The University of Rhode Island, founded in 1892, is a public, comprehensive university. Since its founding as a land-grant institution, the university has offered its students a broad, liberal arts education and practical preparation for earning a living. Designated a sea-grant college in 1971 and an urban-grant institution in 1995, URI is one of only eight universities nationwide to hold all three designations. Programs are offered through the Colleges of Arts and Science, Business Administration, Engineering, Environmental and Life Sciences, Human Science and Services, Nursing, and Pharmacy. Its 1,200-acre campus is located in Kingston, 30 miles south of Providence.