The Community College of Rhode Island is the state’s only public comprehensive associate degree-granting institution. We provide affordable open access to higher education at locations throughout the state. Our primary mission is to offer recent high school graduates and returning adults the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for intellectual, professional and personal growth through an array of academic, career and lifelong learning programs. We meet the wide-ranging educational needs of our diverse student population, building on our rich tradition of excellence in teaching and our dedication to all students with the ability and motivation to succeed. We set high academic standards necessary for transfer and career success, champion diversity, respond to community needs, and contribute to our state’s economic development and the region’s workforce.
School Highlights
Community College of Rhode Island serves 11,962 students (40% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 13:1 is same as the state community college average of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 95%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
Enrollment: 11,962 students
In-state tuition: $3,950
Out-state tuition: $10,582
Student:teacher ratio: 13:1
Minority enrollment: 94%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 938 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student population of Community College of Rhode Island has declined by 19% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 13:1 has decreased from 16:1 over five years.
The Community College of Rhode Island diversity score of 0.64 is less than the state average of 0.65. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
11,962 students
2,349 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
# Full-Time Students
4,736 students
721 students
# Part-Time Students
7,226 students
1,628 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
961 students
845 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
4,736 students
500 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
138 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
7,226 students
1,071 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
30 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
3%
3%
% Asian
9%
11%
% Hispanic
n/a
n/a
% Black
22%
19%
% White
6%
5%
% Hawaiian
54%
54%
% Two or more races
6%
8%
% Non Resident races
n/a
n/a
Diversity Score
0.64
0.65
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.2609%
0.2609%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.4928%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$33,000
$33,000
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $3,950 is equal to the state average of $3,950. The in-state tuition has declined by 13% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $10,582 is equal to the state average of $10,582. The out-state tuition has declined by 12% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,950
$3,950
Out-State Tuition Fees
$10,582
$10,582
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
96%
83%
Median Debt for Graduates
$11,000
$11,000
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
59%
Source: 2023 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
In January, 1960, the Rhode Island Junior College state system was
established by an act of the Rhode Island General Assembly. The
legislation closely followed the recommendation of a Commission to
Study Higher Education, which called for the establishment of a
statewide system of junior college campuses with facilities in the
Pawtuxet Valley, Blackstone Valley and Mount Hope areas of Rhode
Island. The Knight Campus is located on 205 acres adjacent to
Routes 95 and 295 in Warwick. All academic facilities at this
campus are housed under one roof, a futuristic megastructure which
encourages social, educational and cultural exchanges among the
entire student body. The design of the megastructure reflects the
philosophy of the Community College of Rhode Island, which stresses
interaction among students from all fields of study. Athletic
facilities are located in a separate field house. Community College
of Rhode Island offers programs in academic and
vocational-technical areas as well as a full complement of programs
and services for full and part-time students, for recent high
school graduates and for older, adult learners. Community College
of Rhode Island grants the Associate in Arts (A.A.), the Associate
in Science (A.S.), the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.), the
Associate in Applied Science in Technical Studies (A.A.S.-T.S.) and
the Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A.) degrees. Several one-year
certificates are also awarded.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Community College of Rhode Island cost?
Community College of Rhode Island's tuition is approximately $3,950 for In-State students and $10,582 for Out-State students.
What schools are Community College of Rhode Island often compared to?
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Quick Stats (2024-25)
Enrollment: 11,962 students
In-state tuition: $3,950
Out-state tuition: $10,582
Student:teacher ratio: 13:1
Minority enrollment: 94%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
For Rhode Island public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $3,950 per year for in-state students and $10,582 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $30,000 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.
