In spite of being the smallest state in the nation, Rhode Island goes big when it comes to the higher education system. It is home to a variety of higher education institutions from small colleges, community colleges to an Ivy League school. In February 2018, a roadmap for post-secondary attainment was brought out stating a goal… 70% of Rhode Island population will earn a postsecondary degree by 2025. The plan included creating higher education and career pathways for adult students.
What better way to encourage these individuals to pursue a degree without disrupting their schedules than offering distance learning? As a partner state of the New England Board of Higher Education, Rhode Island Department of Education thrives on providing programs, tools, and resources to meet the needs of online learners.
There is a small proportion of colleges/universities that offer high-quality online education in Rhode Island. The challenge is to find the ones that are accredited and has a reasonable student response rate. Online education gives busy professionals the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and obtain career advancement. More jobs in the state will need more than just a high school diploma. Getting into an online college will especially yield more job prospects in the future.
METHODOLOGY
The staff and researchers at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com have compiled a list of information to help you make a sound decision when it comes to the online school you will attend. We considered the important factors that make an online school popular among students, and attract high enrollment rates because of these academic factors:
- Rigorous coursework and program curriculum that help train and produce the most skilled industry professionals,
- A high-rated virtual learning platform that makes distance learning even more convenient with advanced features, ease of access, and technical support,
- Faculty members and instructors who are renowned in their fields of study,
- An impressive student-teacher ratio that allows for more focused instruction and learning process,
- Recognition from accrediting agencies that ensure the delivery of high-quality online education.
For more details on the ranking process, please visit our Methodology Page.
Johnson & Wales University
Johnson & Wales was formed as a business school back in 1914. Its founders, Gertrude Johnson and Mary Wales, were former educators from a business school (Bryant University) in Providence. JWU had grown from serving only 100 to more than 7,300 students in the present. This private, nonprofit university also operates in 4 other campuses in other states, including online campus. It offers academic programs in arts & sciences, business, culinary arts, engineering and design, health and wellness, and hospitality management. JWU has stamped its mark in the culinary industry and is known to be the largest school to provide food service education globally.
JWU also presents a broad range of online degree academic programs from which students gain competence and lifelong learning. They can choose to enroll in courses for earning associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate degrees, and graduate certificates. The fields of study covered in JWU’s online platform are Business, Criminal Justice, Health Science, Hospitality, Liberal Studies, Psychology, Political Science, and Technology. Online courses are delivered in blended, hybrid, or a fully online format and classes come in small sizes so faculty can give adequate support to its online students. They follow the same calendar term with all the other courses and are 11 weeks in length.
Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Admission Requirements:
First-year Students
- Free Application
- High school transcript
- Resume for some bachelor degree programs
Transfer
- Free Application
- Official GED or High school transcript
- Official transcript from previous college/s attended
Graduate
- Free Application
- Official transcripts from previous college/s attended
- Two (2) recommendation letters
- Statement of Purpose (online submission)
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
New England Institute of Technology
The New England Institute of Technology started as a certificate-granting trade school in 1940. The school transformed into a college in the late 1960s and began granting degrees for technically-trained workers with only 71 students. In the present, NEIT admits more than 3,000 students in programs covering architecture and design, automotive and transportation, communications, engineering, information technology, construction management, and more. Its faculty is composed of industry experts who help students prepare for hands-on training using the latest technology and resources. This nonprofit, technical university gives opportunities for students to earn associate, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees.
NEIT supports working professionals who want to advance their career without having to attend classes on campus. This is possible through its online and hybrid programs accessible 24/7. There are three bachelor’s degree programs: Criminal Justice, Rehabilitation Science, and RN-to-BSN. Online students can choose from master’s programs in Construction Management, Cybersecurity Defense, Engineering Management, Information Technology, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Public Health. A post-professional doctorate program in Occupational Therapy is also available. Accelerated programs are also available. Associate programs are completed in as little as 18 months, and baccalaureate programs are finished in three years.
Location: East Greenwich, Rhode Island
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- Non-refundable application fee of $25
- Official copies of high school transcripts/ GED/ homeschool certificate
Transfer
- Non-refundable application fee of $25
- Official copies of high school transcripts/ GED/ homeschool certificate
- Official college transcripts from all previous institutions attended
Graduate
- Non-refundable application fee of $50
- Official college transcripts from all previous institutions attended
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Salve Regina University
As a Catholic, coeducational university, Salve Regina University was created to “promote virtue, piety, and learning.” It was established almost 200 years ago with the mission to provide teachings in health care, education, pastoral ministries, and social services. It was initially a women’s college but had transformed into a coeducational college. It grew from being a college of 58 to more than 2,600 learners in the present. Salve is known for its hands-on approach to learning and drives students to leadership development programs in making a difference in society. There are over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs, 25 certificate programs, and 200 study-abroad programs at Salve. Areas of study from Accounting to Rehabilitation Counseling are available for students to explore.
Salve would not be one of the best regional schools without its online programs. In addition to evening and adult courses, Salve offers programs that are entirely online. Prospective online students can inquire about bachelor’s programs in Business Studies, Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics, International Relations, Management, and more. Graduate programs cover fields in business, healthcare administration, innovation, and strategic management, humanities, business administration, and international relations. Salve’s interactive courses typically run in seven weeks, and students must take note of their specific start dates and time.
Location: Newport, Rhode Island
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- Application fee of $50
- Official high school transcript
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal essay
- SAT/ACT scores
Transfer
- Application fee of $50
- Official high school transcript
- Official transcript/s from previous colleges or universities attended
- One letter of recommendation from a college teacher/professor
- Personal essay
- College Report (Registrar’s Report) of former colleges/universities attended
Graduate
- Registration fee of $60
- Official transcript/s from previous colleges or universities attended
- Personal statement
- Latest resume
- Two professional letters of recommendation
- Online writing sample
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Roger Williams University
Roger Williams University was named after the Rhode Island co-founder and one of the first abolitionists in the nation. It was chartered in 1956 as Roger Williams Junior College that granted two-year degrees operating in the Providence YMCA building. It soon became a four-year degree-granting institution and moved to its present campus. Today, Roger Williams University stands out as a private, liberal arts university in the state. With almost 5,000 students, RWU has provided academic achievement and community service for the past 63 years. Its educational programs are structured in eight schools and colleges. Some of the unique programs are Masters in Architecture, History Preservation, Construction Management, and Marine Biology. Roger Williams holds the only law school in the state.
Students may expand their potential through its online programs. Associate, baccalaureate and certificate programs cover majors like Community Development, Criminal Justice, Emergency Medical Services, Health and Healthcare, Humanities, Paralegal Studies, and Public Administration. A master’s degree in Community Development is also offered entirely online. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, RWU lets students work with advisors and faculty closely. Support programs, continuous advising, peer mentoring, and a tutoring center are all available for online students to access.
Location: Bristol, Rhode Island
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- Official high school transcript
- One letter of recommendation
- SAT/ACT scores
Transfer
- A statement of intent (Essay)
- Official transcripts from previous colleges/ universities attended
- Official high school transcript
- A Transfer College Report
Graduate
- Application fee of $50
- Official transcript from previous colleges/ universities attended
- Letter of intent
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
University of Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island is the flagship research university of the state. It was built as an agricultural school and agricultural experiment station in 1888. It later expanded its programs in addition to its agricultural curriculum. Besides the main campus, URI operates five other campus locations across Rhode Island. From having seventeen students, URI has grown to educate almost 18,000 learners today. It takes pride in its International Engineering program, which is a first of its kind in the nation, and its URI Food Center that provides students with expert knowledge in agriculture and business. Its eight academic colleges deliver areas of study like arts and sciences, business, engineering, education, health sciences, and more.
URI extends its mission to provide education to its online learning. Fully online programs include RN to BS Nursing, Masters in Dietetics, Cybersecurity Professional Science, and TESOL/ Dual Language Immersion. Online courses are also available, and working professionals may also enroll in programs leading to graduate certificates in Digital Forensics, Cybersecurity, and Digital Literacy. Most of the courses are self-paced, but most instructors give specific due dates for assignments weekly.
Location: Kingston, Rhode Island
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- Application fee of $65
- Official high school transcript
- Official SAT/ACT scores
- Essay
- One letter of recommendation
Transfer
- Application fee of $65
- 60 transferrable credits to choose a major
- Official transcript/s from all previous colleges/universities attended
- Official high school transcript
Graduate
- Application fee of $65
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university
- GPA of 3.0
- Personal statement
- Official transcript/s from all previous colleges/universities attended
- 2-3 Letters of recommendation
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Rhode Island’s economy was known for industries in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, forestry, and fishing. Its economic activities have recently taken a turn for the better. It has embraced jobs for the service industry, such as hospitality, education, health services, and business services. To fill industry positions, the workforce must gain knowledge and training. This is possible through attaining an undergraduate and graduate degree, or postsecondary certificates.
To help put this through, the Rhode Island Department of Education has participated with several educational programs and agreements. The New England Board of Higher Education helps facilitate educational services for online schools. One of its projects is the Regional Student Program (RSP) which allows New England residents the benefit of discounted tuition at an out-of-state college or university.
Additionally, online programs help students reduce costs through their affordable tuition and tuition guarantees. Rhode Island has a diverse mix of colleges and universities that offer low tuition that does not undermine academic excellence. We have done the homework for you to help you decide which online school can best fit your finances.
METHODOLOGY
Our profiled list of the 5 Best Value Online Schools in Rhode Island highlights the state’s most affordable distance learning institutions that deliver no less than top-quality degree programs. Aside from their cheap online college features, the schools on our list also offer a range of financial assistance options to qualified students.
University of Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island was chartered in 1888 as an agricultural school with an agricultural experiment station. It was first known as the Rhode Island College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. It then expanded its programs where students can choose majors from Accounting to Writing and Rhetoric. Today, its student body has gone up to almost 18,000 earning bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees. Its online programs cover RN-BSN for the undergraduate program. Master’s programs that are available 100% online are MS in Dietetics, Cybersecurity Professional Science, TESOL/ Dual Language Immersion. In-state undergraduate students only pay $12,248 in yearly tuition or approximately $408 per credit, while out-of-state tuition is $28,972 per year. In-state graduate students pay as low as $13,226 per year (approx. $440 per credit), and non-Rhode Island students’ tuition is $25,854 per year. URI is one of the most affordable state universities you can find.
Location: Kingston, Rhode Island
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- Application fee of $65
- Official high school transcript
- Official SAT/ACT scores
- Essay
- One letter of recommendation
Transfer
- Application fee of $65
- 60 transferrable credits to choose a major
- Official transcript/s from all previous colleges/universities attended
- Official high school transcript
Graduate
- Application fee of $65
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university
- GPA of 3.0
- Personal statement
- Official transcript/s from all previous colleges/universities attended
- 2-3 Letters of recommendation
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Johnson & Wales University
Originally built as a business school, Johnson & Wales University operates as a private, nonprofit institution. It was founded in 1914 as a junior college. Today, JWU serves more than 7,000 students. In addition to its campus in Rhode Island, JWU holds other campuses in Florida, Colorado, and North Carolina. Students can choose from a wide range of programs beyond its business curriculum. These programs are under fields of interest in arts and sciences, culinary arts, design and engineering, education, health and wellness, hospitality, nutrition, and physical assistant studies. JWU not only offers “experiential learning” but also affordable educational excellence. Its accredited programs go beyond classrooms. Online programs are provided for flexibility and affordability. Its undergraduate tuition is only at $330 per credit while graduate students only pay $763 per credit. Doctoral programs are at $900 per credit. JWU also offers an easy application process for financial aid through planners who will assist you in every step of the process.
Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- Free Application
- High school transcript
- Resume for some bachelor degree programs
Transfer
- Free Application
- Official GED or High school transcript
- Official transcript from previous college/s attended
Graduate
- Free Application
- Official transcripts from previous college/s attended
- Two (2) recommendation letters
- Statement of Purpose (online submission)
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
New England Institute of Technology
The New England Institute of Technology was established in 1940 as a trade school. It served technical education courses in plastics, appliance, and small engine repair. It grew from a certificate-granting trade school into a degree-granting technical institution. Academic offerings include undergraduate, master’s, and online degree programs. Students may choose accelerated programs without compromising quality. One can earn an associate degree in as little as 18 months, and a bachelor’s degree in 3 years. Online programs are treated and delivered the same with on-campus learning. Areas of study include Architecture and Design, Automotive and Transportation, Building Technologies, Communications, Health Sciences, and more. NEIT offers one of the lowest-cost tuitions in the state. Undergraduate programs cost $29,100 per year, (approx. $970 per credit) while graduate programs are at $385 to $745 per credit (depending on the program). Tuition Guarantee is also offered to eligible undergraduate students. This provides assurance and stability to students throughout their stay in the college.
Location: East Greenwich, Rhode Island
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- Non-refundable application fee of $25
- Official copies of high school transcripts/ GED/ homeschool certificate
Transfer
- Non-refundable application fee of $25
- Official copies of high school transcripts/ GED/ homeschool certificate
- Official college transcripts from all previous institutions attended
Graduate
- Non-refundable application fee of $50
- Official college transcripts from all previous institutions attended
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Salve Regina University
Salve Regina University is a faith-based university that traces its roots back in 1934. It first opened as a women’s college and changed to become a coeducational institution after a few years. Today, the university admits more than 2,000 students for programs leading to associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Graduate certificates are also available for additional options for working professionals. Programs are organized in different fields of interest, such as Accounting, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Economics, Healthcare, Religion, Sports, to mention a few. SRU ranks among the best schools for continuing education, evening and even online programs. There are several programs available completely online at a low price. Salve Regina strives to give accessible education at a reasonable price. If you are an undergraduate student, you only have to pay $1,360 per credit (for less than 12 credits). Graduate tuition is at $605 per credit.
Students are also encouraged to apply for financial aid and seek assistance for cost management throughout their college time.
Location: Newport, Rhode Island
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- Application fee of $50
- Official high school transcript
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal essay
- SAT/ACT scores
Transfer
- Application fee of $50
- Official high school transcript
- Official transcript/s from previous colleges or universities attended
- One letter of recommendation from a college teacher/ professor
- Personal essay
- College Report (Registrar’s Report) of earlier colleges/universities attended
Graduate
- Registration fee of $60
- Official transcript/s from previous colleges or universities attended
- Personal statement
- Latest resume
- Two professional letters of recommendation
- Online writing sample
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Roger Williams University
Roger Williams University has been around for 63 years and has been promoting its “lively experiment” in helping its learners prepare for the challenges that society brings. This is through fostering advocacy and understanding of freedom and tolerance. The school first operated as a two-year degree-granting institution and soon gained its university status. It is the only university to build a school of Law. In the present, Roger Williams University offers programs in architecture, business, humanities, arts and sciences, social and natural sciences, engineering, and more. With almost 5,000 students, RWU delivers classes not only through an on-campus setting but also through online programs. Distance learners at RWU are given access to “affordable excellence.” An undergraduate student enrolled in 12-19 credits expect tuition fee of $18,324, that is about $1,527 per credit. Graduate tuition can go from $626 to $1,579 per credit, depending on the program. RWU seeks to cultivate the right relationship between faculty and distance learners through its Instructional Design & Technologies. Student resources, training, research, and development are provided through this unit.
Location: Bristol, Rhode Island
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- Official high school transcript
- One letter of recommendation
- SAT/ACT scores
Transfer
- A statement of intent (Essay)
- Official transcripts from previous colleges/ universities attended
- Official high school transcript
- A Transfer College Report
Graduate
- Application fee of $50
- Official transcript from previous colleges/universities attended
- Letter of intent
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
