Rhode Island College combines accessible admission with strong economic mobility outcomes for diverse student populations. As an Opportunity Builder institution, the college generates earnings $7,471 beyond expectations while maintaining debt levels below peer medians, supporting sustainable financial outcomes for graduates.
Solid long-term value relative to educational investment
Controlled costs and moderate debt levels relative to peer institutions
The college's ability to convert educational access into economic advancement for diverse student populations
The college's ability to convert educational access into economic advancement for diverse student populations
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisRhode Island College delivers strong earnings outcomes relative to student demographics and educational investment. Graduates earn $7,471 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing the institution at the 80.9th percentile for earnings uplift performance.
This well above average earnings beyond expectations tier demonstrates the college's effectiveness in translating educational opportunity into economic advancement. Median earnings reach $56,318 ten years after enrollment, with outcomes ranging from $35,091 at the 25th percentile to $75,388 at the 75th percentile.
Students seeking affordable access to health professions, social work, and education programs with strong economic mobility outcomes. Well-suited for first-generation students (44.7%) and Pell-eligible students (41.5%) who prioritize manageable debt alongside meaningful career preparation in public service and healthcare fields.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
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This is the Rhode Island College hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/rhode-island-college/analysis.
Strong economic mobility with open access
Rhode Island College ranks #251 nationally in Azimuth's comprehensive analysis, with composite performance at the 84.6th percentile. This medium-sized public institution in Providence, Rhode Island maintains open access with an 81.1% acceptance rate while delivering strong economic outcomes for diverse student populations.
The college enrolls 41.5% Pell-eligible students and 44.7% first-generation students, significantly above typical levels for four-year institutions. Graduates earn $7,471 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 80.9th percentile nationally and placing the institution in the well above average tier for earnings uplift.
Median earnings reach $56,318 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 61st percentile nationally and exceeding the peer median by $6,202 annually. This combination of accessible admission, above-average access for underserved populations, and strong economic outcomes positions Rhode Island College as an Opportunity Builder, where institutions emphasize broad educational access while achieving solid post-graduation results for students from diverse backgrounds.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Rhode Island College's published cost of attendance reaches $18,490 annually for in-state students, including $10,986 in tuition, $13,719 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face tuition of $26,519, bringing their total attendance cost significantly higher.
However, the average student pays just $10,988 after financial aid, representing savings of $7,502 compared to the sticker price. This average net price falls $3,105 below the peer median of $14,093, making Rhode Island College substantially more affordable than similar public institutions.
The difference between published and actual costs demonstrates the impact of federal and state financial aid programs, which reduce expenses for most students. Net price varies considerably by family income level, ranging from $7,674 for families earning under $30,000 to $16,800 for those earning over $110,000.
This progressive pricing structure ensures that educational access remains affordable across income levels while generating sufficient revenue to maintain academic quality and campus services.
Rhode Island College graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over the post-graduation period. Median earnings advance from $46,882 six years after enrollment to $47,149 at eight years and $56,318 at ten years, representing 20.1% growth from the six-year mark to the ten-year measurement.
These outcomes reflect data from cohorts of 255, 237, and 279 graduates respectively, providing reliable confidence in reported figures across the earnings timeline. Graduates earn $7,471 beyond expectations compared to students with similar demographics at other institutions, placing Rhode Island College at the 80.9th percentile for earnings uplift nationally.
Low-income graduates earn $41,900 ten years after enrollment, demonstrating the institution's role in economic mobility for students from lower-income backgrounds. The earnings distribution spans from $35,091 at the 25th percentile to $75,388 at the 75th percentile, with the college's diverse program portfolio supporting multiple career pathways.
Approximately 24.8% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pursuits.
Rhode Island College admits 81.1% of applicants, making admission accessible for most students who meet basic academic requirements. This open access approach means roughly 4 out of 5 applicants receive offers of admission, placing the institution in the Open Access category for selectivity.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% shows that Rhode Island College is slightly more selective than similar public comprehensive institutions, but the difference represents only 3.5 percentage points. This level of accessibility means that students with solid high school preparation across a range of academic performance levels can realistically expect admission consideration.
However, open access does not mean automatic admission, as the college still evaluates academic preparation and fit. Students should focus on demonstrating readiness for college-level work rather than exceptional achievement.
The combination of accessible admission standards with solid post-graduation outcomes makes Rhode Island College particularly valuable for students seeking educational opportunity without the uncertainty associated with highly competitive admission processes. Applicants should approach Rhode Island College as a realistic option while ensuring their academic preparation aligns with college-level expectations, particularly in programs with professional licensure requirements like nursing and education.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
152 graduates
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other.
41 graduates
Biology, General.
19 graduates
Analytical Chemistry.
5 graduates
Banking and Financial Support Services.
13 graduates
Rhode Island College offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for evaluation. Adult Health Nursing stands out as the largest high-earning program, graduating 152 students with median earnings of $72,650 and ranking #2 in Rhode Island.
Psychology represents the second-largest program with 129 graduates earning $40,576, also ranking #2 statewide. Forensic Social Work ranks #1 in Rhode Island and #83 nationally, graduating 100 students with median earnings of $43,109 and achieving a strong value score of 57.5.
Corrections Administration ranks #1 in Rhode Island and #44 nationally, with 84 graduates earning $52,198 and an exceptional value score of 77.5. Other flagship programs include Accounting Technology with 86 graduates earning $57,587, and Business Administration with 74 graduates earning $57,671.
The college's program portfolio emphasizes practical professional preparation in health, education, business, and public service fields, with most programs ranking among the top two in Rhode Island within their respective disciplines.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of Puerto Rico-Arecibo Similar quality tier (#256 ranked) | PR | 62% | $30,512 | #256 | Compare |
Winston-Salem State University Similar quality tier (#248 ranked) | NC | 69% | $45,344 | #248 | Compare |
University Of West Georgia Similar quality tier (#257 ranked) | GA | 49% | $49,587 | #257 | Compare |
Cleveland State University Similar quality tier (#243 ranked) | OH | 95% | $52,131 | #243 | Compare |
Clayton State University Similar quality tier (#242 ranked) | GA | 71% | $49,179 | #242 | Compare |