Accredited Online Colleges in Rhode Island
Learners can pursue a college degree online from a Rhode Island-based school.
The curriculum for online programs often mirrors their on-campus counterparts, and both in-state and out-of-state students are eligible.
To ensure the quality of the degree, prospective students should verify that their chosen program is accredited. This can be checked on the school or program's website or via the Department of Education's or CHEA’s website.
Online Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Having a degree from a known local institution can be beneficial. Employers often recognize local schools more readily. Importantly, employers typically value the degree itself more than the format in which it was earned. Therefore, mentioning your online degree can underscore your self-discipline and time-management skills.
Here's a list of some Rhode Island schools offering online programs:
- Bryant University, Smithfield, RI - MBA
- Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI - Bachelor's, Graduate Business, Graduate Criminal Justice, MBA
- New England Institute of Technology, East Greenwich, RI - Bachelor's
- Salve Regina University, Newport, RI - Graduate Business, Graduate Criminal Justice, MBA, Graduate Nursing
- University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI - Graduate Business, Graduate Info Tech, Graduate Education
Online education is popular in Rhode Island, with most students enrolled in some online courses. According to 2020 data, Rhode Island had 11 schools offering bachelor's degrees exclusively online and eight schools offering a mix of online and on-campus courses.
Students can choose from public or private institutions. Public schools, funded by the government, often offer a wide range of programs. All public schools are nonprofit, meaning they reinvest their funding into educational programs. Private schools can be either nonprofit or for-profit; their funding comes from endowments and tuition. For-profit schools operate as businesses, distributing profits to owners and shareholders.
Larger public schools often have well-established online learning infrastructures, attracting a high number of online learners. Some smaller private schools, like Johnson & Wales University, have also been offering online programs for over a decade, with JWU enrolling more than 1,800 students in online bachelor’s programs in the 2020-2021 academic year.
Most Common Online Degrees in Rhode Island
According to U.S. News data, here are the bachelor's degree subjects that are offered at the most universities in Rhode Island:
- General Psychology
Median annual salary for psychologists: $81,040
Number of schools offering this degree online: 2 - Accounting
Median annual salary for accountants and auditors: $77,250
Number of schools offering this degree online: 1 - Advertising
Median annual salary for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers: $133,380
Number of schools offering this degree online: 1 - General Business Administration and Management
Median annual salary for top executives: $98,980
Number of schools offering this degree online: 1 - Communication and Media Studies
Median annual salary for media and communication workers: $49,900
Number of schools offering this degree online: 1
Online education in Rhode Island can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional in-person learning, especially for in-state students at public institutions. On average, both in-state and out-of-state students pay $552 per credit for an online degree at a public school, the same as for an in-person public school, based on the 2021-2022 U.S. News survey data.
In contrast, online private schools in Rhode Island average $372.50 per credit, significantly lower than the average in-person private school cost of $2,201.50 per credit. Therefore, online private schooling has emerged as the most affordable educational option in Rhode Island.
Despite the potential tuition savings, online learners should be aware of additional fees that may apply, such as technology fees, distance learning fees, or financial aid fees. However, they often save on traditional costs like transportation, parking, sports center fees, and activity fees. Additionally, working students may be eligible for employer tuition reimbursement programs, further offsetting costs.
For students considering online courses from out-of-state schools, checking if their home state is part of a state reciprocity agreement is important. These agreements allow institutions to offer distance education to out-of-state students without needing to meet state-specific regulations. They can also result in lower out-of-state tuition fees. For Rhode Island, the relevant agreement is under the New England Board of Higher Education. Not all schools offer this discount, so it's vital for prospective students to confirm this with their chosen school.
The Importance of Accreditation for Online Colleges in Rhode Island
When you embark on your journey toward online education, the first key consideration should be accreditation. This is a form of quality assurance where an independent body evaluates a college to ensure it meets certain standards of educational quality.
Attending an accredited online college in Rhode Island guarantees your degree's credibility and can significantly impact your ability to find employment or pursue higher education in the future.
Cost of Online Education in Rhode Island
One of the great advantages of online education is its affordability, yet the cost can vary greatly depending on several factors.
When considering your Rhode Island online education, it's important to evaluate the tuition fees and the cost of course materials and potential residency requirements. Research thoroughly and aim to find affordable online colleges in Rhode Island that do not compromise the quality of education.
Top Online Colleges in Rhode Island
Rhode Island boasts a plethora of online colleges offering diverse programs. Whether you're interested in a comprehensive university experience or the specific focus of a community college, you're sure to find an institution that caters to your needs.
Take the time to explore all available options and consider both the academic and extracurricular opportunities they offer. The possibilities are endless, from the best online community colleges in Rhode Island to the top-ranking universities.
Popular Online Degree Programs in Rhode Island
The range of online degree programs in Rhode Island is extensive, providing an opportunity to align your education with your career goals.
Perhaps you're interested in an online MBA program in Rhode Island to catapult your business career, or you might consider an online bachelor’s degree in healthcare, technology, or education.
Research popular programs and the career paths they can lead to, and remember, the best degree program is one that aligns with your interests and aspirations.
How to Choose the Right Rhode Island Online College
Choosing the right online college in Rhode Island involves a balance of several considerations. Firstly, ensure the college offers the degree program you're interested in.
Next, consider the format and flexibility of courses, especially if you're balancing other commitments like work or family. Lastly, think about financial aspects, including tuition costs, available scholarships, and financial aid opportunities.
Rhode Island Overview
Rhode Island is the smallest physical state in the nation, measuring only 1,545 square miles, nestled between Massachusetts and Connecticut. The state was the first of the Thirteen Colonies to declare its independence from the rule of England and the final state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Rhode Island is home to only slightly more than a million people, but because of its small size, it’s the country's second most densely populated state. Long dependent on shipping and manufacturing, the state has also spread its interests into finance and other industries, becoming home to Citizens Financial Group and Hasbro. The state is also home to the nation's oldest Baptist church, founded in 1638. Thanks to the state’s historic role in the formation of the United States, and its proximity to so many other New England destinations, tourism generates a good amount of revenue for the state each year.
Rhode Island is also home to a handful of schools offering online education. These institutions understand that attending a traditional classroom is not convenient for a lot of people, so they offer classes and degree programs that allow students to attend classes and complete their assignments around their schedule. The University of Rhode Island, the state’s largest university, is among the schools offering online classes. While searching for the right Rhode Island school for you, be sure to check the school’s accreditation status to guarantee that you will receive a high-quality education. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges is the regional accrediting agency of Rhode Island and has accredited the majority of the schools listed below. Many of these schools have individual programs that are accredited in addition to their institutional accreditation. Below you will find a list of all Rhode Island schools that offer online education.
Online Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Categories: Private | Public | Faith Based
Private Schools
- Johnson & Wales University-Online
- Address: 8 Abbott Park Place, Providence, Rhode Island 02903
- Contact: (401) 598-1000
- Website: www.jwu.edu
- School Type: 4-year, Private not-for-profit
- Programs Offered: Bachelor’s degree
- Johnson & Wales University-Providence
- Address: 8 Abbott Park Place, Providence, Rhode Island 02903-3703
- Contact: (401) 598-1000
- Website: www.jwu.edu
- School Type: 4-year, Private not-for-profit
- Programs Offered: Certificates, Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree
- New England Institute of Technology
- Address: 2500 Post Rd, Warwick, Rhode Island 02886-2244
- Contact: (401) 467-7744
- Website: www.neit.edu
- School Type: 4-year, primarily associate’s, Private not-for-profit
- Programs Offered: Certificates, Associate's, Bachelor's
- Providence College
- Address: River Ave and Eaton St, Providence, Rhode Island 02918-0001
- Contact: (401) 865-1000
- Website: www.providence.edu
- School Type: 4-year, Private not-for-profit
- Programs Offered: Certificates, Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's
- Roger Williams University
- Address: One Old Ferry Rd, Bristol, Rhode Island 02809-2923
- Contact: (401) 253-1040
- Website: www.rwu.edu
- School Type: 4-year, Private not-for-profit
- Programs Offered: Certificates, Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master's
- Salve Regina University
- Address: 100 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island 02840-4192
- Contact: (401) 847-6650
- Website: www.salve.edu
- School Type: 4-year, Private not-for-profit
- Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master's, Post-master’s certificate
Public Schools
- Community College of Rhode Island
- Address: 400 East Ave, Warwick, Rhode Island 02886-1807
- Contact: (401) 825-1000
- Website: www.ccri.edu
- School Type: 2-year, Public
- Programs Offered: Certificates, Associate's
- University of Rhode Island
- Address: Kingston, Rhode Island 02881
- Contact: (401) 874-1000
- Website: www.uri.edu
- School Type: 4-year, Public
- Programs Offered: Bachelor's, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master's, Doctor’s degree, First-professional degree
Faith-Based
- Salve Regina University
- Address: 100 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island 02840-4192
- Contact: (401) 847-6650
- Website: www.salve.edu
- School Type: 4-year, Private not-for-profit
- Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master's, Post-master’s certificate