Rhode Island College admits 81.1% of applicants, making admission accessible for most students who meet basic academic requirements. This open access approach means roughly 4 out of 5 applicants receive offers of admission, placing the institution in the Open Access category for selectivity. The peer median admission rate of 84.6% shows that Rhode Island College is slightly more selective than similar public comprehensive institutions, but the difference represents only 3.5 percentage points. This level of accessibility means that students with solid high school preparation across a range of academic performance levels can realistically expect admission consideration. However, open access does not mean automatic admission, as the college still evaluates academic preparation and fit. Students should focus on demonstrating readiness for college-level work rather than exceptional achievement. The combination of accessible admission standards with solid post-graduation outcomes makes Rhode Island College particularly valuable for students seeking educational opportunity without the uncertainty associated with highly competitive admission processes. Applicants should approach Rhode Island College as a realistic option while ensuring their academic preparation aligns with college-level expectations, particularly in programs with professional licensure requirements like nursing and education.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Rhode Island College typically score between 860 and 1160 on the SAT, with a median of 1010. The middle 50% range shows that students scoring 860 represent the 25th percentile of enrolled students, while those scoring 1160 fall at the 75th percentile. SAT Math scores range from 420 to 560, while SAT Verbal scores span 440 to 600, indicating relatively balanced expectations across both sections. These ranges place Rhode Island College 80 points below the peer median SAT of 1090, reflecting the institution's commitment to serving students across a broader academic preparation spectrum. Students scoring within the 860-1160 range can consider themselves academically competitive for admission, while those scoring below 860 should not view themselves as automatically excluded but may face additional evaluation of their academic readiness. The SAT performance ranks at the 86th percentile nationally, placing test score expectations well above average despite the open access admission policy. This combination indicates that while admission is accessible, the college attracts academically prepared students who demonstrate solid college readiness. Students should expect that strong high school performance remains important even within an open access context, particularly for competitive programs like nursing and education.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Rhode Island College enrolls 41.5% Pell-eligible students and 44.7% first-generation students, indicating significant enrollment of students from lower-income families and those whose parents did not complete college degrees. These shares substantially exceed typical levels at many four-year institutions, reflecting the college's mission to serve diverse populations seeking educational advancement. The 43.1% transfer share shows that nearly half of enrolled students begin their college experience at community colleges or other institutions before transferring to complete their degrees. This transfer-friendly environment suggests the college actively supports non-traditional pathways to degree completion. The student composition reflects Rhode Island College's role as an opportunity-building institution, where students from varied economic and educational backgrounds can access quality higher education. Geographic diversity brings students primarily from Rhode Island and neighboring New England states, creating a regional student community with shared cultural context. First-generation students should recognize that 44.7% of their peers will share similar backgrounds and challenges, while students from college-educated families will find themselves part of a diverse educational community. The high transfer share indicates that students who begin elsewhere can successfully integrate and complete degrees, making Rhode Island College a viable option for students seeking to change institutions or complete degrees after starting at community college.
With an 81.1% admission rate, Rhode Island College represents an accessible option for most students with solid academic preparation, though competitive programs may have additional requirements.
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
Rhode Island College retains 73.7% of freshmen for sophomore year, which aligns closely with the peer median of 73.2%, indicating typical retention performance for similar institutions. However, the six-year graduation rate of 46.2% falls slightly below the peer median of 49.3%, suggesting that degree completion presents challenges for some students. More encouragingly, Pell-eligible students graduate at a rate of 55.0%, which exceeds the overall completion rate by 8.8 percentage points. This positive Pell gap indicates that lower-income students who enroll at Rhode Island College receive effective support for degree completion, outperforming their higher-income peers in graduation outcomes. The retention and completion patterns suggest that students who successfully transition through the first year typically maintain enrollment, but degree completion requires sustained effort and institutional support. Students should expect that Rhode Island College provides particularly strong support systems for first-generation and lower-income students, as evidenced by the superior Pell completion rate. Prospective students should consider their own academic preparation and support systems when evaluating fit, recognizing that the college demonstrates proven ability to help diverse student populations achieve degree completion. The graduation rate gap favoring Pell students suggests that students from lower-income backgrounds may find particularly effective support structures at Rhode Island College.
Similar quality tier (#257 ranked)
Higher acceptance rates with similar career outcomes.
Build a balanced list with schools at different selectivity and price points.
Explore More Schools