Providence, RI · Private University
Is Rhode Island College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$56,318
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$10,986
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$26,519
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$106,076
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.12x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
5 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
46.2%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$20,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$10,988
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Rhode Island College graduates earn $11,318 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Rhode Island College ranked by graduate earnings
239 graduates
69 graduates
37 graduates
29 graduates
28 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Rhode Island College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Rhode Island College, the gap between the highest-earning major (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: $72,650) and the lowest (Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft: $29,869) is $42,781/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI | $72,650 | 2.7x |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $62,550 | 2.4x |
| Biology, General | $62,028 | 2.3x |
| Chemistry | $61,903 | 2.3x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $61,463 | 2.3x |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $61,018 | 2.3x |
| Computer Science(1yr data) | $60,361 | 2.3x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $57,671 | 2.2x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $57,587 | 2.2x |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $56,639 | 2.1x |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $52,978 | 2.0x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $52,198 | 2.0x |
| Political Science and Government | $51,733 | 1.9x |
| Special Education and Teaching | $50,947 | 1.9x |
| Marketing | $49,096 | 1.9x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $47,449 | 1.8x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $46,049 | 1.7x |
| Sociology | $45,550 | 1.7x |
| History | $44,302 | 1.7x |
| Social Work | $43,109 | 1.6x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $41,716 | 1.6x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $41,520 | 1.6x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research(1yr data) | $40,752 | 1.5x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $40,661 | 1.5x |
| Psychology, General | $40,576 | 1.5x |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $36,851 | 1.4x |
| Music | $36,093 | 1.4x |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $34,496 | 1.3x |
| Public Administration(1yr data) | $32,409 | 1.2x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and StagecraftLowest | $29,869 | 1.1x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Rhode Island College stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $56,318 10 years after starting, $11,318 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 5 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.