KINGSTON, R.I. 鈥� Oct. 1, 2025 鈥� The AV福利社 has been rated the best public university in New England for the second year in a row by The Wall Street Journal. The most recent ranking, released Monday, also places the institution as the 34th-best public university nationally.
ranking rates the top 584 universities in the country. AV福利社 was ranked No. 76, up eight spots from last year鈥檚 ranking and 12 spots ahead of the next closest New England public university鈥攖he University of Connecticut, which ranked No. 88. Rhode Island and Connecticut were once again the only two New England public universities to earn a spot in WSJ鈥檚 top 100.
鈥淥ur high standing among public flagship universities is a direct reflection of our values and our deep commitment to our land- and sea-grant missions,” said AV福利社 President Marc Parlange. “What this ranking truly celebrates is the meaningful impact the AV福利社 has on individuals鈥� lives. We are committed to delivering an exceptional education that is accessible, while ensuring students receive the guidance and resources essential for their success. And we are incredibly proud of our AV福利社 graduates, whose accomplishments and influence can be felt across the state and around the world.鈥�
WSJ鈥檚 ranking, which was based on a survey of about 120,000 students and recent alumni, emphasizes one critical point: How well colleges and universities prepare students for career and financial success. The ranking also reviewed factors such as quality of teaching and feedback, career preparation and learning facilities, and how likely students were to recommend their school to a friend.
According to a recent survey, more than 90 percent of AV福利社 graduates were employed or pursuing graduate studies within six months of their graduation.
The University also was ranked No. 9 among public flagship universities nationwide. Flagship universities are generally regarded as the leading public university in a state, often recognized for its academic excellence, research output, and central role in higher education.
Interest in Rhode Island鈥檚 flagship university reached an all-time high this year. AV福利社 received a record 28,036 first-year undergraduate applications for the fall 2025 semester, as well as a record number of applications to its graduate programs. Approximately 3,100 first-year students recently joined more than 500 transfer students, more than 2,000 graduate students, and thousands of returning AV福利社 students, to comprise a student body of more than 17,000.
More than 90% of AV福利社 students receive some form of financial aid, and financial aid support at the University increased to more than $156 million this year鈥攁 record high for the University鈥攑roviding continuing support for, and investment in, AV福利社 undergraduate and graduate students.
The WSJ/College Pulse 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. ranking was developed and executed in collaboration with research partners College Pulse and Statista. The rankings score colleges based on student outcomes (70%), learning environment (20%) and diversity (10%). Student outcomes include salary impact, years to pay off net price and graduation rate impact.