University of Rhode Island (URI) Academics and Admissions

Academics

Founded in 1892, the University of Rhode Island has a main campus in Kingston, and also has the Feinstein Providence, Narragansett Bay, and W. Alton Jones campuses. It is the largest university and the principal public research institution in the smallest state in the country. The university offers more than 100 bachelor’s and 80 graduate degree programs, as well as first professional and doctorate programs. Class sizes are relatively small for a university of this size; the student-faculty ratio is 15:1 and nearly 35% of the university’s classes have fewer than 20 students. Students can also take some classes online.

The university is divided into nine schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Continuing Education, the College of Business Administration, the College of Engineering, the College of Environment and Life Sciences, the College of Human Science and Services, the College of Nursing, the College of Pharmacy, and the College of Oceanography. The most popular areas of study at this university include Human Development & Family Studies; Nursing/registered nurse training (R.N., A.S.N., B.S.N., M.S.N.); Communication Studies / Speech Communication & Rhetoric; Kinesiology and exercise science; and Psychology. Management and marketing are also very popular majors.

Special degree options include dual-degree programs such as the Master of Community Planning & Jurist Doctrine, the Engineering Master of Science & Diploma, the Master of Science in Labor Relations and Human Resources & Jurist Doctrine.The university provides a wide range of resources to help student succeed. There are learning support services and services for students with disabilities.

The University of Rhode Island has been ranked 1st in New England and 15th in the country for return on investment in the Wall Street Journal’s SmartMoney magazine.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Information Summary

Ranks 5th in Rhode Island and 369th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	88.9
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$30,351
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	27 / 1240
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	19 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	83% / 13%
Enrollment Total (all students)	17,777

Admissions

In order to be considered for admissions, first year applicants must submit a completed Common Application (online is preferred), the University of Rhode Island Supplement, the nonrefundable application fee, an official transcript sent directly to the university by the high school, a list of current senior year courses, official SAT or ACT score reports, an essay, and at least one letter of recommendation.

Transfer students, international students, graduate students, home schooled students, and applicants to the Pharmacy program may have additional requirements and should check the university’s website for details. The Early Action deadline is in early December while the Regular Decision deadline is in early February.

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Financial Aid

Financial aid for students is readily accessible at this school. Tuition for students who are not residents of Rhode Island is significantly higher. However, students who are residents of New England states (other than Rhode Island), may be eligible for a discounted tuition rate through the New England Board of Higher Education. This regional discount is only available for a select group of majors. The university also offers merit scholarships for freshmen and transfer scholarships. Other forms of aid include government grants, loans, and work-study. Students who wish to be considered for financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The university also offers tuition payment plans for students who prefer to pay their tuition charges in monthly installments.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 3765th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Rhode Island.

Students

The University of Rhode Island offers its students a variety of on campus housing options. There are 22 undergraduate residence halls, 2 graduate and undergraduate apartment complexes, and the Rainbow Diversity House. Housing opportunities for freshmen include Living and Learning Communities, where students of similar academic interests and classes live together and learn together.

While many of the students choose to live off-campus, there are plenty accessible facilities and activities on campus that bring students together. Students can go to the Memorial Union, study in one of the libraries, eat at the Emporium, or get some exercise at the Boss Ice Arena, the Keaney Gym, or the Ryan Center. Many students like to hang out at the Student Union, the “Reserves” section of the library, or the quad. The union has a bookstore, a bank, dining facilities, a flower shop, a barber / hairdresser, pool tables and an arcade. The university often has special events such as workshops, plays, concerts, art exhibits, movie nights, and “mini malls” where local vendors sell their wares on campus. Students also have many diverse dining options both on-campus and off. The university also has a multicultural center, where students exchange cultural information and learn about diversity.

There are many activities, clubs and organizations in which students can participate. Students are encouraged to visit the Student Involvement Office, which is located in the Memorial Union, to learn more about the activities that are available. The Greek system at this university has won awards; there are 12 fraternities, 10 sororities, and one colony. There are 14 fraternity and sorority houses on campus.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

The University of Rhode Island has 18 intercollegiate sports teams that compete in the Atlantic 10 Conference, and the Colonial Athletic Association in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision. Athletic facilities at this school include the Mackal Field House, Ryan Center, Meade Stadium, Keaney Gymnasium, Bill Beck Field, Tootell Aquatic Center, URI Soccer Complex, Bradford R. Boss Arena, and URI Softball Complex.The school’s colors are light or “Keaney” blue, white and navy blue. The school’s mascot is Rhody the Ram.

Local Community

The local community that surrounds the University of Rhode Island plays a large part in the life of the university’s students. Rhode Island is small and most of the towns around the university are very small. This does make the area easier to navigate through, and it offers a cozier environment. The majority of the students live off-campus in the towns closest to the university, so URI students have taken over and put their mark on the community. There are many businesses in area that cater to college students. In the town, there are lots of stores, restaurants, bars, and entertainment facilities. Since Narragansett is a small beach community, it has a different vibe than most college towns or big cities. The Kingston Campus is located in the historic village of Kingston, and is close to the ocean. The Feinstein Providence Campus is centrally located in downtown Providence, so that area is a bit busier. Some of the most popular local restaurants include Applebee’s in Kingston, in addition to Arturo Joe’s and Aunt Carrie’s Restaurant, which are both in Narragansett. Some local restaurants even accept Ram account payments, where students deposit money so that they can use their student ID cards like credit cards.

Alumni

Lamar Odom, NBA player for the Los Angeles Lakers
Jim O’Connor, TV host, Food Network
Thomas Ryan, CEO of CVS Corporation
John Geddes, Managing Editor of the New York Times
Masta Ace, Rapper
Robert Ballard PhD, Oceanographer and discoverer of the RMS Titanic

Additional School Information

The University of Rhode Island’s beautiful campuses have been scouted as locations for films. Scenes from Outside Providence, Hard Luck, Underdog, and Hachiko: A Dog’s Story were all shot at the university.

Bibliography

Pritz, Jessica. University of Rhode Island: Off the Record. Pittsburgh: College Prowler, 2007.

“University of Rhode Island.” Education. U.S. News & World Report, 2011. Web. 9 May 2011.

University of Rhode Island. University of Rhode Island. 2011. Web. 9 May 2011

University of Rhode Island