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 Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $45,690, reflecting a 4.29% increase compared to the previous year.
Johnson & Wales University-Online ranks as the least expensive Rhode Island colleges. With tuition and fees at just $13,365, Johnson & Wales University-Online offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.
Close behind are Rhode Island College at$27,299 and University of Rhode Island at$37,146 both consistently recognized among the Rhode Island Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.
At these Affordable Rhode Island Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 70.10%, and the average SAT score is 1,211, 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 - | Johnson & Wales University-Online Providence, RIPrivate, 4-year | $13,365 - | $15,156 - | 90.97% | 2,839 | - | - | 13 to 1 |
| 2 - | 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 |
| 3 1 | 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 |
| 4 1 | 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 |
| 5 - | 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 |
| 6 - | 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 |
| 7 - | 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 |
| 8 - | Bryant University Smithfield, RIPrivate, 4-year | $52,677 $1,508 | $49,860 $100 | 65.46% | 3,636 | 1,260 | 80.00% | 13 to 1 |
| 9 - | Rhode Island School of Design Providence, RIPrivate, 4-year | $62,688 $2,928 | $62,688 $2,928 | 18.66% | 2,520 | 1,480 | 89.00% | 8 to 1 |
| 10 - | Providence College Providence, RIPrivate, 4-year | $63,550 $2,702 | $13,440 $1,230 | 50.89% | 4,666 | 1,330 | 86.00% | 11 to 1 |
| Average | $43,128 ($14,121) | $25,942 ($14,070) | 70.10% | 5,039 | 1,211 | 70.78% | 12 to 1 |