Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
Rhode Island College logo

Rhode Island College

Providence, RI·Public·4,630 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 4,630 students.

81%
Accept
4,630
Students
$10,988
Net Price
46%
Grad Rate
$43,900
Earnings
10 yr
$13,833
Debt

About This School

Rhode Island College is a public institution located in Providence, Rhode Island with approximately 4,630 undergraduate students enrolled. Rhode Island College has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 81%. The average net price after financial aid is $10,988 per year. The graduation rate is 46%, and the typical graduate earns $43,900 within 10 years of enrollment.

Rhode Island College (RIC) is a public college in Rhode Island, United States, with much of the land in Providence, and other parts in North Providence. The college was established in 1854 as the Rhode Island State Normal School, making it the second-oldest institution of higher education in Rhode Island after Brown University. Located on a 180-acre (73 ha) campus, the college has a student body of 6,000. RIC is a member of the NCAA and has 17 Division III teams.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $10,988 per year average net price, this is one of the more affordable paths to a degree in New England, and the low median debt of $13,833 at graduation reflects that. However, the 46% graduation rate is a real concern — fewer than half of students who start here finish — so you'd want to ask hard questions about advising, support services, and your own readiness before committing. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious and have a clear plan, particularly for education or social work programs where Rhode Island College has a solid regional reputation.

Founded
1892
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Health Professions25%
Business & Marketing15%
Psychology11%
Education8%
Social Sciences5%
Visual & Performing Arts5%
Computer Science4%
Biological Sciences4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Christiane AmanpourLamar OdomCandace OwensMichael FlynnRobert BallardJ. T. WalshCuttino MobleyPatrick AgyemangMasta AceSage FrancisLincoln AlmondJohn King

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1010
Reading 75th %ile600
Math 75th %ile560

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$10,986
Out-of-State Tuition
$26,519
Avg Net Price
$10,988
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants41%
Median debt at graduation$13,833

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
46%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
74%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$43,900
after enrollment
Median Debt
$13,833
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$13,833
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$35,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$43,900
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.2x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White49%
Black12%
Hispanic/Latino26%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (4,630 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Rhode Island College

600 Mount Pleasant Ave

Providence, RI 02908

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Rhode Island

Browse all Rhode Island schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.