URI Ranks #1 as Best University in New England, 84th Overall

The University of Rhode Island just got a huge nod from the Wall Street Journal.

The prestigious publication released a list of the best colleges in the United States and URI nabbed the number 1 spot for a public university in New England.

URI stood out in more ways than one for the calendar year and the school’s president credits the university’s values and commitment to high-quality education for its high ranking.

Get our free mobile app

The WSJ/College Pulse 2025 Best Colleges in the US

The ranking rates the top 500 universities in the country and focuses on how well colleges prepare students for career and financial success, and overall student satisfaction.

“Among other things, the ranking assesses how much a school improves students’ chances of graduating and their future earnings, balancing these outcomes with student feedback on college life,” said URI.

According to URI, on average, more than 90 percent of URI grads are employed or pursuing graduate studies within six months of graduation.

URI’s Solid Ranking for “2025 Best Colleges”

Among the country’s top 500 universities, the University of Rhode Island was the number 1 ranked university in New England. It ranked 12^th for a public flagship university, 35^th for a public university, and 84^th overall.

The university was one of only two New England public universities ranked in the top 100, with the University of Connecticut ranking 99^th.

“This ranking reflects our values, so it is not surprising to me that we are one of the highest-ranked public flagship universities,” said URI President Marc Parlange. “URI makes a difference in people’s lives, and that’s what this ranking recognizes…and we are incredibly proud of the success and impact of our graduates, who are making a real difference throughout Rhode Island and around the globe.”

As a proud member of the class of 2015, I am not surprised by the university’s high ranking. The university is a wonderful blend of quintessential New England mixed with state-of-the-art learning.

Students can walk past the ivy-covered, 18^th-century buildings and down the cobblestone paths to the brand-new engineering buildings with the best technology.

From the atmosphere to the quality of education, the four years I spent as a Rhody Ram were four years well spent.

Most Expensive Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island

The cost of college is on the rise and many of the schools around the SouthCoast could set you back by thousands. Here's how Massachusetts and Rhode Island colleges and universities rank among the most expensive in America.

Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall