For the academic year 2024-2025, the average tuition of public colleges in Rhode Island is $14,121 for Rhode Island residents and $32,223 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in Rhode Island, the average tuition & fees are $42,158 regardless of residency.
For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in Rhode Island is $14,070 for Rhode Island residents and $25,977 for out-of-state students. For private schools in Rhode Island, the average graduate tuition is $29,992.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $19,866 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $17,217. It includes costs for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses.
The average amounts are based on the cost of 4-years college which offer BS degree (or higher). You can check the average cost of 2-years college (community college) and less than 2 years colleges (trade schools / technical colleges). In addition, you can check the average cost of college by school type, level, and offered degree below.
You can compare all Rhode Island colleges in various ways:
Average Cost of Attendance (COA)
In addition to the tuition & fees, the cost of college includes cost for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses. This total costs of attendance (COA) is important when preparing for the college admission and checking student loans.
The 2025 average COA of the four-year colleges in Rhode Island is $31,916 for residents and $50,017 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $64,138. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $6,750 for Rhode Island residents and $16,034 for out-of-state students.
The following table summarizes the 2025 average COA by school types and levels. In addition, you can check the changes of COA by comparing to last year.
| Rhode Island Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $31,916 | $50,017 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $64,138 | |
| Community Colleges | $6,750 | $16,034 |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In Rhode Island, 22 out of 23 colleges are offering undergraduate programs. By schools type, there are 3 public and 9 private colleges in Rhode Island. The average undergraduate tuition & fees of colleges in Rhode Island is $12,198 for Rhode Island residents and $30,299 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $40,972
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $5,074 for residents and $14,358 for out-of-state students.
| Rhode Island Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $12,198 | $30,299 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $40,972 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $5,074 | $14,358 |
| Trade Schools (Less than 2-Year Schools) | $19,314 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In Rhode Island, 12 colleges and universities offer graduate programs. The average graduate school tuition & fees of colleges in Rhode Island is $12,572 for Rhode Island residents and $24,479 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $28,897
| Rhode Island Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $12,572 | $24,479 |
| Private Schools | $28,897 | |
Tuition per Credit Hour
The tuition per credit hour is used and charged to part-time students and/or full-time students who takes extra courses (credits). The average cost per credit hour of colleges in Rhode Island is $497 for Rhode Island residents and $1,199 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $1,326
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $699 for Rhode Island residents and $1,360 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $946
| Rhode Island Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $497 | $1,199 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $1,326 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $231 | $687 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $699 | $1,360 |
| Private Schools | $946 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in Rhode Island
At colleges in Rhode Island, the average living cost is $19,866 when a student lives on campus facility and $17,217 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $16,570 | $18,356 |
| Private Schools | $20,690 | $16,875 |
