Best colleges for NCAA Division I athletes in Rhode Island
Colleges that compete in NCAA Division I athletics, ranked by Compass Score.
Best colleges for NCAA Division I athletes in Rhode Island4 schools
4 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.
How this list is made
- Schools in Rhode Island.
- Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
- Competes in NCAA Division I (the school's athletics association, from federal and association data).
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by Compass Score, highest first. Schools with the same score share a rank.
Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
Brown University
Providence, RI · Private nonprofitIvy LeagueHonor Roll#1 in Rhode Island
- NCAA Division I athletics
- 96% graduate
- 2
Providence College
Providence, RI · Private nonprofitHonor RollTop 5% for earnings
- NCAA Division I athletics
- 86% graduate
- 3
Bryant University
Smithfield, RI · Private nonprofitTop 5% for earnings
- NCAA Division I athletics
- 80% graduate
- 4
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI · PublicTop 15% for earnings
- NCAA Division I athletics
- 73% graduate
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brown University | About $25,000 | $11,428 | $93,487 | 96% |
| Providence College | About $49,000 | $27,000 | $87,054 | 86% |
| Bryant University | About $41,000 | $26,849 | $90,008 | 80% |
| University of Rhode Island | About $21,000 | $22,250 | $69,743 | 73% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.
This list in other states
- Alabama 10
- Arizona 5
- Arkansas 5
- California 26
- Colorado 5
- Connecticut 6
- District of Columbia 4
- Florida 14
- Georgia 6
- Idaho 3
- Illinois 13
- Indiana 11
- Iowa 4
- Kansas 3
- Kentucky 8
- Louisiana 12
- Maryland 9
- Massachusetts 9
- Michigan 7
- Mississippi 6
- Missouri 6
- Nebraska 3
- New Jersey 8
- New York 23
- North Carolina 19
- Ohio 13
- Oklahoma 4
- Oregon 4
- Pennsylvania 15
- South Carolina 12
- Tennessee 12
- Texas 26
- Utah 7
- Virginia 14
- Washington 5
- Wisconsin 4