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Providence is the capital and most populous city in Rhode Island, serving as the county seat of Providence County. It was founded by Roger Williams who was a religious exile from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Williams named the settlement in honour of "God's merciful Providence" which he credited for revealing the haven to him and his followers. By industrialising early on, Providence became renowned for textile manufacturing, tool production, jewellery crafting and silverware. The city now houses eight hospitals and eight higher education institutions that have shifted the economy towards service industries. Between its rich history as an early American settlement and current status as Rhode Island's economic and cultural nucleus, Providence has worn many hats over its nearly 400-year existence.

 

Study in Providence is hosted by five major universities and colleges within the city limits. Most notably, Providence houses Brown University, the Ivy League institution counting among just nine colonial colleges founded in the nation. Meanwhile, leading specialised schools like the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Johnson & Wales University, Providence College and Rhode Island College. Additionally, the Community College of Rhode Island and satellite campuses of other universities ensure a bustling student population between 32,000 to 44,000 students enrolled in post-secondary study in Providence. 

 

Why Study In Providence?

Top Universities in Providence bring in thousands of students to its shores each year. These students are not just attracted to the universities but also to the other unique factors of the city. Read more in this section below.


 

1. Thriving Arts and Culture Scene

Providence hosts WaterFire art installations, the world-famous Rhode Island School of Design Museum, the Trinity Repertory theatre company, the Providence Performing Arts Center, and more.

 

2. Culinary Offerings

The city's restaurants range from Korean pancakes to gourmet farm-to-table establishments, in addition to food trucks and artisanal doughnut shops. Students can relish these after attending colleges in Providence. 

 

3. Abundant Outdoor Recreational Opportunities

Numerous parks, biking trails and nearby hikes make Providence a launchpad to enjoy Rhode Island's beautiful outdoors and beaches. This can be a breath of relief for many students after studying various courses in Providence.

 

4. Convenient Access to Major Cities

The city is situated only 50 miles from Boston and 180 miles from NYC. However, Providence retains small-city charm while offering proximity to global hubs.

 

5. Youthful Energy and Eclectic Neighbourhoods

Areas like College Hill and Downtown host bustling coffee shops, indie theatres, alternative music venues and quirky watering holes that embody Providence's hip and creative spirit. 

 

6. Higher Education Options

Students have various options to study in Providence. The city houses Brown University, RISD, Johnson & Wales, Providence College, Rhode Island College and more - creating a growing student culture.

 

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Top Universities And Global Ranking

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Providence, United States

Cost Of Living

$ 22,980
Tuition Fee
$ 59,830
Cost Of Living
$ 22,980
Tuition Fee from
$ 59,830
ranking
Country Rank
#497

Providence College, located in Providence, Rhode Island, is a private Catholic university. The Dominican Order and the local diocese founded it in 1917, and it now offers 47 undergraduate majors and 17 graduate programmes. The college's incorporation was centred on Matthew Harkins, Bishop of Providence, who sought to establish a centre of advanced learning for Rhode Island's Catholic youth. Under inaugural president Dennis Albert Casey, O.P. (1917-1921), the college began with 71 students and nine Dominican faculty members at the corner of Eaton Street and River Avenue, with only one building, Harkins Hall. 

 

The school had early success in basketball, football, and baseball with black and white team colours. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges granted the school regional accreditation in 1933. By 1935, the college had conferred its first Master of Arts, Doctor of Philosophy, and Master of Science degrees, as well as the first publication of the school's newspaper (The Cowl). Beginning with the 1971-1972 school year, the college decided to admit women in 1970. The first female administrator was hired that same year.

 

There are three main entrances to campus: Cunningham Square and Huxley Avenue to the upper campus, and Eaton Street in the southeast corner of the lower campus. Nineteen administrative and academic buildings, nine dormitories, five apartment complexes, three residences, four athletic buildings, a power plant, a physical plant, and a security office gatehouse make up the campus. 

 

The college has 49 majors and 34 minors to choose from. The vast majority of students declare liberal arts or business majors. All undergraduate students, regardless of major, are required to complete a core curriculum that includes credits in the Development of Western Civilization, mathematics, philosophy, theology, natural science, English, fine arts, and social science. All undergraduate students must complete 16 credits in the Development of Western Civilization, which is a major component of the college's core curriculum. It enrolled 4,128 undergraduate students and 688 graduate students in the spring of 2021, for a total of 4,816 students.

 

Providence College alumni include a number of notable national and international politicians and judges. The Notable Alumni of the college are Actor and comedian John O'Hurley (Class of 1976), Former U.S. Representative Patrick J. Kennedy (Class of 1991), Biomedical researcher and discoverer of HIV Robert Gallo (Class of 1959), Popular Film director Peter Farrelly (Class of 1979), James O'Brien (Class of 1992), David Gere (Class of 1979) & Sports journalist Sean McAdam (Class of 1981).

Providence, United States

Cost Of Living

$ 22,980
Tuition Fee
$ 32,828
ranking
Country Rank
#79
Cost Of Living
$ 22,980
Tuition Fee from
$ 32,828

Brown University is a private Ivy League university located on College Hill in Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1764 as the College of Rhode Island and later renamed for its founder, the university became coeducational in 1891. Brown is one of the eight Ivy League universities. Now ranked as the third-oldest institution of higher learning in New England and among the top research institutions in the nation, Brown offers more than 100 areas of study across seven schools: Arts and Sciences; Business; Engineering; Environmental Studies; Public Health & Medical Sciences; Graduate School of Education; and Undergraduate Engineering Program (UEP). 

The university has over 15 libraries with more than 4 million volumes held within these collections. The university is home to several museums including the John Carter Brown Museum of American Art and the Peabody Museum of Natural History. These museums are among some of America's oldest cultural institutions along with being among the first museums to hold formal exhibitions when they were opened back in 1857."

There is a large undergraduate population at this university. The school has about 7,000 undergrad and 5,000 graduate students. 7.7% of applicants get accepted to the university. Only 8 out of every 100 applications are accepted. This demonstrates how rigorous the school's selection process is. To get beyond their initial filters and demonstrate the student’s academic readiness, it's crucial to meet the university’s  GPA standards and SAT/ACT requirements. 

Students have wholesome experiences at the tip of their fingers. The academic environment of this state is rated #1 in all of North America. Moreover, students who choose the university for undergraduate or graduate programs which are in proximity to Boston and New York City, with access to the city's historical landmarks, entertainment, and attractions. There are bays, inlets, and an oceanic territory on Rhode Island. International students have the choice to enjoy the state's top indoor and outdoor attractions while also having the freedom to spend extended weekends exploring nearby states.

Providence, United States

Cost Of Living

$ 22,980
Tuition Fee
$ 14,337
Cost Of Living
$ 22,980
Tuition Fee from
$ 14,337
ranking
Country Rank
#701

Johnson & Wales University, located in Providence City is one of the well-recognized private institutes in the United States. The university was founded by Gertrude I. Johnson and Mary T. Wales as a business school in 1914. Today, Johnson & Wales University courses are widely popular among graduate and undergraduate students. By 2020, the university enrolled nearly 7357 students.

 

The Providence campus is one of the major campuses of Johnson & Wales University. This campus is well-known for its energetic vibe. Students can experience a perfect balance of fun and academics at the Providence campus. Around 90 clubs are being run by students. The campus also welcomes NCAA Division III athletics. 

 

Johnson & Wales University offers a diverse range of courses spanning fields like Business Administration, Computer Science, Culinary Arts, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Fashion Merchandising, Health Science, Hospitality Management, Marketing, and Nursing. Additionally, students can explore programs in Academic International Programs, Accounting, Advertising Communication, Animal Science, Anthropology, Art, Baking and Pastry Arts, Beverage, Biology, and Biomedical Engineering.

 

Johnson & Wales University Acceptance Rate 

 

The Johnson & Wales University acceptance rate differs slightly according to the various reports. The acceptance rate refers to the percentage of students who are offered admission into a specific college.

 

Source

Acceptance Rate for 2023

CollegeTuitionCompare.com

83.43%

Niche.com

88%

UnivStats.com

83.00%

PrepScholar.com

88.5%

Providence, United States

Cost Of Living

$ 22,980
Tuition Fee
$ 60,400
Cost Of Living
$ 22,980
Tuition Fee from
$ 60,400
ranking
Country Rank
#687

Rhode Island School of Design is a private college of art and design located in Providence, Rhode Island. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious art and design schools in the United States, with affiliations to Brown University. The fall intake of 2021 saw a total enrollment of 6,331 students across both denominations. 

 

In order to make design education more accessible to women. Helen Adelia Rowe Metcalf, the founder of this school launched the school as a coeducational institution in 1877. In Providence, the school began classes in October 1877. There were 43 pupils in the inaugural class, most of whom were female.

 

RISD offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a range of design fields, including graphic design, interior design, industrial design, and architecture. The school has 16 programs at the undergraduate level and 18 programs at the postgraduate level. The Global exchange program here is well-known for placing its students across 43 universities around the globe. A special Master of Arts in Design and Architecture (MADE) is offered to students through a special partnership between the Architecture and Design division and Brown's School of Engineering. Other popular programs chosen include:

  • Fine arts 
  • Graphic design 
  • Sculpture 
  • Printmaking 
  • Time-based media 
  • Photography 
  • Painting 
  • Ceramics

 

The college is known for its rigorous curriculum, world-renowned faculty, and talented student body, many of whom go on to have successful careers in the arts and design industries. RISD has a diverse student body and a vibrant campus community, and is considered one of the top art and design schools in the world.

Admission Process & Requirements

Gaining acceptance to a university in Providence as an international student involves meeting thorough application criteria, deadlines and English fluency scores. While specific components vary between undergraduate, graduate and professional programmes, core documents and eligibility factors remain consistent across most US institutions at each level. 

 

Criteria

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

Application platform

Common Application for most private universities.

Varies by university. Some use Common App, while others have their system.

Application deadlines

Early November - January 1st for the Fall semester, 

Early May - June 1st for the Spring semester (varies by university)

Varies by programme and university, typically 3-6 months before the programme starts

English language proficiency

TOEFL 80-100 

IELTS 6.5-7.0

TOEFL 80-100 

IELTS 6.5-7.0

Helpful resources

University websites 

Common App or CSU

 Study in the USA website

University websites 

Programme Websites 

Study in the USA website

 

 

Documents Required: 

  • Bachelor/ High school diploma with strong GPA
  • Academic record 
  • Personal Statement 
  • CV/resume 
  • Letters of Recommendation 
  • Research Proposal (some programmes) 
  • Work Experience (some programmes)

 

Scholarships In Providence

The universities in Providence understand that education in the USA is a dream which comes at a high cost. For this reason, there are several scholarships in Providence. Read about them below:

 

  • University of Providence Catholic Scholarship: Students with a GPA of 3.0 or better may receive $17,000 for full tuition. 

 

  • Miranda Scholarship: Ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 for undergraduate students in Rhode Island. 

 

  • University of Providence Leadership Scholarship: Those awarded this scholarship may be awarded $17,000 to full tuition. A separate application is required and includes an essay, resume, professional letter of recommendation, and an interview. 

 

  • Fine Arts Tuition Scholarship: Tuition scholarships of $22,000 per year are offered to students who demonstrate great potential in fine arts. 

 

  • Martin Luther King Scholarship: Offers up to $40,000 to students pursuing higher education in the state
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FAQs

Study in Providence offers an excellent student experience with top universities like Brown and the Rhode Island School of Design. It has a vibrant cultural scene, beautiful historic architecture, a diverse population, and many student-friendly attractions and events. 

 

The average cost of studying in Providence is approximately $77,050, which includes tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other expenses. 

 

Providence is linked to the broader East Coast through Amtrak and Bonanza Bus Lines, both of which have downtown stations. Additionally, there is a local bus system, with routes and schedules provided by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority.

 

Many students at Providence's universities live around College Hill near Brown or in nearby neighbourhoods like Fox Point, West End, Federal Hill, Smith Hill and Mount Hope. 

 

Safety in Providence varies significantly by neighbourhood. Downtown and the College Hill areas, for example, are typically secure for nighttime strolls due to well-lit streets, nightlife and regular police patrols.