Founded in 1964 with 325 students, the Community College of Rhode Island now enrolls over 16,000 students and supports about 300 full-time faculty members.

CCRI has four main campuses in Warwick, Lincoln, Providence and Newport as well as a satellite facility in Westerly.

CCRI grants the Associate in Arts (A.A.), the Associate in Science (A.S.), the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.), the Associate in Applied Science in Technical Studies (A.A.S.-T.S.) and the Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A.) degrees as well as several one-year certificates.

The Computer Studies & Information Processing department retains 7 full-time faculty and staff and about 41 adjunt faculty. The Department offers Associate and Certificate programs. Both include:

• Computer Programming
• General Microcomputing
• IT Support Specialist
• Networking
• Web Programming
• Web Site Development

The Certificate program also includes the opportunity to receive an Office Automation Certificate.

The Engineering & Technology Department also offers Associate & Certificate Programs and retains 11 faculty.

Associate Programs include

• Computer and Networking Technology
• Computer Engineering Technology
• Electronics Technology
• Telecommunications Technology

Certificate Programs include

• Computer Desktop Technician
• Networking Technician
• Advanced Networking Technician
• Telecommunications Engineering Technology

CCRI has formulated a Technology Renewal Plan with the goal to "ensure a sustainable technology infrastructure".

The Information Technology staff provides provides support services, including digital media production. Wireless network access is availble on the entire Newport Campus and in key areas on the the Warwick Campus.

CCRI was one of the three community colleges to work with the Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science (IWITTS) on the WomenTech Project. The project was an effort to increase the number of females in technology-related fields.