Online and On-Campus Colleges in RHODE ISLAND

Roger Williams University is not only one of the best universities in Rhode Island but also one of the state's top online colleges. It offers more than a dozen online degree programs as well as hybrid options that combine traditional class instruction with online courses.

Named after the 17^th Century leader Roger Williams, the school continues to embrace his legacy of promoting freedom of conscience and social justice. RWU opened its doors in 1956 as a junior college but now offers undergraduate, graduate and law degrees.

Affordability is one reason Roger Williams University makes the list of top universities in Rhode Island. Since 2012, it has offered a tuition guarantee to its incoming undergraduates and that was expanded to the RWU School of Law in 2014.

Among Rhode Island universities, the University of Rhode Island is among the biggest and the best. However, its size is still relatively small compared to major universities in other states. Approximately 14,700 students are enrolled in the undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs at URI.

The university was founded in 1888 as Rhode Island's agricultural school and has since grown into the state's flagship research institution. The University of Rhode Island offers dozens of majors across 10 colleges and schools including a College of Business and a Graduate School of Oceanography.

URI is notable among Rhode Island schools for its affordable tuition, large degree catalog and access to online classes. The institution offers numerous internship, experiential learning and study abroad opportunities. It has its campus in Kingston.

Providence College is another of the best colleges in Rhode Island. The accredited institution features a low student-faculty ratio, small class sizes and amble opportunities to participate in research projects. It also has strong graduation and placement rates.

As a Catholic institution, Providence College was founded in 1917 by the Diocese of Providence and the Dominican Friars of the Province of St. Joseph. The school maintains its Catholic and Dominican identity today but welcomes students of any faith background.

The college includes four schools, and all undergraduate students participate in a core curriculum designed to promote self-reflection, critical thinking and effective communication. Nearly 5,000 students are enrolled in undergraduate, graduate and continuing education programs at Providence College. The school has its campus in Providence.

The Providence campus of Johnson & Wales University is part of a national system that includes four traditional locations in addition to an online college. The university strives to provide an industry-focused education that offers plenty of opportunity for hands-on learning.

JWU Providence was founded in 1914 and says it has been a driving force in recent decades to create jobs and spur business in the city and state. The university has nine academic units that offer degree programs ranging from interdisciplinary majors to culinary arts to physician assistant studies.

Johnson & Wales University - Providence ranks high for affordability and flexibility. Its average net price and robust online programs helped it land among the top colleges in Rhode Island.

Known as an Ivy League institution, Brown University makes the list of best schools in Rhode Island. The university has strong graduation and retention rates as well as generous financial aid. What's more, Brown has an impressive catalog of degree programs with hundreds of educational options.

The Providence-based school was founded by a group of Baptist leaders in 1764. Today, Brown University has a mission of serving the community, nation and world by discovering and preserving knowledge.

Brown University is highly selective, admitting only a small portion of its applicants. Those enrolled get access to a unique educational experience in which undergraduates design personalized programs of study that can span multiple fields. The Graduate School offers dozens of doctoral and master's degrees in engineering, public health, medicine and more.

At Bryant University, the school hopes to inspire students to excel. As one of the top universities in Rhode Island, Bryant can boast of some impressive numbers too.

For instance, 99 percent of its Class of 2017 were employed or in graduate school within six months of receiving their degree. What's more, students tend to graduate with manageable student debt that they are able to pay off quickly. Bryant University also has strong graduation and retention rates.

Founded in 1863, Bryant University was originally created to provide business education. It has since evolved to take an integrated approach to the field and allows students to pair a business major with a liberal arts minor. The university has its campus in Smithfield.

As an accredited school, Rhode Island College enrolls about 9,000 students each year. Often called RIC, the college is known as one of the most affordable Rhode Island schools.

Rhode Island College was founded in 1854 as the state's first public institution of higher education. It has grown to offer more than 120 undergraduate and graduate programs that cover fields such as nursing, business, education, social work and the fine arts. There is also an option for students to create an individualized major.

Small class sizes and a low student-faculty ratio are also among the factors that help make RIC one of the top colleges in Rhode Island. The school has a well-established internship program and gives undergraduates the opportunity to participate in research.

Rhode Island School of Design has the distinction of being one of the first art and design schools in the nation. It was founded in 1877 and is a private, nonprofit institution.

Nearly 2,500 students from around the globe study at the school, known as RISD. They can select from bachelor's and master's degrees in field such as art education, design, architecture and the fine arts. As a selective school, only about a third of those who apply to the Rhode Island School of Design are admitted.

RISD says 95 percent of its incoming students return the next year. That type of retention rate, along with a similarly strong graduation rate, help make RISD one of the best schools in Rhode Island.