Most Affordable Colleges in Rhode Island 2024

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN RHODE ISLAND
By Dr. James Barham
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.

Most Affordable Colleges in Rhode Island 2024

Sort by:
  1. University of Rhode Island
  2. Rhode Island College
  1. University of Rhode Island
  2. Rhode Island College
  1. Rhode Island College 88%
  2. University of Rhode Island 76%
  1. University of Rhode Island 17 to 1
  2. Rhode Island College 11 to 1
  1. University of Rhode Island $13,586
  2. Rhode Island College $9,481
  1. University of Rhode Island $14,822
  2. Rhode Island College $8,910
  1. Rhode Island College
  2. University of Rhode Island
  1. Rhode Island College
  2. University of Rhode Island
  1. University of Rhode Island 76%
  2. Rhode Island College 88%
  1. Rhode Island College 11 to 1
  2. University of Rhode Island 17 to 1
  1. Rhode Island College $9,481
  2. University of Rhode Island $13,586
  1. Rhode Island College $8,910
  2. University of Rhode Island $14,822

Colleges and Universities in Rhode Island

Of the three public schools, the University of Rhode Island is the largest, having more than 15,000 students in attendance. The main campus is located in Kingston, and the tuition rate is $14,000. The most prestigious school in the state is Brown University, a private Ivy League institution located in Providence. Over 9,000 students study on this campus in fields like biophysics, ethnic studies, and public health. Tuition is more expensive at about $55,000, but the school boasts a 96% graduation rate.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Of the eight private schools, two are religiously affiliated. Both Salve Regina University and Providence College have under 5,000 students, though the tuition fees are more expensive at $40,000 and $51,000, respectively. Whether you seek an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, Rhode Island also offers a unique opportunity for graduates. As a financial incentive to pursue a career or start a business in Rhode Island in the technology, engineering, design, or other sectors, the Wavemaker Fellowship program defrays student loan payments for up to four years.

Rhode Island is the smallest U.S. state, but it has more than 400 miles of coastline, giving it the nickname The Ocean State. With sandy beaches and colonial towns, this state offers relaxation and history. Rhode Island also has 11 public and private higher education institutions with an average tuition of just over $12,000.

Meet your academic goals at one of the higher learning centers in Rhode Island. Check out the top programs to see which school fits your needs.


What are Rhode Island’s Colleges & Universities?

Rhode Island’s Best Overall

Rhode Island's Most Affordable Colleges and Universities Badge
Download Badge

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.

Back to Top

Most Affordable Colleges in Rhode Island 2023

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 Research Universities in Rhode Island 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #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: $15,880
    Expenses: $17,270
    Starting Salary: $58,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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 Public Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Rhode Island 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Rhode Island 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Rhode Island College

    Cost of Degree: $10,966
    Expenses: $16,104
    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
Back to Top

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

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
2021 Ranking Archive
  1. Rhode Island College
  2. University of Rhode Island
Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here