University of Rhode Island ranks as a Selective Achiever institution, combining accessible 77.1% admission rates with strong earnings outcomes that place graduates in the top quartile nationally. The university delivers $597 in earnings beyond expectations while maintaining manageable debt levels, supporting long-term financial stability.
Strong long-term earnings relative to educational investment and debt levels
Typical cost and debt levels relative to peer institutions
Showing above average enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
The university's effectiveness in supporting economic advancement for students from diverse backgrounds
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisUniversity of Rhode Island combines strong earnings performance with manageable debt levels across its program portfolio. Graduates earn a median of $69,743 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 86th percentile nationally and $9,200 above the peer median of $60,543.
Earnings range from $44,076 at the 25th percentile to $101,736 at the 75th percentile, reflecting diverse career paths across disciplines. The institution generates $597 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it above average on this measure.
Students seeking strong STEM outcomes at a large public university with open admission policies. Well-suited for students who want access to competitive programs like Artificial Intelligence and Mechanical Engineering without highly selective admission requirements.
The university serves students from diverse economic backgrounds while delivering above-average earnings outcomes.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the University Of Rhode Island hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/university-of-rhode-island/analysis.
Open access with strong STEM outcomes
University of Rhode Island ranks #261 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with return performance at the 83.5th percentile leading its pillar strengths. Located in Kingston, Rhode Island, this large public university maintains open access with a 77.1% acceptance rate while delivering well above average post-graduation outcomes.
URI enrolls 21.1% Pell-eligible students and 26.3% first-generation students, positioning it within the Selective Achievers quadrant where institutions serve fewer low-income students while maintaining strong earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $597 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 58.5th percentile nationally.
Median earnings reach $69,743 ten years after enrollment, placing URI in the 86th percentile for long-term earnings. Compared to a peer median of $60,543, graduates earn $9,200 more annually, demonstrating the institution's ability to convert educational access into sustained economic advancement.
University of Rhode Island admits 77.1% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 out of 4 applicants receive admission offers. This places URI in the Open Access category, providing broad educational opportunity compared to highly selective institutions.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows URI's selectivity aligns closely with similar public research universities, with URI being slightly more selective by just over 1 percentage point. This level of accessibility means most academically prepared students have realistic admission prospects, though competitive programs like Artificial Intelligence and Engineering may have higher internal standards.
Students should approach URI as a match school rather than a safety, particularly for popular programs with limited enrollment capacity. The university's open access philosophy supports its mission of serving diverse student populations while maintaining academic quality.
For students building balanced college lists, URI represents an accessible option among public research universities with strong post-graduation outcomes. This admission rate indicates that academic preparation and demonstrated interest matter more than perfect credentials.
Artificial Intelligence.
112 graduates
Computer Engineering, General.
21 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
33 graduates
Danish Language and Literature.
36 graduates
Ocean Engineering.
30 graduates
University of Rhode Island offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome analysis. Artificial Intelligence ranks #24 nationally and #1 in Rhode Island, producing 112 graduates with median earnings of $98,649 and a value score of 88.6.
Adult Health Nursing ranks #89 nationally and #1 in Rhode Island, graduating 362 students with median earnings of $78,248. Mechanical Engineering ranks #110 nationally and #1 in Rhode Island, with 101 graduates earning $82,245.
Communication and Media Studies ranks #53 nationally and #1 in Rhode Island, graduating 206 students with median earnings of $52,399. Biology ranks #60 nationally and #1 in Rhode Island, with 167 graduates earning $58,218.
URI dominates state rankings with multiple programs holding the #1 position in Rhode Island across diverse fields from technical disciplines to liberal arts.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University of Rhode Island's published cost of attendance reaches $32,584 annually, including $16,408 in-state tuition (or $35,804 out-of-state), $14,900 for room and board, and $1,250 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $19,899 after financial aid, representing savings of $12,685 compared to the sticker price.
This net price falls $4,309 above the peer median of $15,590, indicating URI costs more than typical public research universities. The financial aid system provides meaningful support across income levels, with net prices ranging from $12,930 for the lowest-income families to $27,213 for highest-income families.
This $14,283 spread between lowest and highest income tiers demonstrates progressive aid targeting that reduces costs most significantly for families with the greatest financial need. URI's position as Rhode Island's flagship public university contributes to higher costs compared to peer institutions, though the earnings premium of $9,200 above peer median helps offset this investment through stronger post-graduation outcomes.
University of Rhode Island graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth throughout their careers. Median earnings increase from $57,446 six years after enrollment to $65,323 at eight years and $69,743 at ten years, representing 21.4% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on ten-year cohorts ranging from 852 to 929 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures across multiple graduation years. Graduates earn $597 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing URI at the 58.5th percentile for earnings uplift.
Low-income graduates earn $47,600, demonstrating the institution's ability to support economic advancement for students from diverse backgrounds. Earnings span from $44,076 at the 25th percentile to $101,736 at the 75th percentile, reflecting a 2.3:1 ratio between top and bottom quartiles.
Approximately 26.3% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating strong preparation for both advanced education and immediate workforce entry.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Morgan State University Similar quality tier (#261 ranked) | MD | 83% | $50,698 | #261 | Compare |
University Of West Georgia Similar quality tier (#257 ranked) | GA | 49% | $49,587 | #257 | Compare |
University Of Massachusetts-Lowell Similar quality tier in Northeast (#263 ranked) | MA | 85% | $64,874 | #263 | Compare |
Tennessee Technological University Similar quality tier (#264 ranked) | TN | 83% | $48,501 | #264 | Compare |
Grand Valley State University Similar quality tier (#266 ranked) | MI | 95% | $56,118 | #266 | Compare |