For the academic year 2023-2024, the average tuition of public colleges in Rhode Island is $13,697 for Rhode Island residents and $31,162 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in Rhode Island, the average tuition & fees are $40,366 regardless of residency. For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in Rhode Island is $13,619 for Rhode Island residents and $25,091 for out-of-state students. For private schools in Rhode Island, the average graduate tuition is $29,311.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $19,046 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $16,134. 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.
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 2024 average COA of the four-year colleges in Rhode Island is $31,170 for residents and $48,634 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $61,291. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $6,526 for Rhode Island residents and $15,410 for out-of-state students.
The following table summarizes the 2024 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 | $31,170 | $48,634 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $61,291 | |
| Community Colleges | $6,526 | $15,410 |
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 $11,799 for Rhode Island residents and $29,263 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $39,211
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $4,856 for residents and $13,740 for out-of-state students.
| Rhode Island Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $11,799 | $29,263 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $39,211 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $4,856 | $13,740 |
| Trade Schools (Less than 2-Year Schools) | $19,136 | |
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 $12,156 for Rhode Island residents and $23,628 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $28,226
| Rhode Island Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $12,156 | $23,628 |
| Private Schools | $28,226 | |
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 $480 for Rhode Island residents and $1,158 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $1,276
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $676 for Rhode Island residents and $1,313 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $924
| Rhode Island Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $480 | $1,158 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $1,276 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $221 | $657 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $676 | $1,313 |
| Private Schools | $924 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in Rhode Island
At colleges in Rhode Island, the average living cost is $19,046 when a student lives on campus facility and $16,134 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $16,248 | $17,790 |
| Private Schools | $19,746 | $15,637 |
