Choosing a college in Rhode Island doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. While many colleges in Rhode Island are known for their high tuition costs, there are also plenty of affordable options available. This guide highlights the most budget-friendly colleges in Rhode Island , focusing on tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year, so you can plan for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year with confidence.
In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 11 four-year Rhode Island 4-Years Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $45,690, reflecting a 4.29% increase compared to the previous year.
College Unbound ranks as the least expensive Rhode Island colleges. With tuition and fees at just $11,016, College Unbound offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.
Close behind are College Unbound - Newport/Aquidneck Island at$11,016 and Johnson & Wales University-Online at$13,365 both consistently recognized among the Rhode Island 4-Years Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.
At these Affordable Rhode Island 4-Years Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 78.93%, and the average SAT score is 1,147, making them not only cost-effective but also accessible options for a wide range of students.
| School Name | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Graduate Tuition & Fees | Acceptance Rate | Total Population | SAT Score | Graduation Rate | Students to Faculty Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - | College Unbound Providence, RIPrivate, 4-year | $11,016 $528 | - | - | 494 | - | - | 11 to 1 |
| 1 | College Unbound - Newport/Aquidneck Island Newport, RIPrivate, 4-year | $11,016 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 3 1 | Johnson & Wales University-Online Providence, RIPrivate, 4-year | $13,365 - | $15,156 - | 90.97% | 2,839 | - | - | 13 to 1 |
| 4 1 | Rhode Island College Providence, RIPublic, 4-year | $27,299 ($11,300) $780 | $18,806 ($10,112) $576 | 91.82% | 6,155 | 990 | 48.00% | 15 to 1 |
| 5 - | University of Rhode Island Kingston, RIPublic, 4-year | $37,146 ($16,942) $1,342 | $33,148 ($18,028) $1,196 | 72.16% | 17,210 | 1,160 | 73.00% | 17 to 1 |
| 6 2 | New England Institute of Technology East Greenwich, RIPrivate, 4-year | $37,275 $1,650 | $16,500 $600 | 66.73% | 1,922 | - | 60.00% | 11 to 1 |
| 7 1 | Johnson & Wales University-Providence Providence, RIPrivate, 4-year | $41,982 $1,990 | $15,156 - | 88.41% | 4,303 | 1,030 | 55.00% | 14 to 1 |
| 8 1 | Roger Williams University Bristol, RIPrivate, 4-year | $45,197 $2,531 | $21,305 $1,389 | 87.71% | 4,350 | 1,220 | 69.00% | 10 to 1 |
| 9 1 | Salve Regina University Newport, RIPrivate, 4-year | $50,100 $2,170 | $13,365 $570 | 68.17% | 2,791 | 1,220 | 77.00% | 12 to 1 |
| 10 1 | Bryant University Smithfield, RIPrivate, 4-year | $52,677 $1,508 | $49,860 $100 | 65.46% | 3,636 | 1,260 | 80.00% | 13 to 1 |
| Average | $32,707 ($14,121) | $22,912 ($14,070) | 78.93% | 4,856 | 1,147 | 66.00% | 13 to 1 |