Most Affordable Colleges in Rhode Island 2025

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN RHODE-ISLAND
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Published:
Updated:

Here are the most affordable colleges and universities in Rhode Island. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you, at a price you can afford.

Key Takeaways

  • Many affordable colleges in Rhode Island focus on providing extensive career services, including internships, job placement programs, and partnerships with local industries, helping students transition from education to the workforce efficiently.
  • The best and most affordable colleges in Rhode Island prioritize maintaining quality student services, such as tutoring, academic advising, and wellness programs, ensuring that students receive the support they need to succeed academically and personally, even with a lower overall cost of attendance.
  • The colleges in our ranking offer competitive tuition rates, often combined with generous financial aid packages and scholarships, making higher education more accessible and affordable for a broader range of students.

Most Affordable Colleges in Rhode Island in 2025

  1. University of Rhode Island
  2. Rhode Island College

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

There are no changes to our ranking of the most affordable colleges in Rhode Island for 2025. This was a result of all the schools in the ranking making similar improvements to their curriculum, internship opportunities, and other program features.

There are 2 colleges and universities in Rhode Island with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in Rhode Island is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.

Most Affordable Colleges in Rhode Island

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  1. #1

    University of Rhode Island

    Kingston , RI
    #1 Best Public Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Rhode Island 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in Rhode Island 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/27

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Rhode Island

    Cost of Degree: $16,408
    Expenses: $18,586
    Starting Salary: $58,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Rhode Island known for?

    University of Rhode Island’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Rhode Island’s Online Degrees

    BA in Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Rhode Island College

    Providence , RI
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Rhode Island 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Rhode Island 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Rhode Island College

    Cost of Degree: $10,986
    Expenses: $16,359
    Starting Salary: $43,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Rhode Island College known for?

    Rhode Island College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
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Rhode Island’s Most Affordable Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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2021 Ranking Archive
  1. Rhode Island College
  2. University of Rhode Island
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