Message from the President

Welcome to the Community College of Rhode Island, where more than 53,000 individuals have come to change their lives and achieve their dreams! I hope you will take a moment to review our Web site and catch a glimpse of the liveliness of the academic and student life of the largest, two-year degree-granting institution in New England. Our students, faculty and staff together create an energetic and collaborative environment that allows students to thrive and makes the community college experience something special.

In fact, in a recent survey of CCRI graduates, 99 percent said they would recommend CCRI to a friend or family member and 95 percent were satisfied or very satisfied with their instructor’s knowledge in their field.

During difficult economic times as we are experiencing now, community colleges hold an important place in the economy as typically the most affordable option to further one’s education. Whether you are a high school graduate choosing to save money instead of paying for a four-year institution, a corporate CEO providing professional development to your employees or an individual looking to learn a new skill for your next career, CCRI just may be the right place for you. An associate degree from CCRI can help you earn more money in a career over your lifetime or prepare you for success at a four-year college or university.

Almost 17,000 students enroll in CCRI’s associate degree and certificate programs each semester and more than 31,000 people enroll in non-credit classes for workforce training or personal enrichment each year through our Center for Workforce and Community Education. In either case, CCRI is the best value for your investment.

The flexible class schedules, four convenient locations throughout the state, strong faculty and the excellent student support services are just a few of the reasons students choose to attend the community college. The recent expansion of offerings at our Westerly satellite location and the newly available preschools on our Providence and Warwick campuses just skim the surface of CCRI’s efforts to make higher education possible for so many and prepare these future generations for the Rhode Island work force.

I want to thank you for taking the time to look into the Community College of Rhode Island. If you are ready to change your life, we are ready to help you achieve your dreams. We hope to see you as a new member of the CCRI community very soon.

Sincerely,
Ray M. Di Pasquale
President
Community College of Rhode Island