About Rhode Island College
Founded in 1854, Rhode Island College is a regional, comprehensive, public college. Enjoy a metropolitan campus with a suburban feel with this college that is located in Providence’s residential Mount Pleasant neighborhood. Known for its high value, RIC offers a welcoming, diverse, and supportive community. Its goal is to provide “opportunities for self-transformation to meet the changing needs of the people of Rhode Island.
Prepare for the future today in one of Rhode Island College’s undergraduate or graduate programs. These programs offer high-quality academic programs taught by world-class faculty. If you are a busy working adult who is also seeking to further your education, RIC offers a couple of online degree programs. RIC online degrees allow you to earn a degree your way, learning alongside other busy adults in small classes.
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Accreditation & Licensing
Rhode Island College is accredited by:
New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
1,293Fully Online Graduate Students:
24%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$20,500Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
74%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$6,912Credit for Military Training:
YesRhode Island College gives many students a practical path to finish on time, especially when they bring in prior credit. AP and Early Enrollment credits are accepted, which can reduce remaining coursework and shorten the degree timeline. That credit-friendly start makes completion planning more realistic for students trying to avoid extra terms.
Cost is a major strength here. The school is often framed as worth the money, and as a low-price four-year option in Rhode Island. Commuter enrollment can lower total expense further, since it costs much less than living on campus. Time-to-degree and outcomes still vary by major, so completion pace is best understood at the program level.
At Rhode Island College, help is easy to find and easy to use. Learning 4 Life and the Academic Success Center are active parts of daily student support. Messages about services are clear and timely, so students know where to go.
Staff are friendly and helpful, which makes everyday problems easier to solve. Professors are approachable and available for guidance, especially in smaller classes. Students can get direct support when they need academic direction.
Overall, support is a clear strength at Rhode Island College. Results can vary by major, but students can count on strong access to help, steady follow-through, and responsive guidance.
Online learners get clear support channels at Rhode Island College. Learning 4 Life and the Academic Success Center are key help points. Staff communication is timely. Free campus events are announced early.
That reflects organized school communication. Class size is often smaller. That makes instructor access easier. Professors are easier to reach for guidance.
This setup supports steady online pace and structure. It fits students who want direct help during classes.
Classes at Rhode Island College are often small, so professors know students by name. That setup makes class discussion easier and more personal.
Students often describe strong teacher to student relationships. Many say professors are kind, knowledgeable, and easy to talk with for advice.
The class experience feels best for students who want regular professor contact. Nursing is also seen as a strong program with clear career relevance.
Rhode Island College is a value-first school. Price is a clear strength. It is often called worth the money. Commuter students can cut costs even more.
AP and Early Enrollment credits are accepted. That can shorten time to finish. Support is another strong point. Learning 4 Life and the Academic Success Center matter here.
Professors are approachable and easy to reach. Smaller classes help with direct guidance. Academic results vary by major. Nursing and education read strongest.
Computer science is the main weak area. Overall, RIC fits students wanting lower cost and real support.
Rhode Island College is a value-first school. Price is a clear strength. It is often called worth the money. Commuter students can cut costs even more.
AP and Early Enrollment credits are accepted. That can shorten time to finish. Support is another strong point. Learning 4 Life and the Academic Success Center matter here.
Professors are approachable and easy to reach. Smaller classes help with direct guidance. Academic results vary by major. Nursing and education read strongest.
Computer science is the main weak area. Overall, RIC fits students wanting lower cost and real support.
Online Programs offered by Rhode Island College
All Programs
Psychology & Human Services
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island College
Is Rhode Island College accredited?
Yes. Rhode Island College is institutionally accredited by New England Commission of Higher Education.
How many online programs does Rhode Island College offer?
Rhode Island College offers 2 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Rhode Island College offer?
Rhode Island College offers bachelor's-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Rhode Island College?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Rhode Island College expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Rhode Island College falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Rhode Island College?
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 Rhode Island College 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 Rhode Island College programs require?
Most listed programs require a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Is Rhode Island College military friendly?
Rhode Island College 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 Rhode Island College 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 Rhode Island College applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s) and Official High School Transcript/GED Score. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Rhode Island College accept life experience credit?
Rhode Island College accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.
Are Rhode Island College programs fully online or mixed?
Rhode Island College programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Rhode Island College offer?
Rhode Island College has online program options in areas such as Business and Psychology & Human Services; 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 Rhode Island College programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Rhode Island College?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Rhode Island College, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Rhode Island College programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Rhode Island College program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Geographic and Educational Overview
Rhode Island College 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