Rankings / By State (Affordable)

Most Affordable Colleges in Rhode Island

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 11 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$67,523

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

69%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$31,395

Avg. Net Price

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Many students and families are considering the cost of college as they plan for the future. In Rhode Island, several institutions stand out for their affordability without sacrificing potential outcomes. For instance, the Community College of Rhode Island has a net price of just $6,513, making it accessible for a broad range of students.

What separates the strongest schools in this list from the others is not just their low net prices, but also their graduation rates, average earnings, and levels of student debt. The average earnings for graduates from these institutions is $67,523, which provides a meaningful context when evaluating the return on investment. The schools below reflect a balance of affordability and outcomes that can help inform your decision.

For example, while the University of Rhode Island has a higher net price at $21,440, it boasts a graduation rate of 72% and average earnings of $69,743. In contrast, Rhode Island College presents a lower net price at $9,478 but with a graduation rate of only 47%. This highlights a crucial tradeoff between immediate costs and long-term earning potential that families should carefully consider.

Key Findings

Community College of Rhode Island has the lowest net price at $6,513.

Brown University graduates earn an average of $93,487, the highest among these schools.

The University of Rhode Island has a graduation rate of 72%, significantly above Rhode Island College's 47%.

The overall average debt for graduates in this list is $20,290.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 11

Avg. earnings at 10yr $67,523

Avg. graduation rate 69%

Avg. net price $31,395

Avg. median debt $22,050

How We Ranked

Ranked by lowest net price in Rhode Island

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

Community College of Rhode Island

Warwick, RI

Graduation26%

Earnings$42,659

Net Price$6,513

View full profile →

Rhode Island College

Providence, RI

Graduation47%

Earnings$56,318

Net Price$9,478

View full profile →

University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI

Graduation72%

Earnings$69,743

Net Price$21,440

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

Community College of Rhode Island

Warwick, RI · 11,171 students · Public

With over 11,000 students, the Community College of Rhode Island serves as an accessible entry point for many aspiring students. The school’s focus on community and affordability makes it an attractive option for those looking to pursue higher education without incurring significant debt.

26% graduate $42,659 earnings

Community's full profile

Rhode Island College

Providence, RI · 5,049 students · Public

Rhode Island College, located in Providence, enrolls around 5,000 students and has a welcoming atmosphere for those looking to succeed academically. The college’s commitment to providing a supportive environment has contributed to a graduation rate of 47%, which is notable for a public institution.

92% accepted 47% graduate $56,318 earnings

University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI · 13,381 students · Public

The University of Rhode Island is a larger public university that serves about 13,000 students and boasts a graduation rate of 72%. Located in Kingston, it emphasizes research and offers a variety of programs that prepare students for diverse careers.

72% accepted 72% graduate $69,743 earnings

University's full profile

Brown University

Providence, RI · 7,226 students · Private nonprofit

In the heart of Providence, Brown University is a private nonprofit institution with a distinguished reputation and a small student body of about 7,200. With a remarkable graduation rate of 96%, it creates an environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

5% accepted 96% graduate $93,487 earnings

Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Providence, RI · 3,868 students · Private nonprofit

With a diverse student body of nearly 3,900, Johnson & Wales University in Providence emphasizes hands-on learning and career readiness. The school has a solid acceptance rate of 88%, making it accessible for many students looking to pursue their education in a bustling city known for its vibrant culinary scene and culture.

88% accepted 55% graduate $43,418 earnings

Johnson's full profile

New England Institute of Technology

East Greenwich, RI · 1,718 students · Private nonprofit

At the New England Institute of Technology, the focus is squarely on preparing students for careers in tech and applied sciences. With a smaller student population of around 1,700, this school fosters a close-knit community where students often find personalized attention from faculty, contributing to a graduation rate of 59%.

67% accepted 59% graduate $48,684 earnings

Salve Regina University

Newport, RI · 2,121 students · Private nonprofit

Salve Regina University in Newport offers a unique blend of liberal arts education and professional training, boasting a high graduation rate of 76%. Nestled along the beautiful coastline, students can enjoy both academic and recreational opportunities, engaging in a supportive community atmosphere that promotes holistic growth.

68% accepted 76% graduate $72,975 earnings

Roger Williams University

Bristol, RI · 3,946 students · Private nonprofit

Roger Williams University, located in charming Bristol, engages about 3,946 students in a vibrant educational environment that encourages exploration and innovation. With a graduation rate of 68%, the university emphasizes experiential learning, providing opportunities that prepare students for real-world challenges.

88% accepted 68% graduate $70,266 earnings

Bryant University

Smithfield, RI · 3,194 students · Private nonprofit

With a solid graduation rate of 80%, Bryant University in Smithfield, RI, has a record of preparing students for successful careers. Those who graduate see median earnings of $90,008 within ten years, which reflects the school's focus on career-oriented education and business programs. The supportive environment fosters growth and encourages students to excel academically and professionally.

65% accepted 80% graduate $90,008 earnings

Bryant's full profile

#10

Providence College

Providence, RI · 4,229 students · Private nonprofit

At Providence College, students can thrive in a vibrant community where 87% graduate, reflecting the school's commitment to student success. The average graduate earns $87,054 within ten years, indicating strong career prospects and a focus on academic excellence. The college's liberal arts education cultivates critical thinking and prepares students for various professional paths.

51% accepted 87% graduate $87,054 earnings

Providence's full profile

#11

Rhode Island School of Design

Providence, RI · 2,084 students · Private nonprofit

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is known for its creative environment, where 89% of students successfully graduate and pursue careers in the arts and design fields. Graduates earn a median income of $68,140 within ten years, showcasing the value of a degree from this prestigious institution. The school nurtures artistic talent and encourages innovative thinking, making it ideal for aspiring artists and designers.

19% accepted 89% graduate $68,140 earnings

When looking at the data, it’s clear that some schools outperform others in key areas. For instance, while Johnson & Wales University-Providence has a higher net price of $31,027, its graduation rate of 55% does not compare well to the University of Rhode Island’s 72%. This difference in outcomes could mean that the higher costs at Johnson & Wales do not translate into better long-term earning potential despite its reputation.

As you sift through these options, think about what matters most to you or your student. Consider location, program fit, and campus culture alongside the numbers. For example, if lower costs are your priority, the Community College of Rhode Island may be appealing, but if graduation rates and earning potential are more important, the University of Rhode Island might be worth the additional investment.

Ultimately, the decisions families make about education can have lasting impacts on financial stability. The path from college to a stable life hinges not just on the degree earned but on the choices made along the way. As we weigh these options, it’s essential to connect the dots between affordability, outcomes, and personal goals.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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