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University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

Hope

Wikipedia
1892
Founded
Public land-grant research university
Type
13,822
Total Students
14,376
Undergrad
2,834
Graduate
$279M
Endowment
(2025)
$16K
Tuition (In-State)
$36K
Tuition (Out-State)
$20K
Avg Net Price
77%
Acceptance Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
6-year
84%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: Marc Parlange

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

About University of Rhode Island

URI: Rhode Island's flagship R1 research powerhouse, fostering discovery and student success.

The University of Rhode Island (URI) stands as the largest and premier public land-grant research university in the state. Renowned for its "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" classification, URI is a hub of innovation and discovery. With its picturesque main campus located in Kingston, students also benefit from specialized satellite campuses, including the Rhode Island Nursing Education Center in Providence and the Narragansett Bay Campus.

Established in 1892, evolving from the Rhode Island State Agricultural School, URI has a rich history of growth and dedication to comprehensive education. What began with an agricultural focus quickly expanded to encompass a broad range of disciplines, leading to its current designation in 1951. This progressive spirit is evident in milestones such as graduating its first African American student, Harvey Robert Turner, in 1914, showcasing an early commitment to diversity and opportunity.

Today, URI empowers students with a vast academic landscape, offering 80 undergraduate and 49 graduate areas of study across nine academic schools and colleges. For new undergraduates, the University College for Academic Success provides essential advising through their initial two years, ensuring a strong foundation. Guided by its motto, "Hope," URI is dedicated to providing an engaging, high-quality educational experience that prepares its 17,210 students for impactful careers and lives, making it an excellent choice for prospective students and families seeking a vibrant and academically rigorous environment.

Key Highlights

  • Classified as an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" institution, reflecting its commitment to groundbreaking research.
  • The largest university in Rhode Island, serving 17,210 students (Fall 2024 data) across its main and satellite campuses.
  • Offers a wide array of academic opportunities with 80 undergraduate and 49 graduate degree programs.
  • Rhode Island's flagship public research and land-grant university, established in 1892.
  • Features a $0.3 billion endowment, supporting its mission and resources.
  • Pioneering history, including graduating its first African American student, Harvey Robert Turner, in 1914.

Timeline

1888
Chartered as the Rhode Island State Agricultural School.
1892
Reorganized as the Rhode Island College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts; recognized as its founding date.
1909
Name changed to Rhode Island State College, expanding academic programs beyond agriculture.
1914
Graduated its first African American student, Harvey Robert Turner.
1951
Renamed University of Rhode Island by the General Assembly, following the addition of the College of Arts and Sciences and offering doctoral degrees.
1981
The Board of Governors for Higher Education became the university's governing body.
2013
Faculty adopted an open-access policy to make its scholarship publicly accessible online.
2019
The governing body transitioned to a 17-member Board of Trustees.
2021
Marc B. Parlange began his tenure as the current president.
🏛️
134 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

via Wikipedia
President
Barbara E. Wolfe
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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