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Colleges where the most freshmen return in Rhode Island

Colleges ranked by first-year retention: the share of full-time freshmen who come back for a second year.

Colleges where the most freshmen return in Rhode Island9 schools

9 schools qualify, ranked by first-year retention.

How this list is made

Schools in Rhode Island.
Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
Academic Excellence grade B+ or better (the top 35% of rated colleges).
Has a first-year retention rate from federal data (College Scorecard).
Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
Ordered by retention rate, highest first.

Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.

1
Brown University
Providence, RI · Private nonprofitIvy LeagueHonor Roll
#1 in Rhode Island
- 99% of freshmen return
- 96% graduate
2
Rhode Island School of Design
Providence, RI · Private nonprofitHonor Roll
Exceptional: Compass grade A
- 95% of freshmen return
- 89% graduate
3
Providence College
Providence, RI · Private nonprofitHonor Roll
Top 5% for earnings
- 94% of freshmen return
- 86% graduate
4
Bryant University
Smithfield, RI · Private nonprofit
Top 5% for earnings
- 87% of freshmen return
- 80% graduate
5
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI · Public
Top 15% for earnings
- 84% of freshmen return
- 73% graduate
6
Salve Regina University
Newport, RI · Private nonprofit
Top 12% for earnings
- 83% of freshmen return
- 77% graduate
7
Johnson & Wales University-Providence
Providence, RI · Private nonprofit
Good: Compass grade B-
- 82% of freshmen return
- 55% graduate
8
Roger Williams University
Bristol, RI · Private nonprofit
Top 14% for earnings
- 81% of freshmen return
- 69% graduate
9
New England Institute of Technology
East Greenwich, RI · Private nonprofit
Top 23% for low debt
- 74% of freshmen return
- 60% graduate

Compare cost and outcomes

School	Net price a year	Median debt	Earnings 10 years out	Graduation rate
Brown University	$25,184	$11,428	$93,487	96%
Rhode Island School of Design	$50,507	$27,000	$68,140	89%
Providence College	$48,523	$27,000	$87,054	86%
Bryant University	$41,219	$26,849	$90,008	80%
University of Rhode Island	$21,440	$22,250	$69,743	73%
Salve Regina University	$36,967	$27,000	$72,975	77%
Johnson & Wales University-Providence	$31,027	$26,000	$43,418	55%
Roger Williams University	$37,999	$26,940	$70,266	69%
New England Institute of Technology	$36,483	$16,668	$48,684	60%

Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.

The national list → · All top school lists →

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