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 $40,734 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 $30,402.
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 $16,110. 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 $61,800. 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 Years Colleges | $31,170 | $48,634 |
| Public 2 Years Colleges (Community Colleges) | $6,526 | $15,410 |
| Private 4 Years Colleges | $61,800 | |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In Rhode Island, 21 out of 22 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 $13,697 for Rhode Island residents and $31,162 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $40,734
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $5,326 for residents and $14,210 for out-of-state students.
| Rhode Island Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4 Years Colleges | $13,697 | $31,162 |
| Private 4 Years Colleges | $40,734 | |
| Public 2 Years Colleges (Community Colleges) | $5,326 | $14,210 |
| Less than 2 Years Schools (Trade/Technical Colleges) | $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 $29,408
| Rhode Island Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $12,156 | $23,628 |
| Private Schools | $29,408 | |
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 $479 for Rhode Island residents and $1,156 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $1,275
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $674 for Rhode Island residents and $1,311 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $953
| Rhode Island Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4 Years Colleges | $479 | $1,156 |
| Private 4 Years Colleges | $1,275 | |
| Public 2 Years Colleges (Community Colleges) | $220 | $656 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $674 | $1,311 |
| Private Schools | $953 | |
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 $16,110 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 | $15,550 |
