Stonehill College vs URI-Kingston

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between Stonehill College and the University of Rhode Island (URI)?

  Stonehill College is a private, Catholic, liberal arts college with a strong focus on undergraduate education and a smaller, more intimate campus environment. The University of Rhode Island (URI) is a public, research university offering a wider range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including professional schools like engineering, nursing, and pharmacy. URI has a larger student body and a more diverse academic and social atmosphere.

• How do the campus sizes and environments compare?

  Stonehill College has a smaller, more close-knit campus of approximately 385 acres, fostering a strong sense of community. URI's campus is significantly larger, spanning around 1,200 acres, offering a more expansive and diverse environment with a greater variety of facilities and activities.

• What is the difference in student population between Stonehill and URI?

  Stonehill College has a predominantly undergraduate student body of around 2,500 students. URI has a much larger student population, typically around 14,000 undergraduates and several thousand graduate students, creating a more diverse and dynamic campus community.

• How do the academic programs differ between the two schools?

  Stonehill College excels in liberal arts disciplines, business, and pre-professional programs, emphasizing a well-rounded education. URI offers a broader range of programs, including strong STEM fields, engineering, nursing, pharmacy, and oceanography, alongside its liberal arts offerings. URI also provides graduate-level studies in many areas, which Stonehill does not.

• What is the cost difference between attending Stonehill College and URI?

  As a private institution, Stonehill College generally has a higher tuition cost compared to URI, especially for out-of-state students. URI's tuition is lower for Rhode Island residents. However, financial aid packages can significantly impact the net cost of attendance at both institutions, so it's crucial to compare individual financial aid offers.

• What is the student-faculty ratio like at each school?

  Stonehill College boasts a lower student-faculty ratio, typically around 13:1, allowing for more personalized attention and interaction with professors. URI has a higher student-faculty ratio, generally around 16:1, which is typical for a larger public university.

• What are the athletic opportunities at Stonehill and URI?

  Stonehill College competes in NCAA Division I athletics, offering a range of varsity sports. URI also competes in NCAA Division I athletics, with a strong emphasis on basketball and football. Both schools offer intramural and club sports for students who want to participate in athletics at a less competitive level.

• How do the locations of Stonehill and URI differ, and how does that affect student life?

  Stonehill College is located in Easton, Massachusetts, a suburban setting that provides a quieter, more focused academic environment, with easy access to Boston. URI is located in Kingston, Rhode Island, a more rural setting closer to the coast, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and a more traditional college town experience. URI's proximity to the ocean is a significant draw for students interested in marine sciences and coastal recreation.

• What kind of student is best suited for Stonehill College versus URI?

  Stonehill College is a good fit for students seeking a smaller, more personalized learning environment with a strong sense of community and a focus on liberal arts and pre-professional programs. URI is better suited for students who desire a larger, more diverse university with a wider range of academic programs, including strong STEM fields and graduate studies, and who appreciate a more vibrant campus life.

• What are the career services and internship opportunities like at each school?

  Both Stonehill College and URI offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. Stonehill leverages its location near Boston to provide internship opportunities in various industries. URI also provides extensive internship opportunities, particularly in STEM fields, government, and marine-related industries, benefiting from its research focus and connections within Rhode Island and beyond.