Newport East, Rhode Island, with its scenic coastlines and New England charm, provides access to several esteemed colleges and universities nearby. Students in the area enjoy a rich academic environment focused on liberal arts, maritime studies, engineering, and professional programs.
Top Public Colleges & Universities Near Newport East
University of Rhode Island (URI) – Located in Kingston, about 30 minutes from Newport East, URI is the state's flagship public university. It offers strong programs in pharmacy, engineering, marine biology, and oceanography. As a land and sea grant institution, URI emphasizes research and innovation.
Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) – Newport County Campus – This local campus serves Newport East residents with affordable two-year programs. Known for its nursing, criminal justice, and transfer pathways, CCRI helps students advance in both academic and technical careers.
Rhode Island College (RIC) – Located in Providence, about an hour’s drive away, RIC offers accessible undergraduate and graduate degrees in education, social work, and health sciences. RIC has a strong commitment to public service and teacher preparation programs.
Bristol Community College – Situated across the Massachusetts border, Bristol CC extends affordable education opportunities including business, engineering technology, and liberal arts. It serves students from the greater Newport area who wish to commute or complete a transfer degree.
Plymouth State University (Online & Regional Access) – Though based in New Hampshire, PSU offers online and hybrid programs accessible to students in Newport East. It is recognized for education, business, and public service degrees that suit working adults and transfer students.
Top Private Colleges & Universities Near Newport East
Salve Regina University – Located right in Newport, Salve Regina is a highly regarded private Catholic university. Known for its picturesque coastal campus, it offers strong programs in nursing, behavioral sciences, and historic preservation. The university emphasizes ethics, service, and global citizenship.
Roger Williams University – Based in nearby Bristol, just 25 minutes from Newport East, Roger Williams is known for its strong programs in architecture, law, marine biology, and criminal justice. The university blends liberal arts education with professional study and civic engagement.
Johnson & Wales University – Providence Campus – A well-known private university specializing in culinary arts, hospitality, and business. It attracts students from across the region and includes strong experiential learning components.
Providence College – A top-ranking Catholic liberal arts college, Providence College offers rigorous programs in humanities, finance, and education. The school is well respected for its core curriculum, Division I athletics, and values-based education.
Brown University – One of the Ivy League universities, Brown is located in Providence and is internationally known for its open curriculum, research enterprise, and premier medical and engineering programs. It draws top-tier students from around the world.