Bryant University

• Founded: 1863,
• Location: a suburban campus in Smithfield, Rhode Island,
• Students: from nearly 50 countries,
• Ranking: among the top 20 of America's Best Colleges,
• International Business: among the top 30 programs in New England.

Bryant University offers innovative programs and facilities that prepare students for careers in industry and business.

• Language of instruction: English,
• Institution type: private university,
• Study options: bachelor’s and master’s degrees, MBA programs, a Psy.D. doctorate, and graduate certificates.

Bryant University is accredited by AACSB, AACU, and NEASC. More than 40,000 of its graduates hold senior positions at national and international companies. Its research covers regional and international business and technology.

The university has prepared students for professional careers for more than 150 years and attracts applicants from New England. International students account for up to 40% of its student body. Its Vision 2030 strategic plan emphasizes experimentation and collaboration, with an educational mission focused on developing leadership, initiative, and practical experience.

Bryant’s education has received national recognition for its quality and value.

A signature feature of Bryant's curriculum is the required major-minor combination, which opens up broad career opportunities. Experiential, practice-based education is at the core of the Bryant experience: students work on real projects, complete internships at arts and business organizations, take part in public history projects in the local community, and can write and edit for the Bryant Literary Review, an international journal of poetry and prose. The university hosts the annual Research and Engagement Day (REDay), a showcase of student-faculty research and creative achievement.

Every full-time entering student receives a modern laptop included in tuition, which stays with the student after graduation. Career planning and employment support are provided through the Amica Center for Career Education, and academic advisors meet with transfer students during orientation. Non-traditional undergraduate students can study part-time in evening and online courses during fall, spring, winter and summer sessions.

Undergraduate study is organized around academic departments with a required major-minor combination. For example, the History, Literature, and the Arts Department offers majors in Arts and Creative Industries, History, and Literary and Cultural Studies, as well as minors in American Studies, Africana and Black Studies, Arts and Creative Industries, Ethnic Studies, History, Latin American and Latina/Latino Studies, Literary and Cultural Studies, Literature, Media and Cultural Studies, and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

Graduate education includes full-time programs (One-Year MBA, Two-Year MBA, MS in Accounting, MS in Business Analytics, MS in Data Science), online programs (Online MBA, MS in Taxation, MS in Applied AI), graduate certificates (Business Analytics, Innovative Healthcare Leadership, Applied AI, Mini-MBA), the MSPAS program in Physician Assistant Studies and the Psy.D. doctoral program. The Bryant Accelerator unit offers flexible certificate programs, including online self-paced options, for professionals and companies.

In 2025, U.S. News & World Report named Bryant one of the best universities in the region for veterans. College Consensus included the university in its Top 30 Most Beautiful College Campuses in the Fall ranking. The university's programs are highly ranked both nationally and internationally, and the Online MBA is recognized as a top-ranked program.

• The university mascot is the Bulldog — students and athletic teams are known as the Bryant Bulldogs,
• Every seventh student at Bryant is a transfer student,
• The student community represents nearly 50 countries,
• A Travel Reimbursement Program covers travel expenses for visiting the campus,
• A self-guided virtual tour with 360° views shows the campus, classrooms, lab spaces, residence halls and the athletic complex.

Graduates of Bryant University continue their education at graduate schools, including:

• Columbia University,
• Georgetown University,
• Brown University (Master of Public Health),
• University of Connecticut School of Law.

Fields pursued by graduates include law, public health, business and accounting.

Students can live in university residences or rent accommodation. Residences offer single and double rooms with private facilities and equipped kitchens for self-catering. On-campus options include Apartment Suites with single rooms, Residence Halls 1–17 with single and double rooms, and Townhouses with single and double rooms.

Dining is available through flexible meal plans: the Unlimited Meal Plan, the 210, 150, 105, and 30 Block Meal Plans, and the 75-block plan for townhouse residents and commuters.

Rental accommodation is available in different types and price ranges. University staff can help students choose a property and arrange a lease.

Subject list: Accounting, Advertising and PR, African and African American Studies, American Studies, Art, biology, biotechnology, Business and management, communications, cultural studies, Data Science, economics, Entrepreneurship, Environmental science, Filmmaking, finance, Financial services, forensic science, Gender studies, Global research, Global Studies, health sciences, Health Services (BA), history, Human Resource Management, Information Technology, International Business, Italian, Latin American Studies, law, letter, literature, marketing, Mathematics and Statistics, maths, MBA, media, Military Science, Political science, politics, Pre-Law, Psychology, Sales Programs, sociology, Spanish Studies, Statistics

The Student Council organizes entertainment and helps students take part in sports and clubs. Programs and departments hold weekly events. More than 100 student-run clubs and organizations are active on campus, and the university’s athletic teams compete as the Bryant Bulldogs. Students can also join intramural sports and use athletic and wellness facilities.

Walking tours and bus excursions cover Rhode Island and destinations farther afield. Weekend options include nature trips and tours combining different activities across New England.

Preparatory-program classes finish between 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

• Bryant is one of New England’s leading institutions for business education and offers more than 100 practical programs,
• Its AACSB accreditation is held by only 5% of universities worldwide. Bryant is also accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and has received a five-star excellence rating from QS Quacquarelli Symonds,
• Students develop academic and leadership skills with support from teachers, academic advisors, mentors, and career counselors,
• The university’s New England location provides access to Newport and Boston, with their developed infrastructure and cultural attractions.

Bryant’s 465-acre campus in New England is a 15-minute drive from Providence and about 50 minutes from Boston. Its academic buildings include modern lecture halls and laboratories. Campus facilities also include sports and recreation spaces, green areas, indoor and outdoor play areas, a cafeteria, and a library.

Students have access to major libraries, archival resources, and digital research databases. The Art Studio provides a creative workspace. The university’s police force of more than 20 officers provides security around the clock.

A free campus shuttle reaches Providence in about 15 minutes, providing access to its Fortune 500 companies, restaurants, and entertainment. Southern Rhode Island’s beaches lie to the south, while Boston, Fenway Park, and Gillette Stadium are to the north. New York City is about three hours away by train.

• Registration fee: $100,
• Visa services and fees,
• Supervision,
• Airfare,
• Residence deposit: $400.

Mandatory university charges each semester include the Student Involvement Fee, Experiential Learning Fee, and Technology Fee. Other possible charges include a Lab Fee for selected courses, Studio Art Fee, Study Abroad Fee, and Parking Fee.

The Textbook Access Program has a flat fee per semester and provides all required course materials by the first day of classes. The student fee also covers health services, intramural sports, and access to athletic and wellness facilities.

The academic year is organized into semesters. Graduate programs run in fall, winter, spring, and summer sessions. New Student Orientation and Welcome Week take place in late August before classes begin.

Undergraduate admission uses the Common App, with Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision options. Applications receive a holistic review of curriculum, extracurricular activities, recommendations, and the essay. Standardized test scores are optional. Admitted students confirm enrollment with a deposit.

Enrollment preparations include housing applications in the spring, orientation registration, medical forms, and university email setup. International freshmen arrive before Move-In Day for 4MILE, the Multicultural and International Leadership Experience program.

New Student Orientation and Welcome Week take place in late August. During orientation, transfer students receive their laptops and meet academic advisors.

Smapse specialists will guide you through every stage of the admission process.

Bryant graduates are in demand by businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations, and many continue their education at graduate schools.

Employers of Bryant graduates include:

• Bank of America,
• CVS Health,
• Massachusetts General Hospital,
• NASA,
• Pearson,
• Penguin Random House,
• Target,
• WGBH Boston,
• AmeriCorps,
• Citrin Cooperman,
• Bose Professional.

Recent examples include a graduate with majors in Accounting and Politics and Law working as a tax staff member at Citrin Cooperman in Providence, a Politics and Law graduate employed as a paralegal at Bose Professional, and a Health Sciences graduate pursuing a Master of Public Health.

• Undergraduate admission options through the Common App include binding Early Decision, nonbinding Early Action, and Regular Decision,
• Early Decision I and Early Action deadlines fall in November, with the Regular Decision deadline in February,
• SAT and ACT scores are optional. Interviews are also optional and available on request,
• Holistic review considers a strong college-preparatory curriculum, including honors and AP courses, extracurricular activities, recommendation letters, and the application essay,
• International graduate applicants need the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree and official transcripts,
• Graduate English-language requirements are TOEFL iBT 85, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo English Test 115, Pearson Test of English 53, or Oxford ELLT 7. A waiver is available for applicants with a prior degree from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or Australia,
• GMAT and GRE scores are optional for graduate programs.

The average academic profile of freshmen admitted for fall 2025 was a GPA of 3.60 on a 4.0 scale, SAT 1260, ACT 27, and a class rank in the top 25%.

Bryant offers incoming students about $31.7 million in grants and merit scholarships.

All new students are automatically considered for academic merit scholarships when they apply, with no separate form required. Awards range from $12,500 to $40,000 per year and can be renewed for up to four years, or eight semesters, provided students remain enrolled full-time with at least 12 credits and maintain the required GPA. Merit scholarships are also available to outstanding transfer students.

Options include Athletic Scholarships and the Family Discount, a 10% tuition discount for the second student when two or more siblings study full-time at the same time. Institutional grants based on financial need do not have to be repaid. A financial aid package can combine scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study. Applicants are considered for admission regardless of their financial circumstances.

Students in full-time, on-campus graduate programs are eligible for merit scholarships. Bryant alumni can receive a discount of up to 30% on eligible full-time graduate programs. Graduate assistantships provide tuition remission in exchange for 10 hours of work per week, excluding the MSA, MSPAS, and Psy.D. programs.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision