care

    Read all 20 answers

  10. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    To attend Rhode Island College, you should be willing to put in a LOT of time and energy for your work. If you want to live on campus, be prepared to dish out money for disgusting food, broken elevators, but nice a/c and heat. You should be mature enough to get over people's pettiness, and willing to live with at least 7 other people. However, upper classmen can live with only 4 people (sometimes). You should be independent and not break the rules (or not get caught). Good luck!! :-)

    Read all 19 answers

  11. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    I wish that professors had held students to higher academic standards. I learned the most from professors who pushed students to work hard.

    Read all 17 answers

  12. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    What I brag the most about Rhode Island College is that I attend the best Biology (Pre-Med) program in the state. They have the latest technology and the right study to prepare any student for the MCAT examination, and any Medical School in the country. Rhode Island College is an institutuon that seriously care about their students and their right future career.

    Read all 15 answers

  13. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    It is known for its awesome education and nursing programs. Anyone in the New Englad area knows where they shoulgo to college if they want to be and education or nursing major because of the great program and the low tuition rates.

    Read all 13 answers

  14. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    Rhode Island College is known as a commuter school, and primarily it is. That doesn't mean this is a bad thing, though. After transferring from a small private college with lots of cliques, I personally like the independence of the students. To me, this makes it feel more like college rather than high school.

    Read all 7 answers

  15. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    If I could change one thing about RIC, I would add a better social scene. I mean, since it's in Providence it's great because it's near all the clubs and bars, but there is absolutely NO life on campus on the weekends. This is primarily because it is a commuter school, so everyone either rents apartments in the city, or lives at home. Also, there is absolutely NO school pride, I mean, the school doesn't even have a football team!

    Read all 6 answers

  16. What are the academics like at your school?

    The academic life at RIC is very good. The class sizes are mostly all 25-30 students, so professors know you by name and there is personal attention gven to each student. The general education requirements also are not that strict, there is a lot of choice among different courses when it comes to that.

    Read all 4 answers

  17. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Student government and school newspaper.

    Read all 4 answers

  18. What do students complain about most?

    The food at our college is what the students complain the most about. It saddens me that whenever we are going to our diner, we do not have many options to chose from and we are paying for horrible food.

    Read all 4 answers

  19. Tell us about your professors.

    I have had really good professors. Most professors are available to talk after class or during office hours and really get to know you. Even after a semester ends, a professor you had will still recognize you around campus and say hi.

    Read all 2 answers

  20. Describe the dorms.

    I have never lived on campus, but from what I have seen they are about average size for dorms.

    Read all 2 answers

  21. Why did you decide to go to this school?

    I have never considered going to RIC as a high school student. Out of all the schools in Rhode Island, I pretty much applied to every college except RIC. After my freshman year at a private college in R.I., I had decided to transfer. I applied because of the price of tuition and the proximity to my house. I was a little reluctant, but I am very happy with my choice and have never once thought about transferring again.

    Read all 2 answers

Student Body

Students

68%

female

32%

male

7,398

Total Undergrad Enrollment

1,048

Total Grad Students

21%

Out-Of-State

79%

In-State

N/A

International

Organizations

75

Student Organizations

2

Fraternities

3

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

13%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
3%
% Black or African-American
9%
% Hispanic/Latino
17%
% White or Caucasian
61%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

86% of students attending Rhode Island College receive some sort of financial aid. 50% were awarded federal grants. While 67% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$19,867

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,200

Books and Supplies

$10,794

Room and Board

31,861

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$7,386
$30 - $48K
$7,945
$48 - $75K
$11,525
$75 - $110K
$14,141
$110K & UP
$14,949

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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