•   Why go to college in Rhode Island?
    •   Rhode Island colleges online
    •   Rhode Island proprietary schools
    •   Other Rhode Island resources

Why go to college in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island is part of New England in the northeastern corner of the United States. Rhode Island is a state with legendary mansions, over 100 miles of beautiful beaches, and unspoiled scenic trails, as well as a growing, modern capital city-- Providence. 

There is always something to do and see in Rhode Island, whatever your interests-- from the usual recreational activities like going to the beach or shopping to whale watching.  Rhode Island is the home of the third oldest zoo in the United States--Roger Willams Park Zoo.  Called "New England's Great Zoo" by the Boston Globe, it is considered one of America's top ten zoos. Although Rhode Island is the smallest state in the U.S., it is one of the biggest in terms of the gifts to the country. It offers a unique blend of geographic, historic and cultural diversity, as well as a wide range of recreational activities. 

Despite its size, Rhode Island offers one of the nation's largest concentrations of registered historic landmarks. Did you know that 20% of the official historic landmarks in the U.S. are in Rhode Island?

Take time to visit some of the choices that you have for higher education in Rhode Island on the following Web pages.  Rhode Island offers everything from the largest community college in New England to nationally ranked private and Ivy League institutions. There really is something for everyone. Rhode Island's colleges and universities provide some of the finest opportunities in America for students studying everything from oceanography to education, culinary arts, business, graphic arts, film making, liberal arts and engineering.
 

top

Rhode Island Colleges Online 

Community College of Rhode Island
Established by the General Assembly in 1960, the Community College of Rhode Island  seeks to provide an opportunity for students to complete their first two years of college, workforce training beyond the high school level, a focus on teaching and student services, an avenue for adults to pursue postsecondary education, extensive involvement with the community, and specialized workforce education and training courses for business and industry.  The largest community college in New England, the Community College of Rhode Island has three permanent campuses:  the Knight Campus in Warwick, the Flanagan Campus in Lincoln, and the Liston Campus  in South Providence.  A fourth campus in Newport is being developed. Satellite campuses are located at East Providence High School, Middletown High School, Newport Hospital, North Kingstown High School and Westerly High School.  Fall 2000 headcount enrollment at the Community College was 15,583. 

Rhode Island College
Established in 1854, Rhode Island College is now the state's principal urban public institution of higher learning -- in setting, student body, curriculum and priorities.  RIC provides undergraduate programs in the arts and sciences as well as in pre-professional and professional fields.  The college also offers some graduate programs in the arts and sciences and in the areas of community, public and social service.  RIC grants a Ph.D. in Education offered jointly with the University of Rhode Island.  The faculty's first priority is teaching, but this focus is enriched by a strong commitment to research and community service.  Rhode Island College is located on a 125-acre campus straddling the Providence/North Providence line.  Headcount enrollment at Rhode Island College for the fall of 2000 was 8,513. 

University of Rhode Island
From its beginnings in 1888, the University of Rhode Island has grown to become the state's public, comprehensive university, and is a land-grant, sea-grant, and urban-grant institution, with responsibility for cooperative extension services.  URI provides instructional programs through the doctoral degree level, and among the three public institutions it has the primary responsibility for research.  The University of Rhode Island consists of four campuses: the 1,200-acre Kingston Campus located in Kingston, the 165-acre Narragansett Bay Campus located off South Ferry Road in Narragansett, the 2,300-acre W. Alton Jones Campus in West Greenwich, and the Providence Center which houses the Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Continuing Education.  At the University of Rhode Island, total headcount enrollment for the fall 2000 semester was 14,362 students. 

Brown University
Established in 1764, Brown is the seventh oldest college in the nation and a member of the Ivy League.  Originally named Rhode Island College, the institution was renamed in 1804 for Nicholas Brown, an original incorporator and benefactor.  Women were first admitted in 1891 to study at what became known as Pembroke College, which merged with Brown's undergraduate college in 1971.  Brown University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in the liberal arts and sciences, a master's degree in teaching, and a medical education program leading to the MD degree.  The Brown campus is located on Providence's East Side.  Headcount enrollment in fall 2000 was 7,723.

Bryant University
Bryant University was founded in 1863 to provide specialized training in business administration.  Located on a 320-acre campus on Douglas Pike in Smithfield that opened in 1971, Bryant University offers associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree programs, including an MBA.  Bryant is home to the RI Small Business Development Center and is the summer training camp site for the New England Patriots.  Headcount enrollment in fall 2000 was 9,373.

Johnson & Wales University
Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales University offers associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and the doctorate in education.  Johnson & Wales is a career-oriented institution that concentrates in business, food service, hospitality, teacher education and technology.  The main campus is located in downtown Providence, with a second campus headquartered at the Harborside Park waterfront site near the Providence/Cranston line.  Other major learning centers are located at the Johnson & Wales Inn in Seekonk and the Airport Center in Warwick.  Headcount enrollment in fall 2000 was 9,172.

Naval War College
On October 6, 1884, Secretary of the Navy William E. Chandler gave the order that: "A college is hereby established for an advanced course of professional study for naval officers, to be known as the Naval War College."  Such were the humble beginnings of what is now the oldest continuing institution of its kind in the world.  Now in its second century of service to the U.S. Navy and the nation, the Naval War College continues to prepare its students for the remainder of their military careers by providing them with a professional military education based on intellectual flexibility, flowing from a clear understanding of the fundamental principles which have governed national security affairs in peace and in war throughout history.

New England Institute of Technology
Established in 1940, NEIT specializes in the preparation of students for immediate employment in business, high technology industries and the applied trades.  The institution grants associate's and bachelor's degrees in technical and career fields.  It maintains two campuses in Warwick.  Headcount enrollment in fall 2000 was 2,712.

Providence College
Providence College, a Dominican institution of higher education, was founded in 1917 by the Bishop of the Diocese of Providence.  Providence College awards baccalaureate degrees in the arts and sciences.  The Graduate School offers master's degrees in business administration, history, education, and religious studies.  The 104-acre campus is located at the corner of River Avenue and Eaton Street in Providence.  Headcount enrollment in fall 2000 was 5,336.

Rhode Island School of Design
Rhode Island School of Design, founded in 1877, is a professional arts college offering students the environment and opportunity to foster their development as artists, architects and designers.  The college offers degrees at the baccalaureate and master's levels, including a master's in teaching.  The campus is located on Providence's East Side.  Headcount enrollment in fall 2000 was 2,086.

Roger Williams University
Roger Williams University offers career-oriented studies as well as programs in the liberal arts and sciences.  The school offers associate's and bachelor's degrees, including the bachelor in architecture and fine arts, the master's degree in criminal justice, architecture, and education, and the doctorate of law.  Originally a branch of Northeastern University, in 1956 it was chartered by the state as Roger Williams Junior College, and in 1967 the institution was granted the right to award bachelor's degrees.  The campus, on the Bristol waterfront, covers 97 acres.  The School of Continuing Education is located in downtown Providence on Washington Street.  Headcount enrollment in fall 2000 was 4,115.

Salve Regina University
Salve Regina University is a Catholic college of the arts and sciences located in Newport.  Established in 1934, it offers the associate's degree in justice studies, general studies and management, and bachelor's degrees in a variety of arts and sciences; in addition, the master's degree is offered in social service and management fields, and a doctorate is offered in humanities.  The campus consists of 19 buildings, some turn-of-the-century, located on Ochre Point.  Headcount enrollment in fall 2000 was 2,251.

Zion Bible Institute
Zion Bible Institute is one of the oldest Pentecostal Bible training centers in the country.  The school opened in the fall of 1924.  In 1985, Zion Bible Institute moved to a 108-acre campus in Barrington, formerly the site of Barrington College.  Zion Bible Institute is authorized by the Board of Governors for Higher Education to offer baccalaureate degrees in three areas:  Bible, theology, and divinity.  Headcount enrollment in fall 2000 was 407.

RHODE ISLAND PROPRIETARY SCHOOLS

Proprietary schools are privately-owned business, trade and technical schools that offer training for entry-level employment and the upgrading of existing skills in non-licensed occupations.  Proprietary schools cannot grant degrees but may award certificates.

Currently there are 13 proprietary schools operating in Rhode Island. For program information please contact the schools directly or consult the Directory of Proprietary Schools in Rhode Island.

The Arthur Angelo School of Cosmetology and Hair Design, established in 1959, is located in Providence.  It offers programs in hairdressing, instructor training, esthetics, manicuring, and therapeutic massage.

The Career-Ed Business Institute, established in 1994, is located in Lincoln.  It trains for positions as PC support technician, software applications specialist, help-desk analyst, network systems professional, and computer programming with Web technology.

The International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS), established in 1998, is located in Newport. It offers programs in yacht restoration and provides job training for the international boating industry.

The MotoRing Technical Training Institute (MTTI), established in 1985, is located in East Providence. It offers programs in building & property trades technician, motorsport/power equipment technician, automotive/marine service technician, telecommunication cabling, computer service technician, and computer applications office assistant.

Nationwide Tractor Trailer Driving School, established in 1969, is located in Lincoln. It offers programs in tractor-trailer driving.

New England Tractor Trailer Training School of Massachusetts, Inc. (NETTTS), established in 1966, is located in Pawtucket. It offers programs in tractor-trailer driving, diesel mechanics, and commercial drivers license programs.

The Newport School of Hairdressing, established in 1966, has locations in Pawtucket and Cranston. It offers programs in hairdressing, instructor training, and manicuring.

Paul Mitchell - The School, established in 2002, is located in Cranston. The school offers programs in hairdressing, esthetics, instructor training, and manicuring

Rob-Roy Academy, established in 2002, is located in Woonsocket. It offers programs in hairdressing, manicuring and esthetics.

The Sawyer School, established in 1916, has locations in Pawtucket, Providence and Warwick. It offers programs in travel & tourism, information technology, computer administration and technology, medical assistant, business support specialist and business information processing programs.

The Warwick Academy of Beauty Culture, established in 1969, is located in Warwick. It offers programs in esthetics, hairdressing, and manicuring.

OTHER RHODE ISLAND RESOURCES:

Assistive Technology Access Partnership (ATAP)
ATAP is designed as a statewide partnership of organizations and agencies, each with targeted assistive technology focus, working together to provide information and improve access to assistive technology to individuals with disabilities.

CollegeBoundfund
CollegeBoundfund provides a powerful way to save for higher education. Sponsored by the state of Rhode Island, CollegeBoundfund is a "529 plan" that offers many benefits including tax-free earnings growth, a RI State tax deduction on contributions and a choice of investment options. Withdrawals for qualified higher education expenses are also federal and Rhode Island state income-tax free.*

An account can be opened to save for the educational expenses of a child by parents, grandparents, relatives or friends. Funds invested in a CollegeBoundfund account are managed my Alliance Capital with investment oversight from the Rhode Island's State Investment Commission. When the child is ready to attend school, funds can be used at virtually any public or private educational institution in the nation and at some schools abroad. Funds can be withdrawn to pay for qualified expenses such as tuition, room, board, fees, books, supplies and equipment required for enrollment.

College Planning Center
The College Planning Center, a free resource center sponsored by the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA), offers Rhode Islanders up-to-date information on college admission, financial aid, financing options, distance learning, and careers. The center also offers advice on scholarship searches and adminsters a Web site, www.rischolarships.com.  Experienced financial aid and admissions professionals will be available seven days a week to answer questions.  The center is committed to reaching all populations within the Rhode Island community to ensure that each of these populations has access to this essential information.  The College Planning Center is located at the Warwick Mall, 400 Bald Hill Road, Suite R10.  The College Planning Center Web site provides links to sites with information on financial aid, college selection, distance learning, careers and job searches. Contact: David DeBlois at 401-736-3170 or at ddeblois@cpcri.org, or visit the College Planning Center's Web site at www.cpcri.org.

College for Students with Disabilities: Your Guide to RI Resources
If you receive support through an Individual Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan, you can learn about opportunities to pursue postsecondary education. Get the help you need to plan and prepare for postsecondary education, identify supports available to aid in accessing postsecondary education, and find disability-related information about colleges in Rhode Island.

New England Regional Student Program (RSP)
This program enables New England residents to get a reduction on out-of-state tuition when they enroll at out-of-state New England public colleges and universities, and study RSP-approved majors which are not offered by their home states.  All 78 public colleges and universities in New England participate in the RSP, offering hundreds of academic programs through RSP.  Programs are available at all academic levels from associate's degrees through doctoral and first professional degrees.  The RSP is a tuition reduction program, not a financial assistance or scholarship program, and students accepted through RSP are eligible to apply for financial aid from other sources.  The catalog of RSP eligible programs, the Apple Book, is available in high school guidance offices, public libraries, college career services and admissions offices at New England public colleges and universities.  For more information call New England Regional Student Program 617-357-9620 or visit the Web site.  

Paul V. Sherlock Center (formerly the University Affiliated Program of Rhode Island)
The Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities is one of a national network of UAPs that were created in federal legislation in the 1960s. There are now sixty-one such programs throughout the United States, including at least one in every state. All of these programs are administered through the Administration on Developmental Disabilities in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This network of programs is now collectively known as the Association of University Centers on Disabilities. Every University Center on Disabilities is charged with four core functions: 1) interdisciplinary training, 2) community outreach and service, 3) dissemination of information, and 4) research. The mission of the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities is to support community membership of individuals with disabilities in school, work, and society. The focus of the Sherlock Center is to address the needs of individuals with disabilities, family members, and others who provide daily support to individuals with disabilities. For more information contact the Sherlock Center, RIC, 600 Mt. Pleasant Ave., Providence, RI 02908-1991, 401-456-8072 (voice), 401-456-8773 (TT), 401-456-8150 (fax); www.sherlockcenter.org. Click on http://www.ric.edu/uap/onlinepublications.htm to download and print Sherlock Center online publications that include College Link and Rhode Island Transitions.

Rhode Island Department of Human Services, Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS)
ORS Provides comprehensive vocational rehabilitation services for students with disabilities who are transitioning from school to employment and adults with disabilities seeking employment. Qualified applicants can receive support in employment planning, job-seeking skills, resume writing, vocational assessment, training (including postsecondary education/training) and job placement.

Rhode Island Higher Education Assistance Authority
The Rhode Island Higher Education Assistance Authority (RIHEAA), was created to provide financial assistance to students and their families to help them realize their postsecondary educational goals. The mission of RIHEAA is to provide educational access and choice to residents of Rhode Island, promoting equal postsecondary opportunity to students who are restricted from participating in the educational programs of their choice due to insufficient financial resources. RIHEAA administers the Rhode Island State Grant Program, the Academic Promise Scholarship, the CollegeBoundfund (CBf) College Savings Program (www.collegeboundfund.org), and the CBf Five and Ten Matching Grant Program. The Authority is also the guarantor of the Federal Stafford and PLUS loan programs. For additional information, contact the Authority by phone at 401-736-1100 or by mail to 560 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, RI 02886, or visit the RIHEAA Web page at www.riheaa.org.

Rhode Island Office of Higher Education
The Rhode Island Office of Higher Education (RIOHE) provides support to the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education by coordinating the development and of and overseeing the accomplishment of an overall system plan and related goals and objectives. RIOHE makes available factual information on the colleges, universities, and proprietary schools that operate in this state.  Preparing for College: A Guide for Students, Families, and Educators is the RIOHE Web site which provides information and annotated hyperlinks to resources on college planning and the application process. Students planning to transfer among the public higher education institutions should consult their advisor, the RI Transfer web pages and The Transfer Guide for Students, which lists course equivalencies and articulation agreements.  Many reports are now available online at the Rhode Island Board of Governors' Web site.  Other reports can be requested by calling 401-222-6560 or writing to the Rhode Island Office of Higher Education, 301 Promenade St., Providence, RI 02908.

Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA)
Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA) is a non-profit state authority dedicated to providing affordable loans for higher education. RISLA provides easy, local access to low cost educational funds; helps Rhode Island colleges and universities to be more financially competitive in attracting and retaining exemplary students; counsels students and parents on how they can afford higher education; and provides state-of-the-art loan processing and disbursement services. Information is available on the Stafford, Parent PLUS, College Bound loan, RI Family Education, Partnership, and Scholarship Loan programs. Call 736-1190 or 800-758-7562.