You’ve polished your essays, gathered recommendation letters, and hit “submit” on your dream college application. But what are the odds of getting in?
Across the United States, the average acceptance rate for four-year colleges hovers between 68% and 72%, according to the National Association for College Admission Counseling. However, this national average doesn’t capture the dramatic differences between schools — some institutions accept almost every applicant, while others are far more selective.
If you’re considering colleges in Rhode Island, here’s a breakdown of admission rates at ten of the state’s four-year schools, ranging from world-renowned Ivy League campuses to specialized technical and liberal arts institutions.
1. Brown University — Acceptance Rate: 5.4%
As the only Ivy League school in the Ocean State, Brown University tops the list in exclusivity. For the class of 2028, just 5.4% of applicants received the coveted acceptance letter — a rate that puts Brown squarely in the middle of the Ivy League when it comes to selectivity. Harvard remains the most selective at 3.41%, while Cornell is the most accessible among Ivies at 7.34%. Brown enrolled 2,638 new students this year.
Fun fact: Brown is known for its open curriculum, which allows students to build their own academic paths without required general education courses.
2. Bryant University — Acceptance Rate: 65%
Located in Smithfield, Bryant University admitted 65% of applicants for its class of 2028. The average admitted student earned a 3.6 GPA, and submitted a combined SAT score of 1270 — although test scores are optional.
Bryant is also notable for its business and data science programs, offering real-world partnerships and experiential learning.
3. Johnson & Wales University (Providence Campus) — Acceptance Rate: 83%
Johnson & Wales continues to be a popular choice among students interested in culinary arts, hospitality, and business. At the Providence campus, 83% of applicants are admitted. The Charlotte, North Carolina campus reports a slightly lower rate at 73%.
Beyond academics, JWU is nationally recognized for its culinary excellence and even offers a bachelor’s degree in baking and pastry arts.
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4. New England Institute of Technology — Acceptance Rate: 71%
This hands-on technical school in East Greenwich welcomes a majority of applicants with a 71% acceptance rate. NEIT specializes in technology-focused degrees, from nursing and cyber security to game development and construction management.
Its career-focused model attracts students looking for direct paths into specialized fields.
5. Providence College — Acceptance Rate: 50.8%
A private Catholic institution, Providence College is more selective than many of its Rhode Island peers. Just over half of applicants were admitted for the class of 2028. Among those accepted, 87% played sports in high school, and nearly 80% had part-time jobs — highlighting a preference for well-rounded student profiles.
Providence is also one of the few colleges in the U.S. that still requires a Western Civilization core curriculum.
6. Rhode Island College — Acceptance Rate: 81%
As one of the state’s public institutions, Rhode Island College (RIC) keeps access at the forefront with an acceptance rate of 81%. RIC offers a range of undergraduate programs and is especially strong in education, nursing, and social work.
It’s an affordable option for in-state students, offering generous financial aid and scholarships.
7. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) — Acceptance Rate: 14%
RISD stands as one of the top art and design schools in the world, and it’s also one of the hardest to get into in the state. With an acceptance rate of just 14%, RISD is more selective than many Ivy League schools. For 2024–2025, 2,084 undergraduates are enrolled, and the school boasts an average class size of just 15.
Interesting note: RISD shares a cross-registration agreement with Brown, allowing students to take courses at both institutions.
8. Roger Williams University — Acceptance Rate: 88%
In Bristol, Roger Williams University maintains a high acceptance rate of 88%, serving around 4,000 full-time students. Known for its scenic waterfront campus and architecture program, Roger Williams also offers robust marine biology and criminal justice programs.
It’s considered a hidden gem in the Northeast, especially for students seeking smaller class sizes and individualized learning.
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9. Salve Regina University — Acceptance Rate: 69%
With its breathtaking cliffside campus in Newport, Salve Regina combines strong academics with stunning views. The university has maintained an average acceptance rate of 69% over the past three years. Their typical incoming student has a high school GPA of 3.5.
Salve’s liberal arts education is grounded in the Catholic tradition, with a strong emphasis on service and social justice.
10. University of Rhode Island (URI) — Acceptance Rate: 77%
URI, the state’s flagship public university, admits 77% of applicants. Students typically enter with GPAs ranging from 3.40 to 4.12. URI offers more than 90 majors, with notable strengths in pharmacy, engineering, and marine sciences.
Bonus insight: URI is home to one of the few academic shark research programs in the Northeast.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re aiming for an elite institution like Brown or looking for a school with a more inclusive admissions policy, Rhode Island has a diverse range of college options. Be sure to consider more than just the numbers — visit campuses, talk to students, and think about which environment will help you grow.
Pro Tip: Acceptance rate isn’t everything — fit, program quality, campus culture, and financial aid opportunities matter just as much, if not more.
