About University of Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island is the principal public research university in the state of Rhode Island and is located in the city of Kingston. Kingston is the main campus but there are also campuses in Feinstein Providence, Narragansett Bay, and 30 minutes from Providence at a campus called W. Alton Jones. The school was established in 1892. The University of Rhode Island, the state’s current Land, Sea, and Urban Grant public research institution, had humble beginnings as the state’s Agricultural Experiment Station. URI challenges students to expand their vision of what’s possible.
Students can earn degrees at all levels. URI’s Online Learning department offers several fully online programs and over 100 online courses, from introductory to advanced levels, in a wide variety of subjects and majors. These online degrees are taught by URI’s world-class faculty. URI Online offers the latest technology and access to lectures and course materials 24/7.
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Accreditation & Licensing
University of Rhode Island is accredited by:
New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
3,282Fully Online Graduate Students:
26%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$22,250Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
83%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$12,845Credit for Military Training:
YesURI’s time-to-finish picture depends heavily on program structure. In one nursing path, courses run in 7-week blocks, and that compressed pace can speed terms while also making each term feel dense. That same path included two classes at a time while working full-time, which makes completion pace very schedule-dependent.
Cost and completion planning can shift in meaningful ways within that track: coursework was listed at $318 per credit, transfer credit was capped at 75 credits toward the BSN, and the class count changed from an expected 8 to 15. In-state tuition can improve value in some majors, but total cost and timeline at URI are closely tied to program rules and transfer fit.
At the University of Rhode Island, students often describe strong day-to-day academic support. Professors are engaging, caring, and easy to approach. When questions come up, students can usually get help quickly. In nutrition, advising replies were prompt by email and during drop-in times, which helps students stay on track while classes are in session.
Planning can feel less steady when program details change. One clear case involved a course plan shifting from 8 classes to 15. Changes like this can make planning harder and raise stress. Administrative steps can also feel heavy in some programs, especially when payment options do not match a student’s academic plan.
URI online classes can move fast. One nursing format uses 7-week terms. That is half a regular semester. Pace is the key fit factor here.
The schedule can work for self-directed learners. But the load can feel heavy. One path shifted from 8 classes to 15. Online work also leaned self-teaching-heavy in that track. URI fits best when your schedule can handle compressed terms.
At the University of Rhode Island, classes are often challenging but still manageable. Teaching is strong in many departments. Students often describe professors as engaging, caring, and knowledgeable. In nutrition, faculty are known for being approachable and open to questions.
Music faculty also earn high praise for their teaching. Class pace can vary by major, so the experience is not the same in every program. Some paths move at a faster pace with tighter course structure. In 7-week terms, the workload can feel heavier, especially with two classes and a full-time job. URI is a strong fit for students who want active professors and can keep up with a quicker class rhythm in some programs.
URI delivers a strong student experience in many majors. Professors are often engaging, caring, and approachable. Academics are described as tough but manageable. Music faculty earn especially high praise.
The school also feels connected and welcoming. The biggest pressure points are program-specific. In one nursing path, terms run seven weeks. The pace is fast.
Cost was listed at $318 per credit. Transfer credit was capped at 75. The class plan shifted from 8 to 15 courses. That changes both timeline and total cost. URI is a good fit for many learners, but outcomes vary by program structure.
URI delivers a strong student experience in many majors. Professors are often engaging, caring, and approachable. Academics are described as tough but manageable. Music faculty earn especially high praise.
The school also feels connected and welcoming. The biggest pressure points are program-specific. In one nursing path, terms run seven weeks. The pace is fast.
Cost was listed at $318 per credit. Transfer credit was capped at 75. The class plan shifted from 8 to 15 courses. That changes both timeline and total cost. URI is a good fit for many learners, but outcomes vary by program structure.
Online Programs offered by University of Rhode Island
All Programs
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Healthcare
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Rhode Island
Is University of Rhode Island accredited?
Yes. University of Rhode Island is institutionally accredited by New England Commission of Higher Education.
How many online programs does University of Rhode Island offer?
University of Rhode Island offers 6 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does University of Rhode Island offer?
University of Rhode Island offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.
How should students contact admissions at University of Rhode Island?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is University of Rhode Island expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, University of Rhode Island falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at University of Rhode Island?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask University of Rhode Island first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most University of Rhode Island programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.6 to 3.0, and 3.0 appears most often.
Is University of Rhode Island military friendly?
University of Rhode Island does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.
How can students request information from University of Rhode Island through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for University of Rhode Island applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Statement of Purpose/Intent, Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Resume/CV. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does University of Rhode Island accept life experience credit?
University of Rhode Island does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are University of Rhode Island programs fully online or mixed?
University of Rhode Island programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does University of Rhode Island offer?
University of Rhode Island has online program options in areas such as Healthcare, Criminal Justice, Safety & Law, and Nursing; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any University of Rhode Island programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Are any admission tests required for University of Rhode Island programs?
Some listed programs include GRE or GMAT requirements, so students should check test expectations before choosing a program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at University of Rhode Island?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any University of Rhode Island programs have state authorization limitations?
Some programs show state or location restrictions, so students should confirm eligibility for their state before applying. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at University of Rhode Island?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For University of Rhode Island, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare University of Rhode Island programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
University of Rhode Island is featured in 3 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
University of Rhode Island is located in Rhode Island
Rhode Island at a Glance:
Top Majors in Rhode Island:
Top Incentives in Rhode Island:
- Rhode Island State Grant: Up to $2,500 annually
Top Career Pathways in Rhode Island:
- Entry Level: Research Assistant ($45,000)
- Mid Level: Marine Scientist ($75,000)
- Senior Level: Research Director ($120,000+)
- Required Education: BS Marine Biology
- Certifications: Research Diving, Vessel Operations