The University of Rhode Island is a public research university located in the coastal town of Kingston, Rhode Island in the United States. URI ranks #59 among US universities in the Times Higher Education USA Rankings 2026 and admits a growing cohort of Indian graduate students each year.
The Kingston campus enrols 16,852 students across 106 accredited programs. Indian applicants concentrate on MS Computer Engineering, MS Chemical Engineering, MS Mechanical Engineering, and the internationally recognised Oceanography and Marine Affairs graduate degrees. All programs are taught in English, and two intakes serve international students each academic year, with Fall accepting the majority of URI applications from India.
- Ranking: #102 in QS USA Universities Rankings 2026
- Acceptance Rate: 75% (estimated)
- Intakes: Fall (September) and Spring (January)
- PG Tuition: $31,952 to $32,186 per year (₹ 30.58 to 30.80 Lakh)
- Average PG Starting Salary: $65,000 to $75,000 per year (₹ 62.20 to 71.77 Lakh) (estimated)
Also Check: MS in USA Universities Guide for Indian Students
Non-resident tuition is set by the URI Board and revised each academic year. Departmental Graduate Assistantships cover full tuition and pay a stipend of up to $23,290 for selected students. Indian applicants planning a full study in USA budget must also account for F-1 visa fees, SEVIS charges, and Kingston living costs on top of published tuition.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = ₹ 95.70 as of August 2026
Admission Status: Rolling (Fall 2027 intake). Most URI graduate programs open Fall 2027 applications during autumn 2026. Departmental deadlines typically fall on February 1, 2027 for international applicants under the prior-cycle basis. Selected departments also accept Spring 2027 applications on a rolling basis, with expected close by October 2026. Verify the exact departmental deadline on the URI Graduate School program page.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at University of Rhode Island 2027
- University of Rhode Island Admission 2027
- University of Rhode Island Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- University of Rhode Island Acceptance Rate 2027
- University of Rhode Island Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- University of Rhode Island Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- University of Rhode Island Scholarships 2027
- University of Rhode Island Rankings 2027
- University of Rhode Island Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- University of Rhode Island vs Peer Universities
- University of Rhode Island FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at University of Rhode Island 2027
URI graduate programs run on a two-semester structure, with most non-resident master’s degrees priced within a narrow band of $31,952 to $32,186 per year. Standard MS degrees are two years full-time, and the total programme cost sits close to twice the annual figure for Indian applicants. Business and MBA rates sit slightly above the standard band.
Top 10 PG Programs at URI
The following table lists the graduate programs most chosen by Indian students at URI. All figures are annual non-resident tuition; multiply by programme length for total cost.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR Lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Computer Engineering | $63,904 to $64,372 | ₹ 61.16 to 61.60 Lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Chemical Engineering | $63,904 to $64,372 | ₹ 61.16 to 61.60 Lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Mechanical Engineering | $63,904 to $64,372 | ₹ 61.16 to 61.60 Lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Civil and Environmental Engineering | $63,904 to $64,372 | ₹ 61.16 to 61.60 Lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Ocean Engineering | $63,904 to $64,372 | ₹ 61.16 to 61.60 Lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Oceanography | $63,904 to $64,372 | ₹ 61.16 to 61.60 Lakh | Bachelor’s with 65% or CGPA 7.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Marine Affairs | $63,904 to $64,372 | ₹ 61.16 to 61.60 Lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Data Science | $63,904 to $64,372 | ₹ 61.16 to 61.60 Lakh | Bachelor’s with 65% or CGPA 7.0/10 (recommended) |
| MBA | Verify on URI College of Business page | Verify on URI College of Business page | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.5/10 plus GMAT (recommended) |
| MS Nutrition and Food Sciences | $63,904 to $64,372 | ₹ 61.16 to 61.60 Lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended) |
Top 5 UG Programs at URI
Undergraduate applications from India are limited but growing, with STEM and business degrees drawing the strongest interest.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR Lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS Computer Science | Approximately $127,808 | ₹ 122.32 Lakh | Class 12 with 75% to 85% (recommended) |
| BS Engineering | Approximately $127,808 | ₹ 122.32 Lakh | Class 12 with 75% to 85% (recommended) |
| BS Business Administration | Approximately $127,808 | ₹ 122.32 Lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 80% (recommended) |
| BS Marine Biology | Approximately $127,808 | ₹ 122.32 Lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 80% (recommended) |
| PharmD (6-year) | Approximately $191,712 | ₹ 183.48 Lakh | Class 12 Science with 80%+ (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian students at URI overwhelmingly pick MS Engineering and Marine Sciences tracks because of the strong assistantship pipeline and Rhode Island’s dense coastal-research employer base.
Read More: University of Rhode Island Fees and Programs Guide
University of Rhode Island Admission 2027
URI runs Fall and Spring intakes for graduate applicants. Fall is the primary window for Indian applicants because most assistantships are tied to the September start.
University of Rhode Island PG Admission Dates 2027
Deadlines vary by department. The dates below reflect the standard international timeline for Fall 2027 entry, drawn from the URI Graduate School program page.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 international application deadline | Expected February 1, 2027 (based on prior cycle) | Some departments run rolling admissions with earlier priority dates |
| Spring 2027 rolling deadline | Expected close October 2026 | Only selected departments accept Spring; verify per programme |
| Credential verification (WES) | Start 8 to 10 weeks before deadline | Course-by-course WES evaluation is accepted for URI review |
| I-20 issuance | After admission and financial documents | Allow 4 to 6 weeks before booking a visa slot |
| Programme start | September 2027 (Fall) | Spring 2027 start begins in the fourth week of January 2027 |
Planning note: Indian applicants who submit by December 2026 for the February 1 Fall deadline have the strongest chance of being considered for departmental assistantships alongside admission.
Read More: University of Rhode Island Admissions Guide for Indian Students
University of Rhode Island Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
URI treats each Indian bachelor’s degree as equivalent to a US four-year degree provided it comes from a UGC-recognised university and meets minimum academic thresholds.
- Bachelor’s academic eligibility: Four-year bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended); competitive PhD offers require CGPA 7.5/10 or higher.
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 4.0 (new 1-6 scale) or 80 (0-120 legacy scale), IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in each band, Duolingo 115, or PTE Reading 53, Writing 59, Listening 47, Speaking 47.
- Credential verification: Course-by-course WES evaluation of Indian transcripts is required for most departments.
- GRE / GMAT: Waived for most MS Engineering programs from Fall 2024 onward; MBA still requires GMAT unless waived by the College of Business.
Key insight: Assistantship consideration requires a higher English bar of TOEFL iBT 4.5, IELTS Speaking 7.0, or Duolingo 120, so Indian applicants targeting funding should retake the test if borderline. Verify at the URI Graduate School international applicants page before submitting your F-1 USA student visa paperwork.
University of Rhode Island Acceptance Rate 2027
URI’s most recent overall acceptance rate stands at approximately 75% (estimated), placing it among the more accessible US public research universities. Graduate acceptance varies sharply by department and is lower for Oceanography and funded engineering seats.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 75% (estimated) | Stable |
| 2025 | 76% (estimated) | Marginal decline |
| 2024 | 77% (estimated) | Marginal decline |
Programme-level admit rates for MS Computer Engineering and MS Data Science are noticeably tighter because of surging Indian demand. Institutional rate is a headline number and should be read alongside programme-specific competitiveness.
Reality check: A 75% acceptance rate does not mean assured admission. Funded assistantship seats at URI are competitive, and Indian applicants targeting a stipend need a stronger academic profile than the headline suggests.
Read More: Top Universities in USA for Indian Students
University of Rhode Island Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for a URI graduate program lands between $44,000 and $50,000 (₹ 42.11 to 47.85 Lakh) covering tuition, mandatory fees, and Kingston living costs.
University of Rhode Island Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
URI charges a standard non-resident graduate tuition. The College of Business runs a differential rate for MBA and business analytics tracks.
| Level | Annual Fee (USD) | Annual Fee (INR Lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| UG (non-resident) | $31,952 | ₹ 30.58 Lakh |
| PG (non-resident) | $31,952 to $32,186 | ₹ 30.58 to 30.80 Lakh |
| MBA / Business (estimated) | $35,000 to $40,000 | ₹ 33.50 to 38.28 Lakh |
Monthly Cost of Living in Kingston for Indian Students
Kingston is a small college town with modest housing costs compared with Boston or New York. The table below is market-median estimated for a single graduate student.
| Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR Lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared apartment) | $600 to $900 (estimated) | ₹ 0.57 to 0.86 Lakh |
| Food and groceries | $300 to $450 (estimated) | ₹ 0.29 to 0.43 Lakh |
| Transportation (RIPTA + occasional Uber) | $60 to $100 (estimated) | ₹ 0.06 to 0.10 Lakh |
| Books and supplies | $80 to $120 (estimated) | ₹ 0.08 to 0.11 Lakh |
| Personal and health insurance | $250 to $400 (estimated) | ₹ 0.24 to 0.38 Lakh |
| Monthly total | $1,290 to $1,970 | ₹ 1.23 to 1.89 Lakh |
| Annual total | $15,480 to $23,640 | ₹ 14.81 to 22.62 Lakh |
[Source: URI cost estimate and typical Rhode Island graduate-student living data]
Insider note: Indian students consistently save 20% to 30% by living in shared apartments in Wakefield or Peace Dale rather than on-campus housing. Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) offers free rides to URI students on Kingston routes with a valid ID card.
Read More: Cost of MS in USA for Indian Students
University of Rhode Island Campus, Facilities and Student Life
URI’s main campus sits on 1,245 acres in Kingston, roughly 30 minutes south of Providence and 90 minutes from Boston.
- Location and transport: Kingston Amtrak station is a 15-minute walk from campus and connects directly to Providence, Boston, and New York.
- Housing: On-campus housing is guaranteed for first-year graduate students on request; shared off-campus rent runs $600 to $900 per month.
- Standout facility: The Narragansett Bay Campus houses URI’s Graduate School of Oceanography and one of the largest marine research fleets in the eastern United States.
- Indian community: The URI Indian Students Association organises Diwali, Holi, and Republic Day events and helps new arrivals with airport pickup, temporary housing, and Kingston setup.
- Career services: The URI Center for Career and Experiential Education runs OPT workshops for international STEM graduates.
What Indian students say: Kingston is quiet compared with the big US metros, which suits students focused on research. The Indian grocery store in Warwick is a 25-minute drive, and Providence’s Amtrak link makes weekend trips easy.
University of Rhode Island Scholarships 2027
URI offers three primary funded pathways for graduate students. None are ring-fenced for Indian nationality, but Indian applicants are eligible across all three when selected on academic merit.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| URI Graduate Fellowships | Doctoral fellowship | Full tuition, fees percentage, plus academic-year stipend | Doctoral nominees chosen by department chairs | Aligned to Fall admission deadline |
| Graduate Assistantships (GA/TA/RA) | Departmental assistantship | 100% tuition, health insurance, plus stipend up to $23,290 | Full-time MS and PhD students; TAs need TOEFL 4.5 or IELTS Speaking 7.0 | Aligned to programme deadline |
| URI Tuition Scholarships | Tuition award | Tuition plus percentage of fees | Financial need plus academic merit; nominated by department | Verify at URI Graduate Manual |
| Industrial, Endowed and Special Fellowships | Departmental fellowship | Varies; may include full tuition, stipend, and dependency allowance | Restricted to specific fields; department approval required | Verify at URI Graduate School |
[Source: URI Graduate Manual, Financial Support section]
Planning note: Indian applicants should email the target department chair directly around November 2026 to signal assistantship interest. Waiting for the formal admission decision often puts you behind students who lobbied earlier in the cycle.
Read More: MBA Universities in USA Guide
University of Rhode Island Rankings 2027
URI’s strongest ranked positions come from the Times Higher Education USA table (#59) and Academic Ranking of World Universities where Oceanography sits inside the global top 75.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World | 2027: #1001-1200 | 2026: #1001-1200 | 2025: #1001 |
| THE World | 2026: #801-1000 | 2025: #801-1000 | 2024: #801-1000 |
| US News Global | 2025-2026: #772 | 2024-2025: NA | NA |
| ARWU Shanghai | 2025: #801-900 | 2024: #801-900 | 2022: #901-1000 |
| THE USA | 2026: #59 | 2025: NA | NA |
| QS USA | 2026: #102 | NA | NA |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad USA | 2026: #239 | NA | NA |
URI’s Oceanography programme is ranked #51-75 globally by ARWU 2025, its strongest subject placement. Collegedunia Study Abroad ranks URI at #489 globally for 2026. [Source: QS, THE, US News, ARWU, Collegedunia Study Abroad]
Key insight: The THE USA #59 and ARWU Oceanography top-75 positions matter more for Indian applicants than the world rank band. US employers and Indian education-loan lenders weight US-national rankings and subject specialisms above raw world position.
Read More: University of Rhode Island Rankings Analysis
University of Rhode Island Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
URI graduate outcomes cluster around Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut employers, with a strong pipeline into defence, biotech, and ocean industries.
- Median PG starting salary: $65,000 to $75,000 per year (₹ 62.20 to 71.77 Lakh) for MS graduates in engineering and computing (market median, estimated).
- Employment within 6 months: Not officially disclosed for URI graduate cohort.
- Representative sectors: Defence contractors, biotech, pharmaceutical R&D, ocean and marine industries, financial services.
- Career support: The URI Center for Career and Experiential Education runs dedicated STEM OPT and CPT workshops for international graduates.
- Post-study work: STEM master’s graduates qualify for 36-month OPT (12 months plus 24-month STEM extension) under US federal rules for eligible degrees.
Insider note: Rhode Island’s proximity to Boston and New London gives URI graduates access to General Dynamics Electric Boat, Raytheon, and CVS Health headquarters. Indian STEM graduates who target these regional employers tend to convert OPT into H-1B faster than those chasing coastal metros.
University of Rhode Island vs Peer Universities
The peer set below groups URI against comparable US public research universities that Indian graduate applicants routinely shortlist alongside it.
| University | QS Rank 2027 | CD Study Abroad 2026 | Avg Annual PG Fee | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Rhode Island | #1001-1200 | #489 global | $31,952 (₹ 30.58 Lakh) | Oceanography top-75 globally |
| University of Connecticut | #601-800 (estimated) | NA | $40,000 (estimated) (₹ 38.28 Lakh) | Stronger engineering placements |
| University of Massachusetts Amherst | #301-400 (estimated) | NA | $37,000 (estimated) (₹ 35.41 Lakh) | Higher world rank, larger STEM cohort |
| University of New Hampshire | #801-1000 (estimated) | NA | $32,000 (estimated) (₹ 30.62 Lakh) | Similar fees, less coastal-research depth |
| University of Vermont | #801-1000 (estimated) | NA | $39,000 (estimated) (₹ 37.32 Lakh) | Stronger environmental sciences profile |
URI stands out on two axes: it undercuts most New England peers on tuition and holds a genuine global-top-75 subject rank in Oceanography that no comparable regional public matches. For Indian applicants who want a funded coastal-research route into US STEM careers, URI’s price-to-specialism ratio is hard to beat among engineering universities in USA.
URI suits Indian students targeting funded MS or PhD seats in engineering, computer science, or marine sciences, where a total investment of ₹ 60 to 80 Lakh over two years is offset by a median starting salary well above the tuition line. Its Kingston location and mid-band world rank make it the right pick for research-focused applicants who value assistantships and a small-town campus over prestige-driven big-city addresses.
URI is not the right fit for Indian applicants chasing top-100 global brand names, tech-heavy urban campuses, or investment-banking placements. Students with those goals should shortlist University of Massachusetts Amherst or a Boston-area peer instead.
University of Rhode Island FAQs
Ques. What are the popular English-taught MS programs at University of Rhode Island?
Ans. URI offers all its graduate programs in English. Indian applicants most often enrol in MS Computer Engineering, MS Chemical Engineering, MS Mechanical Engineering, MS Civil and Environmental Engineering, MS Ocean Engineering, MS Oceanography, and MS Data Science. The College of Business also runs an MBA and MS Business Analytics. STEM-designated degrees qualify graduates for the 36-month OPT extension.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time at URI while studying?
Ans. Yes. F-1 visa rules allow Indian students to work up to 20 hours per week on campus during term and 40 hours per week in official holiday periods. Off-campus work requires CPT authorisation tied to your programme, usually available after two semesters, or OPT after graduation. The URI Office of International Students and Scholars manages CPT paperwork.
Ques. How does URI handle GRE and GMAT waivers for Indian applicants?
Ans. Most URI MS Engineering and MS Computer Science programs have made the GRE optional or waived it entirely since Fall 2024. The MBA still requires GMAT unless the College of Business grants a waiver based on 5+ years of substantive work experience. PhD applicants in Oceanography are still encouraged to submit a competitive GRE score for assistantship consideration.
Ques. What is the application fee for URI graduate programs?
Ans. URI graduate application fee is $65 per programme submission for international applicants. The fee is non-refundable and payable by international credit card at the point of submission. Fee waivers are available for McNair scholars, US veterans, and select fellowship applicants, but not routinely for Indian nationals. Budget separately for WES credential evaluation, which runs approximately $220.
Ques. Which Indian banks recognise URI for education loans?
Ans. URI is recognised by all major Indian education-loan lenders including SBI Global Ed-Vantage, HDFC Credila, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, Avanse, Auxilo, and Prodigy Finance. Loans up to ₹ 1.5 Crore are commonly sanctioned for URI MS programs without third-party collateral for admitted students with strong academic profiles. Prodigy and MPOWER offer no-cosigner loans specifically for US-bound Indian graduate students.
Ques. Does URI require an interview for Indian graduate applicants?
Ans. URI does not require a standard interview for most master’s admissions. PhD applicants in Oceanography, Chemistry, and Biological Sciences may be invited to a virtual interview with their prospective faculty advisor. MBA applicants may be interviewed by the College of Business admissions committee. Any interview is scheduled after the department completes an initial file review and is not a stress test.
Ques. How long does STEM OPT last for URI graduates?
Ans. Indian graduates of URI STEM-designated master’s programs qualify for a total of 36 months of Optional Practical Training in the United States. This is 12 months of standard OPT plus a 24-month STEM extension, filed through USCIS. MS Computer Engineering, MS Chemical Engineering, MS Data Science, and most MS Engineering tracks at URI carry the STEM designation.
Ques. What documents does URI need for F-1 financial proof?
Ans. URI issues the I-20 after Indian applicants submit a bank statement or education-loan sanction letter covering the first year of tuition plus living costs. This typically means proof of $47,000 to $55,000 in liquid funds or a lender loan approval on official letterhead. Sponsorship letters from parents or relatives require an accompanying affidavit of support and matching bank documents.
University of Rhode Island Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M.S Computer Engineering 2 years | Application Deadline For Spring Intake (15th Nov 2026) | USD 37,774 /Yr | 65 | TOEFL: 4.0, IELTS:6.5, Duolingo-115 |
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University of Rhode Island Reviews
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2 Reviews Found
Overview
My family made me choose this college because it was close to home and I only have to cover in-state tuition. It is a good college for my major because one of the campuses is near the water so I can study there too. It's a heavy nursing and science school. But is also big for briskness and engineering.
Fees
Tuition instate is 26k plus 5k per semester for housing and 2k per semester for the food plan. You also are expected to dish out 1k a semester for books and materials.
Overview
The college is close to home, which allowed me to stay close to family and easily work while still living at home. The state colleges are typically more affordable, and this university had a program with the community college in my state to earn a discounted tuition.
Fees
The fees were reasonable. It was about $6,000 for each semester with my tuition reduction plan since I went to a community college in-state first. So since my GPA was good there I got a discount on my tuition.
University of Rhode Island Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QS Connect Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student$5,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Novus Biological Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$1,500 | Level Of StudyAssociate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Washington DC Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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University of Rhode Island Admissions
Application Portal: https://web.uri.edu/admission
University of Rhode Island Exam Scores
| Exams | Avg. Score | Min Score | Max. Score | %Submitted' |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Language Proficiency | ||||
| PTE | 61.5 | 53 | 70 | - |
| TOEFL | - | 79 | - | - |
| IELTS | - | 6.5 | - | - |
| Undergraduate | ||||
| Duolingo | 132.5 | 105 | 160 | - |
| SAT | 1140 | 1050 | 1230 | 87 |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 575 | 530 | 620 | - |
| Mathematics | 565 | 520 | 610 | - |
| ACT | 25 | 22 | 27 | 22 |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| English | 25 | 22 | 27 | - |
| Mathematics | 24 | 21 | 27 | - |
| Graduate | ||||
| GRE | 305.1 | - | - | - |
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
University of Rhode Island Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 904 | - | - | - |
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