Community College of Rhode Island
- 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 14,539 students (40% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 29:1 is higher than the state community college average of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 47% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 50%.
School Overview
The teacher population of 505 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
| Community College of Rhode Island | (RI) Community College Avg. | |
| Carnegie Classification | Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Vocational & Technical-High Traditional | Baccalaureate / Associates Colleges |
| Institution Level | At least 2 but less than 4 years | At least 2 but less than 4 years |
| Institution Control | Public | Private, non-profit |
| Total Faculty | 505 staff | 314 staff |
Source: 2019 (or latest year available) 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.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Community College of Rhode Island is New England Institute of Technology (4.8 miles away).
- College Location Mi. Students
- 2,516 students | 4.80 MiOne New England Tech Boulevard
East Greenwich, RI 02818
(401) 467-7744 4.802,516 - 7,214 students | 18.70 Mi777 Elsbree St
Fall River, MA 02720
(508) 678-2811 18.707,214 - 1,335 students | 22.60 Mi742 Upper Maple St
Danielson, CT 06239
(860) 932-4000 22.601,335 - Dean CollegePrivate, non-profit1,299 students | 26.20 Mi99 Main Street
Franklin, MA 02038
(508) 541-1508 26.201,299 - 3,997 students | 35.00 Mi574 New London Turnpike
Norwich, CT 06360
(860) 215-9000 35.003,997
Recent Articles
For-profit colleges are now becoming an alternative for community college students who are stuck on waiting lists or who hope to earn bachelor's degrees. Learn more about the opportunities and articulation agreements between for-profit colleges and community colleges.
Education now comes with a money-back guarantee. Learn about which community college is guaranteeing that its graduates will secure jobs - or get their money back.
The world was ill-prepared to find itself in the midst of a global pandemic and the effects of the past year will linger for many years to come. No industry was unaffected and the pandemic brought to light inequities in many, particularly the U.S. education system. Read on to learn how the pandemic has affected community colleges and what students can expect in the future.
