Attending College in Rhode Island: What You Need to Know (Including Rhode Island Scholarships)

Updated on December 16th, 2023

Many students feel that attending college in Rhode Island is the perfect choice. After all, there are so many outstanding Rhode Island universities and colleges that many students can find their ideal match. But choosing between all of the schools is tricky. Plus, figuring out how to cover the cost is almost always a challenge.

If your student plans on attending college in Rhode Island, scholarships can make nearly any school affordable. If you and your student want to learn about Rhode Island scholarships, sign up for our free college scholarship webinar! Take a quick trip over to http://thescholarshipsystem.com/freewebinar to reserve a spot today.

Luckily, for students exploring colleges in RI, there’s a way to make their college decision simpler. If your student wants to head to Rhode Island to further their education, here’s what they should know.

Contents

1 About Rhode Island
2 Colleges and Universities in Rhode Island
- 2.1 College Towns in Rhode Island
- 2.2 Major Rhode Island Colleges and Universities
3 Rhode Island Financial Aid
- 3.1 Rhode Island College Grants
- 3.2 Rhode Island Scholarships
4 Living and Getting Around in Rhode Island
5 Making Money in Rhode Island

About Rhode Island

Rhode Island is a breathtakingly beautiful state with a fascinating history. While it’s the smallest US state, it has over 400 miles of coastline. Also, until 2020, Rhode Island’s full state name – the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations – was the longest state name in the country, though that honor now goes to Massachusetts.

Newport is home to the oldest synagogue in the nation, and the country’s first Baptist church was established in Providence. Rhode Island also had the first anti-slavery statute, which dates back to 1652, though it was limited in capacity.

When it comes to the weather, Rhode Island has a lot of variety. Between 20 and 40 days each year usually have sub-freezing temperatures, but summer days can have highs near 90°F, too, at least on occasion. Rainfall is also common during every season, and in the winter, snow is usually part of the equation.

Colleges and Universities in Rhode Island

Many students wonder, “How many colleges are in Rhode Island?” In total, Rhode Island is home to 22 colleges and universities. There are 13 four-year universities in Rhode Island, along with nine two-year RI colleges and technical schools.

For some students, exploring all of those options might seem doable. However, other students may find that overwhelming. Fortunately, there are two strategies that make finding the right college easier. Here’s a look at two approaches that can make selecting a Rhode Island college as simple as possible.

College Towns in Rhode Island

While many students think that the best way to choose between the various colleges in Rhode Island is to start by exploring the schools, that isn’t always the case. Instead, students may want to begin the journey by checking out the state’s college towns. That way, they can find an environment that meets their broader needs and then choose a nearby school.

The reason this strategy works is that it helps students examine the bigger picture. While students traditionally spend a lot of time on campus, they also head out and about regularly. By finding a location with a welcoming, supportive culture, it’s easier to meet their broader needs effectively.

Here’s a list of Rhode Island college towns for students to consider:

Bristol
East Greenwich
Kingston
Newport
Providence
Smithfield

Overall, many students will find that at least one of the college towns above meets their needs. However, if they can’t find their perfect match, branching out is a wise move. Ultimately, students should focus on determining what city is ideal for them, so looking elsewhere is an excellent idea if the need arises.

Major Rhode Island Colleges and Universities

For students who prefer to focus on their school experience, exploring the leading private and public colleges in Rhode Island is potentially an ideal starting point. Major educational institutions usually bring something exceptional to the table. For example, they may have stellar academic programs, fantastic cultures, and other must-haves that students might prioritize.

Overall, this strategy works well for students exploring options in RI, as the state doesn’t have an overabundance of schools. With that in mind, here is a list of major colleges and universities in Rhode Island:

It’s critical to note that students should treat the colleges in Rhode Island list above as a starting point only. While the schools on it reflect those most commonly featured high on Rhode Island college rankings lists, they aren’t the only options. If those universities don’t meet a student’s needs, that’s okay. They should just explore the other fantastic schools in the area, allowing them to find the ideal option for them.

Rhode Island Financial Aid

Once students start figuring out which RI college is their best fit, it’s time to focus on how they’ll cover the cost. In most cases, that means exploring financial aid. While that can include checking out student loans, debt doesn’t have to be part of the equation. Grants and scholarships for Rhode Island students can make graduating debt-free possible, making them a strong option.

Usually, Rhode Island scholarships and grants are either administered by the state or local organizations. As a result, they classically focus on in-state students. Residency requirements are commonly in play, and they normally align with those set for in-state tuition. For example, being domiciled in Rhode Island for a minimum of one year prior to the start of the semester or quarter is usually a must.

However, that doesn’t mean out-of-state students don’t have options. While some scholarships in RI focus on residents, institutional awards may not have residency as a requirement. As a result, institutional scholarships in Rhode Island are worth exploring for all students.

Rhode Island Red – a popular variety of chicken

Rhode Island College Grants

Functionally, Rhode Island grants for college students work similarly to Pell Grants; they’re just managed at the state level instead of by the federal government. The best part about college grants is that repaying the money isn’t required if students meet all of the requirements. Since that’s the case, they’re an ideal way to avoid student loan debt.

Overall, Rhode Island doesn’t have many college grants for students. However, there are a couple of options to explore. Students just need to make sure they qualify before applying, as the exact requirements can vary.

Here are some Rhode Island college grants students should check out:

Rhode Island Scholarships

For local students attending RI colleges and universities, Rhode Island college scholarships are another option that makes graduating debt-free possible. As long as students adhere to any related agreements, they don’t have to repay the money.

Before applying, students do need to review any rules. Each awarding committee can set its own eligibility requirements, so students need to ensure they qualify before moving forward.

For students looking for a Rhode Island scholarship (or several!), here is a list of options worth exploring:

Living and Getting Around in Rhode Island

Before heading to Rhode Island for college, students should learn about what living in and getting around in the state is like. While they’ll be on campus quite a bit, they’ll also need to head out and about on occasion, making this information useful. Here’s what students need to know.

Housing in Rhode Island

Initially, many students struggle with choosing between dorms and off-campus apartments (or other housing arrangements). However, exploring the cost of housing in Rhode Island typically makes deciding what’s best easier.

For most students, buying a house in Rhode Island isn’t an option. After all, the average home value in the state (as of November 2023) is $436,520, which is dramatically above the national average of $346,653.

Renting an apartment is also more expensive than students may expect. The fair market value of a one-bedroom unit is $1,193 per month, while a two-bedroom has a fair market value of $1,444. While some students may find that reasonable – especially if they have a roommate – for many, it makes going with a dorm room the more affordable choice.

Transportation Options

When it’s time for students to head off campus, they have plenty of options. Each city usually has options like buses, taxis, and rideshares, so local travel is reasonably straightforward. For longer distances, students can head to the state’s airports or train stations.

Here is a list of Rhode Island’s main airports:

Here are the Rhode Island Amtrak stations, all of which are on the Northeast Regional line, while one is also on the Acela line:

Kingston, RI (KIN)
Providence, RI – Amtrak/T Station (PVD)
Westerly, RI (WLY)

Things to Do in Rhode Island

Students need to spend time relaxing and having fun during college. Along with rounding out their experience, it can help them keep stress at bay. Luckily, there are plenty of things to do in Rhode Island that are right up students’ alleys.

For students who like to spend time outdoors, Cliff Walk is an excellent destination. A trip to Mohegan Bluffs is also worthwhile. If students want to mix in some history, Fort Adams State Park is similarly a superb choice.

If your student is an animal lover, they might enjoy a trip to Roger Williams Park Zoo. For fans of art, a visit to the Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art is essential. Finally, students who love architecture and history should check out the Newport Mansions, as they are a sight to behold.

Making Money in Rhode Island

Whether students are attending private or public universities in Rhode Island, many will need to work to make ends meet. Since that’s the case, it’s critical to understand what making money in Rhode Island involves. Here’s what students should know.

Minimum Wage

Many students need the flexibility that minimum wage jobs offer. Plus, these positions don’t require much in the way of previous experience, which is good news for students who haven’t spent much time in the workforce.

In Rhode Island, the minimum wage as of 2023 is $13.00 per hour. However, it’ll go up to $14.00 per hour on January 1, 2024, and reach $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2025.

For tipped employees, the minimum wage is technically $3.89 per hour. But if an employee’s tips don’t bring them up to the equivalent of the regular minimum wage, the company is required to make up the difference.

Employment Rates

The unemployment rate in a state has a big influence on the availability of jobs. High unemployment means more competition among candidates, so finding a position is typically harder. With low unemployment, the opposite is usually true.

In Rhode Island, the unemployment rate (as of October 2023) is 2.7 percent. Along with being low overall, it’s also below the national average of 3.9 percent. Ultimately, that’s good news for students, as it means most can likely find a suitable opportunity.

Rhode Island Key Industries

Knowing which industries play a critical role in a state’s economy is helpful for students. Along with showing what types of jobs are likely available, it can help students see what kinds of careers are easiest to launch in the state.

In Rhode Island, the life science and technology industries are both booming. The maritime sector is also a big part of the economy, along with advanced business services. The design and custom manufacturing industries are similarly well-developed in the state, and travel and hospitality are both significant parts of the economy.

Attending College in Rhode Island: What You Need to Know (Including Rhode Island Scholarships)

About Rhode Island