Online Schools and Colleges in Rhode Island
Accredited Degree Programs, Scholarships and Resources for Top Schools
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.
Top Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
Best Online Colleges in Rhode Island
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.
Salve Regina University
Newport, RI- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$43,500
- Out-of-state$43,500
- In-State$11,610
- Out-of-state$11,610
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled2,860
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
Johnson & Wales University
- Providence, RI
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$35,750
- Out-of-state$35,750
- In-State$14,706
- Out-of-state$14,706
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled5,117
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment23%
- AccreditationYes
Roger Williams University
- Bristol, RI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$37,025
- Out-of-state$37,025
- In-State$17,476
- Out-of-state$18,565
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled4,400
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
Top Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
How Can I Find Which Online Colleges Offer the Degree I’m Looking for in Rhode Island?
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
How Much More Do College Grads in Rhode Island Make?
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.
| Less Than a High School Diploma | High School Diploma | Associate Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $28,756 | $37,960 | $44,824 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Master’s Degree | Doctoral Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $62,296 | $74,568 | $94,900 |
Source: BLS
Paying for Online College in Rhode Island: Tuition and Financial Aid
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.
| In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| $7,924 | $20,061 | $9,037 (In-State) $25,657 (Out-of-State) |
| Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| $40,361 | N/A | $30,731 |
Cost Considerations for Online Students in Rhode Island
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.
Qualifying for In-State Tuition in Rhode Island
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.
Paying for College in Rhode Island: Scholarships and Financial Aid
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.
Scholarships for Rhode Island College Students
Grants for Rhode Island College Students
The Importance of Accreditation for Online Colleges and Universities in Rhode Island
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.
Regional and National Accreditation
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.
Subject-Specific Accreditation
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.
How to Know if Your School or Program is Accredited
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.
Online College and Adult Education in Rhode Island
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.
By the Numbers: Adult Education in Rhode Island
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
Adult Education Programs for Rhode Island Students
Online College Resources for Rhode Island Students
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.
