# Best Master's Programs in Rhode Island

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 10 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-rhode-island

## Methodology

Master's programs in Rhode Island ranked by graduate outcomes

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

Choosing the right master's program can be a pivotal moment, especially in a small state like Rhode Island, where options may feel limited but opportunities abound. With average earnings for graduates in this list reaching $70,009, we see that a degree can lead to meaningful financial outcomes.

What sets these programs apart is not just prestige but tangible results. Metrics like graduation rates, average earnings, and student debt levels highlight the effectiveness of these institutions in preparing graduates for the job market. The schools listed below have demonstrated strong outcomes, and understanding these figures can help inform your decision.

For instance, Brown University leads with an impressive earning potential of $93,487 and a graduation rate of 96%, while Rhode Island College shows a stark contrast with earnings of $56,318 and only a 47% graduation rate. This difference illustrates how program performance can significantly impact your future prospects and financial well-being.

## Key Findings

- Brown University's graduates earn an average of $93,487, the highest in Rhode Island.
- Rhode Island College has a graduation rate of only 47%, far below the state average of 73%.
- The average student debt across these programs is $22,494, with some schools significantly exceeding this figure.
- Bryant University graduates earn $90,008, but also face a higher net price of $41,219.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Brown University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/brown-university) | Providence, RI | 96% | $93,487 | $25,184 | $11,428 | 0.12x |
| 2 | [Rhode Island College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rhode-island-college) | Providence, RI | 47% | $56,318 | $9,478 | $20,500 | 0.36x |
| 3 | [University of Rhode Island](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-rhode-island) | Kingston, RI | 72% | $69,743 | $21,440 | $22,250 | 0.32x |
| 4 | [Bryant University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bryant-university) | Smithfield, RI | 80% | $90,008 | $41,219 | $26,849 | 0.3x |
| 5 | [Providence College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/providence-college) | Providence, RI | 87% | $87,054 | $48,523 | $27,000 | 0.31x |
| 6 | [Salve Regina University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/salve-regina-university) | Newport, RI | 76% | $72,975 | $36,967 | $27,000 | 0.37x |
| 7 | [Rhode Island School of Design](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rhode-island-school-of-design) | Providence, RI | 89% | $68,140 | $50,507 | $27,000 | 0.4x |
| 8 | [Roger Williams University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/roger-williams-university) | Bristol, RI | 68% | $70,266 | $37,999 | $26,940 | 0.38x |
| 9 | [New England Institute of Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/new-england-institute-of-technology) | East Greenwich, RI | 59% | $48,684 | $36,483 | $16,668 | 0.34x |
| 10 | [Johnson & Wales University-Providence](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/johnson-wales-university-providence) | Providence, RI | 55% | $43,418 | $31,027 | $26,000 | 0.6x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Master's Programs in Rhode Island." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-rhode-island

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.