University Of Rhode Island

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.

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.

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.