University of Rhode Island

Picture yourself here

URI is the largest university in the nation’s smallest state. With 14,653 undergraduates, we offer the experiences and research you’d expect at a much larger university, yet we’re small enough to be friendly, intimate, and student centered.

Here, you’ll study and work alongside some of the world’s leading innovators, discoverers, and problem solvers. With a student-faculty ratio of 16:1, our students and faculty make the kind of personal connections that inspire creative ideas and research collaboration. In fact, it’s pretty common for students to say one of the biggest surprises for them at URI is just how much faculty members care about their academic achievements and career development.

From the rolling farmlands and surrounding forests to the ocean and coastal watershed, we enjoy natural resources that inspire our students and faculty to do their very best work. Tree lined, quiet, and quintessentially New England, our main campus is located in the beautiful historic village of Kingston, just 30 miles south of Providence and close enough to New York and Boston for easy collaboration with fellow experts and internships in any discipline. Our picturesque campus is located just minutes away from Rhode Island’s beautiful beaches, and we were recently named the “Most Beautiful Coastal Campus” on the East Coast.

You’ll think big here
Our tradition of innovation sets us apart. The world needs a constant flow of big ideas, and URI is perfectly positioned to help. We think big, and so will you, every day at the University of Rhode Island.

Our students and faculty are working together to build a better hybrid car battery, invent healthier ways to clean up oil spills, discover new cures for debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cancer, grow food for our campus dining halls, turn algae and used cooking oil into biofuel, and engineer global solutions for safer bridges and alternative energy. URI is leading Rhode Island’s efforts in biotechnology research and workforce development. Our Pharmaceutical Engineering track is one of the first of its kind in the nation. Our dual-degree International Engineering program is a national model. We’re a premier center for research in behavioral psychology as well as one of the world’s foremost marine research institutions. Our Digital Forensics and Cyber Security Center is designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

At URI, you’ll find more than 80 undergraduate and 80 graduate degree programs as well as pre-professional and certificate programs. Besides the traditional majors you’d expect at any state flagship university, our unique interdisciplinary programs blend fields of study to reflect the real world—languages with textiles and pharmaceuticals, business with the environment and health care, archaeology with marine sciences, engineering with nursing, and more. And we’re always creating new and innovative degree programs such as Data Science, Forensic Chemistry, Health Studies, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Music Therapy, Neuroscience, and Supply Chain Management to reflect emerging career fields. Double majors and minors are not only possible but encouraged.

We also know that learning outside the classroom is as important as learning inside the classroom, so we strive to integrate creative endeavors, experiential learning opportunities, internships, and research alongside faculty and graduate students into your undergraduate experience to expand your realm of knowledge. You’ll have the opportunity to choose from more than 900 study abroad programs in more than 80 countries that include exchange programs with other universities. Short-term, semester, and year-long programs provide you with a range of exciting options. Students in the International Engineering and International Business programs enjoy a full year abroad, taking courses at partner universities and engaging in paid internships with leading international companies. 

Whatever you choose to study at URI, not only will you leave with a degree, you’ll leave your mark on the world. And that’s big. University College for Academic Success is dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition to college with support for every aspect of your first-year experience, preparing you for graduation and beyond. Our Honors Program offers students the opportunity to broaden their intellectual development and strengthen their preparation in their major fields of study. Our Center for Career and Experiential Education offers more than 3,000 internship opportunities inside and outside the state, dozens of volunteer and service opportunities, and career planning that begins your freshman year.

You’ll fit in here
We’re proud that our campus community is rich in diverse cultures, lifestyles, beliefs, religions, political affiliations, and philosophies. Our 17,584 students come from 47 states and US territories and 58 nations, and 22% identify themselves as students of color. Typically, more than half of our new student population is from outside Rhode Island.

More than 5,200 students live on campus in the University’s 26 campus residence halls, suites, and apartments; numerous sororities, fraternities, and specialty houses; our Women’s Center; and our International Engineering houses. Living and Learning Communities on campus allow students with similar academic interests to live and study together. Many students rent houses and apartments in nearby beach communities, and a small number commute from home.

In May 2015, we opened the nation’s first purpose-designed, freestanding LGBTQ Center, offering a wide range of programs and an inclusive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community members and allies. We strive to help all members of our community feel welcome and valued and graduate with the ability to communicate and engage productively with people different than themselves.

You’ll have fun here
More than 180 student clubs and organizations reflect recreational and academic pursuits, cultural and ethnic interests, spiritual and political affiliations, lifestyles, community service, professional growth opportunities, and more. Outreach is a big part of the URI culture, and whether they’re doing disaster relief work or environmental cleanup, monitoring water quality, building homes with Habitat for Humanity, or tutoring and mentoring, students and faculty are always sharing their knowledge with people around the state, nation, and world.

On the playing field, our students engage in sports and recreation at all levels—from 18 NCAA Division I intercollegiate programs to numerous intramural sports to regionally and nationally ranked club teams that involve more than 400 student-athletes competing at the intercollegiate club level.

Find out more
Interested in learning more about the University of Rhode Island? For details on the admission process, financial aid, and campus tours, visit uri.edu/admission.