10 Cheapest and Most Affordable Colleges in Rhode Island

Why Should You Get a Degree in Rhode Island

Rhode Island offers competitive value in New England. You get access to respected public options with reasonable in-state tuition, a moderate cost of living for the region, and proximity to major job markets. In 2025, Rhode Island’s cost-of-living index was about 109, lower than several neighboring New England states, which helps your overall budget.

The state also invests in affordability. Examples include the Hope Scholarship at Rhode Island College, which can cover two years of tuition for eligible residents, and the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship at CCRI. Paired with federal aid and campus-based awards, these programs make college costs more predictable.

In this guide to the 10 cheapest and most affordable colleges in Rhode Island, we rank institutions by the latest in-state tuition (lowest to highest) and highlight academic strengths aligned with the Ocean State’s key sectors.

Key Takeaways

• Rhode Island delivers regional value: Moderate cost of living for New England and reasonable in-state tuition at public campuses.
• State programs like the RIC Hope Scholarship and Rhode Island Promise can substantially reduce what residents pay.
• Strong employer network across healthcare, finance, defense, manufacturing, and the blue economy supports internships and jobs.
• Our list ranks the 10 cheapest and most affordable colleges in Rhode Island by in-state tuition, then calls out programs tied to Rhode Island’s growth sectors.
  

10 Most Affordable Colleges in Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s colleges offer solid value for New England, especially when you compare in-state public rates with regional peers. Below are the 10 cheapest and most affordable colleges in Rhode Island, ranked by the latest published in-state tuition from lowest to highest. For private institutions, tuition applies equally to Rhode Island and non-Rhode Island residents. Always verify current totals on each school’s bursar page before you apply.

Rhode Island College

Rhode Island College in Providence is the state’s primary teacher-preparation campus, pairing affordability with strong professional pathways in education and health. You get small classes, extensive field placements, and student support that keeps you on track to graduate.

Main Courses

Education, nursing, social work, business, and liberal arts, anchored by school-based and clinical experiences in Greater Providence.

Pros

• Lowest in-state sticker price among four-year Rhode Island institutions
• Strong teacher education and nursing outcomes
• Diverse, commuter-friendly community with robust support services

Cons

• More limited research scale than a flagship university
• Commuter feel for many programs

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$11,709 in tuition and required fees for 2025–26.

University of Rhode Island

The University of Rhode Island is the flagship public research university with a coastal setting and breadth in marine, engineering, health, and business fields. You will find research, internships, and a traditional campus experience minutes from Narragansett Bay.

Main Courses

Engineering, marine sciences, pharmacy, business, health, and environmental programs tied to the state’s blue economy and regional employers.

Pros

• Research opportunities and coastal labs
• Honors and experiential learning options
• Strong industry links in marine, health, and engineering fields

Cons

• Higher cost than RIC
• Selective entry for certain majors and larger intro classes

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$17,476 in tuition and required fees for 2025–26.

New England Institute of Technology

New England Institute of Technology in East Greenwich focuses on career-direct technical degrees with modern labs and close employer ties. If you want a hands-on path into high-demand fields, NEIT keeps the curriculum applied and job-ready.

Main Courses

Engineering technology, cybersecurity and network engineering, digital media, business, automotive, and healthcare technology, with program-specific lab work.

Pros

• Specialized technical focus with strong placement rates
• Small cohorts and industry-standard facilities

Cons

• Private tuition and a narrower liberal arts core
• Programs are highly specialized

Average Annual In-State Tuition

Most bachelor’s programs list $35,925 for 2025–26.

Johnson & Wales University (Providence)

Johnson & Wales University is nationally known for culinary and hospitality, with additional pathways in business, nutrition, and criminal justice. You get applied learning, internships, and direct pipelines into service and corporate roles.

Main Courses

Culinary arts, hospitality management, business, health and wellness, and criminal justice with extensive labs, internships, and industry practicums.

Pros

• World-recognized culinary and hospitality programs
• Strong employer connections and hands-on training

Cons

• Private tuition above public options
• Narrower liberal arts emphasis

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$43,872 published tuition for 2025–26, plus standard fees.

Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University in Bristol blends liberal arts with professional programs on a scenic waterfront campus. You benefit from small classes, studio and lab experiences, and access to coastal research opportunities.

Main Courses

Architecture, marine and natural sciences, business, construction management, and the liberal arts with project-based learning.

Pros

• Waterfront campus and field-based study
• Small classes and close faculty access

Cons

• Private tuition higher than public options
• Fewer large-scale research centers

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$45,648 standard undergraduate tuition for 2025–26, plus fees.

Salve Regina University

Salve Regina University in Newport offers a liberal arts education on a historic oceanfront campus, with strengths in nursing, education, and business. The setting supports distinctive service learning and coastal research.

Main Courses

Nursing, education, business, and the liberal arts, with clinical and school-based placements across Aquidneck Island and Providence.

Pros

• Beautiful historic campus and close-knit community
• Respected nursing and teacher education pathways

Cons

• High private tuition
• Limited research depth versus large research universities
  

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$51,300 published tuition for 2025–26; tuition and standard fees total about $52,230.

Bryant University

Bryant University in Smithfield is business-forward with growing analytics and data science. You can pair business with liberal arts to build communication and quantitative depth.

Main Courses

Business, finance, accounting, marketing, data science, and information systems with required experiential learning.

Pros

• Strong business reputation and alumni network
• Modern facilities and career outcomes in finance and analytics

Cons

• High private tuition
• Curriculum is business-centered with fewer arts and humanities options

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$53,330 tuition for 2025–26.

Rhode Island School of Design

Rhode Island School of Design is a world leader in art and design education in downtown Providence with deep studio culture and cross-registration with Brown. You will develop a professional portfolio with access to global creative networks.

Main Courses

Fine arts, industrial design, graphic design, architecture, film, and textiles with intensive studio practice and critiques.

Pros

• International name recognition and facilities
• Strong career pathways in creative industries

Cons

• Very high tuition
• Highly specialized curriculum with limited non-art offerings

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$63,966 tuition for 2025–26.

Providence College

Providence College is a Catholic liberal arts university known for its Development of Western Civilization core and strong business school. You get a tight campus community with active alumni across New England.

Main Courses

Liberal arts, business, education, and health sciences, featuring a common core that develops writing, analysis, and ethics.

Pros

• Strong outcomes and alumni engagement
• Cohesive campus culture and mentorship

Cons

• Among the highest tuition in the state
• Religious identity may not fit every student

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$64,870 tuition for 2025–26; tuition plus standard fees total $65,810.

Brown University

Brown University is an Ivy League research university with an open curriculum, extensive labs, and global reach. If you want academic flexibility at a top research institution, Brown offers unmatched course choice and collaboration.

Main Courses

Liberal arts and sciences, engineering, public health, international and public affairs, and open-curriculum pathways tailored to your goals.

Pros

• Elite academics, research, and networks
• Open curriculum with high flexibility

Cons

• Highest tuition among Rhode Island institutions
• Extremely selective admission

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$71,700 tuition for 2025–26; standard fees add $2,950.

Tuition and mandatory fee amounts change regularly and can vary by program, course load, credit amount, and delivery format. The figures listed here reflect the latest numbers available and are intended for comparison only. Always confirm the current annual in-state tuition and required fees on the university’s official website before applying.

Key Requirements For Enrolling In The Most Affordable Rhode Island Colleges

Complete Application Form Submission

Apply through each college’s online portal or the Common App where accepted. URI, RIC, and CCRI outline step-by-step admissions checklists on their sites, so follow the prompts, submit early, and watch for program-specific items.

Submit Official High School Transcripts

Have your school send transcripts directly. CCRI explicitly requires official transcripts or GED scores sent to One Stop Student Services, and four-year campuses provide similar directions.

Rhode Island Residency Verification

If you want in-state tuition, review the state residency policy and each campus process. URI and RIC link to residency applications and proof guidelines, and the statewide policy (Council on Postsecondary Education, S-5) defines who qualifies. Typical evidence includes a Rhode Island license or ID, voter or vehicle registration, tax filings, and physical presence.

SAT Or ACT Score Submission

Rhode Island College is test-optional. URI is also test-optional for most applicants, though some majors outline additional requirements. CCRI has open admissions and does not require SAT or ACT for general admission. Strong scores can still help with placement or select programs.

FAFSA Financial Aid Application Completion

File the FAFSA as soon as it opens and before campus priority dates. The federal deadline for 2025–26 is June 30, 2026. Pair federal aid with Rhode Island programs like Rhode Island Promise at CCRI and the Hope Scholarship at RIC.

How Do Rhode Island College Costs Compare To National Averages

Public four-year in-state tuition and fees in the U.S. average $11,610 in 2025–26. Rhode Island’s public range sits higher: RIC lists about $11,709 and URI about $17,476 in tuition and required fees, reflecting New England pricing but still offering value when aid is applied.

The state’s cost of living is moderate for New England. Rhode Island’s Q1 2025 index was 109.3 vs. U.S. 100, lower than several regional neighbors, which helps your total budget compared with Boston-area costs.

Private tuition varies widely. Illustrative 2025–26 list prices include NEIT ($35,925), JWU ($43,872), Salve Regina (about $51,300 tuition), RISD ($63,966), and Providence College ($64,870). For context, the national private nonprofit average is $43,350. Always use each school’s net price calculator to estimate your aid-adjusted cost.

What Are The Tuition Fees For International Students At Affordable Rhode Island Colleges

At Rhode Island public universities, international students generally pay the out-of-state rate. URI lists $38,398 for out-of-state or international tuition and fees in 2025–26. RIC’s out-of-state tuition and fees are listed at about $28,268 in its cost-of-attendance tables. CCRI states that international students pay out-of-state tuition.

Plan for required insurance and fees. Examples include student health insurance of about $3,512 per year at URI, and campus health or technology fees assessed each term. JWU lists a $2,840 annual student health insurance plan for Providence undergraduates. Policies vary and waivers may be available with comparable coverage.

Budget for immigration-related costs as well. The SEVIS I-901 fee for F-1 students is $350, and the U.S. MRV visa application fee for most non-petition categories, including F-1, is $185. These fees are paid to U.S. government agencies and are separate from university charges.

Because Rhode Island is compact and well-connected, many international students also weigh living costs and access to internships in Providence and the broader New England corridor when comparing total expenses. Use each school’s international office pages and cost-of-attendance breakdowns to build an accurate, personal budget. 

How Does University Of The People Compare With Most Affordable Colleges In Rhode Island

University of the People (UoPeople) takes a different route than Rhode Island’s campuses. It is tuition-free and fully online, with small processing fees instead of traditional tuition: a $60 application fee and assessment fees of $160 per undergraduate course, $450 per MBA or MSIT course, $400 per M.Ed. course, $250 per certificate course, and $150 for ESL.

Your tradeoff is format and ecosystem. UoPeople’s asynchronous model is flexible if you need to work or care for family. Rhode Island’s colleges provide labs, clinicals, studios, student life, and proximity to employers in healthcare, finance, defense, and the blue economy. State programs like the Hope Scholarship at RIC and Rhode Island Promise at CCRI can further lower costs for eligible residents, which may make a local path competitive after aid.

Ready To Choose The Most Affordable College?

Start by comparing the full cost of attendance, not just tuition. Look at required fees, housing and meals, books, and transportation, then use each school’s net price calculator and ask financial aid about state programs such as RIC’s Hope Scholarship and CCRI’s Rhode Island Promise.

Next, match programs to your goals. If you want marine science or engineering, URI’s coastal research environment and industry links stand out. If you want teacher preparation or nursing with strong resident aid, RIC is a value pick. If you need maximum flexibility, UoPeople’s fully online structure can fit work and family schedules. Visit campuses, speak with advisors, and review graduation and placement data before you decide.

FAQs

What is the average tuition at Rhode Island’s most affordable colleges?

Among public four-year options, recently published totals are about $11,709 at Rhode Island College and $17,476 at the University of Rhode Island for 2025–26. Private colleges vary widely and are higher on average. Always confirm current figures on the bursar pages.

Which Rhode Island college has the lowest in-state tuition rates?

Rhode Island College lists the lowest in-state tuition and required fees among the four-year institutions, at about $11,709 for 2025–26.

Which Rhode Island college has the highest graduation rates?

Brown University reports one of the highest six-year graduation rates in the state at about 97 percent, per the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Do Rhode Island colleges offer online degree programs?

Yes. URI offers multiple online undergraduate and graduate programs, RIC runs a 100 percent online Bachelor of Professional Studies and RN-to-BSN options, and CCRI provides online courses and pathways.

Do Rhode Island colleges offer work-study programs for students?

Most do. URI, RIC, and CCRI participate in Federal Work-Study, with campus and approved community positions for eligible students who file the FAFSA.

Which Rhode Island college has the best alumni network?

It depends on your field. For example, Brown offers broad Ivy League reach, Bryant is strong in business and finance, and RISD is influential in creative industries. Explore alumni and career pages by program to see which network fits your goals.