Online Schools and Colleges in Rhode Island

Rhode Island is home to 12 prestigious learning institutions, some of which offer excellent opportunities for online learning. The state is home to an Ivy League institution, one of the nation’s most prestigious design schools, many private and public colleges, a two-year community college and two specialty schools, one of which focuses on the culinary arts. Online schools in Rhode Island offer a variety of courses, certifications and degrees, giving students of all educational levels a program that meets their needs. All 12 post-secondary learning institutions in Rhode Island are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Learning opportunities at the K-12 level are also available in Rhode Island, though the state still lags behind most others when it comes to online learning for this group of students.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Online schools and colleges in Rhode Island allow students to earn a degree and advance their career in a flexible and accessible format. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from the top universities in Rhode Island earn a median early career salary of $50,000-$70,000 per year.

This guide covers important information for students considering online schools and colleges in Rhode Island, including programs and resources for adult learners, cost considerations, and financial aid opportunities.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Prospective online students in Rhode Island can choose from many schools and programs, which may feel overwhelming. Students can help narrow their search by consulting this list of Rhode Island institutions or reviewing the following resource.Search All Accredited Schools in Rhode Island

Postsecondary degrees offer many benefits, including higher salaries. PayScale reports that the median early career salary for bachelor’s degree-holders at the top universities in Rhode Island ranges from $50,000-$70,000.

No degree can guarantee a particular salary, but the data below indicates that professionals with advanced degrees typically earn more than professionals with lower or no degrees.

Source: BLS

Online schools and colleges in Rhode Island feature some of the highest tuition rates in the country. However, distance learners can take advantage of many financial aid opportunities to help offset the costs of tuition.

The following tables compare the average Rhode Island undergraduate tuition rates to national averages.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

The tables above do not include education expenses like room and board or online fees. We cover several important cost considerations beyond tuition for online students below.

Rhode Island participates in the New England Board of Higher Education Regional Student Program reciprocity agreement, which allows some out-of-state students to pay in-state tuition rates. Students can check the Regional Student Program website to learn whether they live in a qualifying state or attend a qualifying university.

Additionally, some schools allow all online students to pay in-state tuition rates regardless of residency. Students should research the residency requirements at each prospective school.

Online students in Rhode Island can take advantage of many financial aid opportunities, including loans, scholarships, and grants. Unlike loans, scholarships and grants do not require repayment. We cover several scholarship and grant opportunities for Rhode Island students below.

Financial Aid for Online Schools

Accreditation indicates that a school meets high academic standards with respect to student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and academic rigor. Attending an accredited school expands financial aid, education, and employment opportunities. The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee accrediting bodies.

Schools may receive regional or national accreditation. National accreditation typically applies to for-profit vocational and technical schools, while regional accreditation applies to nonprofit, degree-granting institutions. Regional accreditation is generally considered the more prestigious of the two. Various regional accrediting bodies accredit schools based on the school’s location. The New England Commission of Higher Education accredits Rhode Island schools.

Certain programs within a school may also receive accreditation, such as business, social work, and nursing programs. Some professions, like nursing, require candidates to hold a degree from an accredited program to qualify for licensure.

Most schools and programs feature accreditation information on their websites. Students can verify the accreditation status of any school or program through the Department of Education database or the CHEA official directory.

Adult learners in Rhode Island can take advantage of many programs and resources to support their studies. We cover several of these opportunities and resources below.

About 13% of Rhode Island students took at least one online class in 2015.

National online student enrollment increased by 4.4% between 2012 and 2015.

About 10% of Rhode Island graduate students took at least one online course in 2015.

Source: Online Learning Survey

Current and prospective students in Rhode Island can take advantage of many resources to support their studies. The following resources offer information on topics like financial aid opportunities, program availability, and career planning for Rhode Island students.