Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Founded in 1964, the Community College of Rhode Island is located in Warwick, RI and offers the opportunity for students from many different walks of life to improve their lives with education. The school offers more than 90 professional certificate, associate degree and post-associate certificate programs in an effort to meet the diverse needs of its community. There are now six campuses where students can gain an education. These campuses are in Warwick, Lincoln, Providence (two campuses), Newport and Westerly. The main campus remains in Warwick.

There is also the opportunity for students to participate in several different intercollegiate sports as a member of one of the Knights’ teams and there is also the option to play intramural or club sports. The school boasts a lap pool, fitness facility and full gymnasium so that students have a place to practice their chosen sports or simply stay healthy and fit.

In addition to sports, there are numerous student organizations as well as a student government so that students wishing to have an active on-campus life may do so. As a point of interest, the school also boasts the Margaret M. Jacoby Observatory that is often host to the community to observe astrological events.

The school recognizes that obtaining a traditional college education is difficult for many people and in an effort to open up educational opportunities, they offer online and telecourses. Students may enroll in these classes and obtain a degree on their own time and still maintain jobs and family obligations.

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Information Summary

Ranks 10th in Rhode Island and 2257th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	59.7
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$5,764
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	19 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	66% / 46%
Enrollment Total (all students)	14,539

Academics

Because CCRI is a community college, it has programs that fulfill the needs of a diverse array of students. Students may earn associate degrees or professional certificates in nearly 20 program of study including Administrative Office Technology, Biotechnology, Business Administration and Health Sciences. Within these programs, there are numerous specialized certificates and degrees.

Many students wish to complete the first two years of an undergraduate degree as a way to save a significant amount of money on tuition while staying close to home. The college recommends that these students take aggressive college preparatory classes in high school in order to better prepare for a four-year degree.

High school students that wish to get a head start on a degree may choose to dual enroll in the Running Start or High School Enrichment Programs. Students that are interested in doing this will need a recommendation from a high-school counselor or principal and must complete additional forms in order to enroll.

Students wishing to obtain an associate’s degree as a way of advancing to a better job may also do so. There are many programs available for students with this goal. It’s an excellent way to either advance at a current job or obtain better employment. Some students also choose to do this so that they may work at a higher paying job while pursuing a four-year degree. Degree areas include nursing, business and arts.

Professional certificates are also available for students who wish to begin a new career or specialize in current careers. Such certificates include areas of study such as phlebotomy, dental assisting and Social Services.

Some people may also choose to take just a class or two in order to brush up on skills or learn a new hobby. There is a place for those scholars as well.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Admissions

The school has an open admissions policy so that any state resident may apply and be accepted to the school. Many programs do not require a high school diploma and most degrees and certificates can be completed within two years. Students should be aware when choosing a program that although the college may not require a diploma, a transfer school might. Also, students attending several of the medical programs should be prepared to allow more than the standard two years to complete the programs.

To begin the enrollment process, students will need to complete the online application and submit it along with transcripts and fees to the college. After receipt of these fees the school will contact the student via email with testing and orientation information. The next step is to take the Accuplacer English and Math Placement Test and complete the online orientation. Finally, students will attend an advising session during which registration for classes will occur. Prior to actually attending class, students must submit an immunization record in accordance with Rhode Island law.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to students in the form of scholarships, grants, student loans and work-study programs. Students that are interested in applying for financial aid will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that is available online. This form should be completed and submitted when applying to allow time for it to be processed. Financial information for both the student and family will be required in order to complete the FAFSA.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 6307th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Rhode Island.

Athletics

The Knights are an intercollegiate athletics organization that competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region XXI conference. The school offers a variety of sports including men’s and women’s basketball, indoor and outdoor track, cross country, soccer and tennis. Men may also choose to participate in golf and baseball while women have the additional options of volleyball and softball.

There are also intramural sports so that students who do not wish to play at the intercollegiate level may still have an opportunity to compete in sports that they enjoy. These include basketball, wiffleball, volleyball, and tennis. In addition to intramurals, there are also club sports available.

The school also offers an aquatics area that includes a lap pool that is available to all students as well as a full fitness center and gymnasium.

Community College of Rhode Island