Most affordable colleges with strong academics in Rhode Island
The lowest net prices among colleges with an Academic Excellence grade of B or better.
Most affordable colleges with strong academics in Rhode Island9 schools
9 schools qualify, ranked by net price.
How this list is made
- Schools in Rhode Island.
- Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
- Academic Excellence grade B+ or better (the top 35% of rated colleges).
- Has a net price from federal data (the average yearly cost after grants, College Scorecard).
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by net price, lowest first.
Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI · PublicTop 15% for earnings
- Net price $21,440 a year
- 73% graduate
- 2
Brown University
Providence, RI · Private nonprofitIvy LeagueHonor Roll#1 in Rhode Island
- Net price $25,184 a year
- 96% graduate
- 3
Johnson & Wales University-Providence
Providence, RI · Private nonprofitGood: Compass grade B-
- Net price $31,027 a year
- 55% graduate
- 4
New England Institute of Technology
East Greenwich, RI · Private nonprofitTop 23% for low debt
- Net price $36,483 a year
- 60% graduate
- 5
Salve Regina University
Newport, RI · Private nonprofitTop 12% for earnings
- Net price $36,967 a year
- 77% graduate
- 6
Roger Williams University
Bristol, RI · Private nonprofitTop 14% for earnings
- Net price $37,999 a year
- 69% graduate
- 7
Bryant University
Smithfield, RI · Private nonprofitTop 5% for earnings
- Net price $41,219 a year
- 80% graduate
- 8
Providence College
Providence, RI · Private nonprofitHonor RollTop 5% for earnings
- Net price $48,523 a year
- 86% graduate
- 9
Rhode Island School of Design
Providence, RI · Private nonprofitHonor RollExceptional: Compass grade A
- Net price $50,507 a year
- 89% graduate
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Rhode Island | $21,440 | $22,250 | $69,743 | 73% |
| Brown University | $25,184 | $11,428 | $93,487 | 96% |
| Johnson & Wales University-Providence | $31,027 | $26,000 | $43,418 | 55% |
| New England Institute of Technology | $36,483 | $16,668 | $48,684 | 60% |
| Salve Regina University | $36,967 | $27,000 | $72,975 | 77% |
| Roger Williams University | $37,999 | $26,940 | $70,266 | 69% |
| Bryant University | $41,219 | $26,849 | $90,008 | 80% |
| Providence College | $48,523 | $27,000 | $87,054 | 86% |
| Rhode Island School of Design | $50,507 | $27,000 | $68,140 | 89% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.
This list in other states
- Alabama 5
- Arizona 4
- Arkansas 5
- California 63
- Colorado 6
- Connecticut 13
- District of Columbia 5
- Florida 21
- Georgia 9
- Illinois 21
- Indiana 21
- Iowa 16
- Kansas 4
- Kentucky 7
- Louisiana 3
- Maine 9
- Maryland 15
- Massachusetts 47
- Michigan 20
- Minnesota 19
- Missouri 18
- Nebraska 8
- New Hampshire 5
- New Jersey 17
- New York 79
- North Carolina 17
- Ohio 33
- Oklahoma 4
- Oregon 11
- Pennsylvania 60
- South Carolina 10
- Tennessee 10
- Texas 20
- Utah 4
- Vermont 6
- Virginia 20
- Washington 13
- Wisconsin 15