Community College of Rhode Island

400 East Ave
Warwick, RI 02886
Top-Ranked (2026): View Rankings
  • 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 12,275 students (38% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 23:1 is lower than the state community college average of 26:1.
Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is equal to the state average of 54%.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Enrollment: 12,275 students
  • In-state tuition: $3,950
  • Out-state tuition: $10,582
  • Student-teacher ratio: 23:1
  • Minority enrollment: 54%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Top Rankings

Community College of Rhode Island ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Rhode Island for:

Category
Attribute
Community Size

School Overview

The teacher population of 523 teachers has declined by 44% over five years.
Community College of Rhode Island
(RI) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
0
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
0
Institution Control
Public
0
Total Faculty
523 staff
88 staff
Number of Programs Offered
-2
4
School Calendar

Student Body

The student population of Community College of Rhode Island has declined by 10% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 23:1 has increased from 16:1 over five years.
The Community College of Rhode Island diversity score of 0.69 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 26% over five years.
Total Enrollment
12,275 students
2,301 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
23:1
26:1
# Full-Time Students
4,686 students
803 students
# Part-Time Students
7,589 students
1,498 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
834 students
777 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
4,686 students
659 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
131 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
7,589 students
1,109 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
392 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
3%
3%
% Hispanic
27%
23%
% Black
12%
15%
% White
46%
46%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
7%
5%
% Non Resident races
n/a
n/a
% Unknown races
5%
8%
Diversity Score
0.69
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
24%
24%
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 20% 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 20% 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%
93%
Median Debt for Graduates
$11,000
$15,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$6,417
Acceptance Rate
n/a
67%
Source: 2025 (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?
Community College of Rhode Islandis often viewed alongside schools like New England Institute of Technology by visitors of our site.
What is Community College of Rhode Island's ranking?
Community College of Rhode Island ranks among the top 20% of community college in Rhode Island for: Percent of students receiving financial aid and Largest student body.

Recent Articles

Community Colleges and the Creator Economy
Community Colleges and the Creator Economy
Explore how community colleges prepare students for YouTube, podcasting, content creation, and creator economy careers.
AI-Augmented Careers and Community Colleges
AI-Augmented Careers and Community Colleges
Explore AI-augmented careers and how community colleges prepare students with practical skills, credentials, and employer-aligned training.
Catholic School Marketing Strategies in Competitive Choice Markets
Catholic School Marketing Strategies in Competitive Choice Markets
Learn effective Catholic school marketing strategies for standing out in competitive school choice markets in 2026.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Enrollment: 12,275 students
  • In-state tuition: $3,950
  • Out-state tuition: $10,582
  • Student-teacher ratio: 23:1
  • Minority enrollment: 54%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Related School Videos

Quick Links