KINGSTON, R.I. – Oct. 1, 2025 – The University of Rhode Island has been rated the best public university in New England for the second year in a row by The Wall Street Journal. The most recent ranking also places the institution as the 34th-best public university nationally.
81countries represented at the University
17:1student-to-faculty ratio
100+majors and minors
88%faculty with doctoral or terminal degrees
- 15,000+ undergraduates including, on average, 3,300 first-year students.
- 48 U.S. states and 2 territories represented.
- 47% Rhode Island students; 53% out-of-state.
- 28% of incoming first-year students self-identify as students of color.
- 18,500+ experiential learning opportunities available annually.
- 4+1 Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s (ABM) options in 35+ programs.
- At URI there’s a global opportunity to intern and study virtually or abroad for every academic journey.
2026 Admitted First-Year Student Profile
1170-1340SAT Total Range*
27-32Average ACT*
3.4-4.1GPA Range
*Scores represent middle 50%. Please note that URI is a test optional institution.
URI achieves prestigious Carnegie R1 status
February 13, 2025 – The Carnegie R1 designation places URI among the top 4.8% of U.S. degree-granting postsecondary institutions. In five years,URI’s doctoral enrollment grew 11%, and research expenditures rose 25%. #GoRhody
Location. Location. Location.
| Location | Distance from URI |
|---|---|
| Southern Rhode Island Beaches | 10-15 minutes |
| Historic Newport, RI | 20 minutes |
| Providence, RI | 55 minutes |
| Boston, MA | 90 minutes |
| Hartford, CT | 90 minutes |
| New York City, NY | 3 hours |
| Philadelphia, PA | 5 hours |
| Baltimore, MD | 6 hours |
| Washington, DC | 7 hours |
