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Community College of Rhode Island

Warwick, RI

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Quick Facts

1964
Founded
Public community college
Type
11,455
Total Students
$5K
Tuition (In-State)
$14K
Tuition (Out-State)
$5K
Avg Net Price
Associate's Colleges
Classification
President: Rosemary Costigan

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Community College of Rhode Island

Rhode Island's largest community college, empowering over 16,000 students since 1964.

The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) stands as a cornerstone of accessible higher education in the state, proudly serving over 16,000 students as Rhode Island's largest community college. Known for its vital role in offering diverse educational pathways, CCRI provides a supportive and dynamic environment for individuals seeking to embark on their academic journey, advance their careers, or enrich their lives through learning.

Established as Rhode Island Junior College in 1964 with just 325 students, CCRI quickly grew beyond its initial temporary home in Providence. The vision for a permanent and expansive institution took shape, culminating in the opening of the flagship Knight Campus in Warwick in 1972. This pivotal development marked the beginning of a multi-campus system, evolving to include additional locations and officially adopting the name Community College of Rhode Island in 1980, reflecting its expanded mission and commitment to the broader community.

Throughout its history, CCRI has demonstrated a strong commitment to student success and academic excellence. The college has celebrated significant milestones, including achieving accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and reaching record enrollment numbers. More recently, CCRI has seen its highest graduation rates in nearly two decades, a testament to its continuous efforts to foster a thriving learning environment. With leadership from its first alumna president, Rosemary Costigan, CCRI continues to build on its legacy of providing valuable educational opportunities and shaping the future of Rhode Island.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Founded in 1964 as Rhode Island Junior College with an initial cohort of 325 students.
  • ✦Serves over 16,000 students, making it the largest public community college in Rhode Island.
  • ✦The flagship Knight Campus in Warwick, the school's first permanent building, opened in 1972.
  • ✦Renamed the Community College of Rhode Island in 1980, reflecting its expanded role and reach.
  • ✦Achieved accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and record highest enrollment under President Ray Di Pasquale (2006-2016).
  • ✦Attained its highest graduation rate in nearly two decades under President Meghan Hughes (2016-2023).
  • ✦Currently led by its first alumna president, Rosemary Costigan, since 2023.

Timeline

1964
Founded as Rhode Island Junior College (RIJC) with 325 students.
1965
A portion of the former Brown & Sharpe manufacturing facility converted to classroom space.
1972
The Knight Campus in Warwick, the school's first permanent building and flagship, opened.
1978
The Margaret M. Jacoby Observatory opened on the Knight Campus grounds.
1980
The school was renamed the Community College of Rhode Island.
1979
Edward J. Liston began his presidency, overseeing the addition of the Liston campus.
2006
Ray Di Pasquale began his presidency, during which the college achieved record highest enrollment numbers and NEASC accreditation.
2016
Meghan Hughes began her presidency, leading the school to its highest graduation rate in nearly two decades.
2023
Rosemary Costigan began her presidency, becoming the first alumna president.
🏛️
62 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Rosemary Costigan
President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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