Jobs requiring a bachelor's degree in Rhode Island will grow by about 8% from 2022-2032, according to state projections data. Projections also show roles requiring a master's degree and an associate degree will grow by 12% and 8%, respectively.
Our ranking of affordable online colleges in Rhode Island considers both cost and quality. We reviewed tuition, online program options, student-to-faculty ratio, graduation rates, financial aid, and job placement services. All schools are accredited by recognized agencies.
Featured Online Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Rhode Island's Top Affordable Online Colleges
Why Choose Rhode Island for Online Higher Education?
Rhode Island may be the nation's smallest state, but it already boasts an array of online educational opportunities through both public and private universities. Rhode Island has 16 public and private institutions, including one Ivy League school, Brown University. Approximately 29% of Rhode Island college students studied exclusively online in the fall of 2024, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Cost of Attending an Online College in Rhode Island
The cost of attending college in Rhode Island is above the national average, for both in-state and out-of-state students. However, tuition costs vary, and some may be higher or lower than the state or national average. Many online universities in Rhode Island also charge the same flat fee to students regardless of their state of residency.
In-State Tuition
$14,744 – public, four-year institution$5,090 – public, two-year institution
Out-of-State Tuition
$33,879 – public, four-year institution$13,552 – public, two-year institution
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
Considering a Rhode Island School as an Out-of-State Student
Rhode Island participates in the New England tuition break program, which allows nonresident students to attend public universities in any of the five other participating New England states at a substantial discount if their home state does not offer the program they seek. According to the New England Board of Higher Education, students save about $8,500 in tuition through the tuition break program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island's Online Schools
We've answered some of the most common questions from prospective online students in Rhode Island below.
Online credit costs in Rhode Island vary by school, institution type, and degree program. For example, Johnson & Wales University, a private school in Rhode Island, charged $495 per undergraduate online credit for the 2025-2026 school year. Southern Wesleyan University, a private school in South Carolina, charged $462. In general, public colleges typically cost less, while private or more prestigious schools often charge higher tuition.
Rhode Island Grants and Scholarships
Every prospective college student seeking financial aid should start by completing the FAFSA, which helps determine whether students qualify for aid. For many degree candidates, federal Pell Grants prove extremely helpful in paying for school. Local aid resources may prove helpful, as well. Across Rhode Island, communities, charitable organizations, and businesses offer scholarships and grants to give students a leg up on their college expenses. These can prove particularly helpful to students seeking advanced degrees, or those who may not otherwise qualify for a Pell Grant.
Patty and Melvin Alperin First Generation Scholarship
Just as its name suggests, the Alperin scholarships go to Rhode Island residents who represent the first in their families to attend college. Based on need, these renewable scholarships help students attend accredited two- and four-year schools.
Scholarship Amount: Up to $1,500
Black Philanthropy Bannister Scholarship
Providing higher educational opportunities to African Americans, these need-based, renewable scholarships serve recent high school graduates and adults from Rhode Island. Applicants must pursue a healthcare degree at an accredited university or technical school.
Scholarship Amount: Up to $15,000
Carter Roger Williams Scholarships
Established to honor the legacy of Rhode Island founder Roger Williams, these grants cater to students who understand and embody Williams' legacy. Applicants must reside in Rhode Island, enroll in high school, and gain admission to an accredited university. Judges select students based on need, academic record, and their ability to communicate their own connection to Roger Williams.
Scholarship Amount: Up to $20,000
Michael P. Metcalf Memorial Fund and Christine T. Grinavic Adventurer's Fund
These scholarships fund travel and other opportunities for personal growth. Not intended for standard study-abroad programs, these funds can apply to internships, service programs, and other adventurers that broaden students' perspectives. Successful applicants must provide a detailed description of their enrichment plan.
Scholarship Amount: $5,000
