Rhode Island College prices its education accessibly across income levels, a pattern that reflects its public mission in Providence. Low-income families pay approximately $6,378 per year in net price, middle-income families see annual costs around $8,701, and higher-income families pay correspondingly more at roughly $15,681.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $17,454 |
| Tuition and Fees | $27,299 |
| Room and Board | $13,414 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$7,976 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $9,478 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $6,378 |
| $30–48k | $6,989 |
| $48–75k | $8,701 |
| $75–110k | $12,809 |
| $110k+ | $15,681 |
Rhode Island College prices its education accessibly across income levels, a pattern that reflects its public mission in Providence. Low-income families pay approximately $6,378 per year in net price, middle-income families see annual costs around $8,701, and higher-income families pay correspondingly more at roughly $15,681. Azimuth ranks Rhode Island College #134 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. That standing reflects the college's public-tuition structure and its commitment to keeping costs within reach for students from a wide range of financial backgrounds. Need-based aid plays a meaningful role in shaping what families actually pay. Rhode Island College participates in federal, state, and institutional aid programs, and the gap between the published cost of attendance of $17,454 and the net prices families pay across income bands reflects the reach of that aid. Students who qualify for Pell Grants and Rhode Island state aid programs often see their net costs fall well below the sticker price, making the college a genuinely affordable option for low- and middle-income families in the region. Families weighing the net price illusion — the difference between what a college advertises and what students actually pay — will find Rhode Island College's income-band pricing relatively transparent. For families considering how debt fits into the overall picture, median federal student loan debt at graduation is $20,500, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $14,512; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $59,430, median federal debt of $20,500 projects to a monthly payment of about $232 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Rhode Island College earn median 4-year earnings of $59,430, placing Rhode Island College in the 44.6 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $8,780 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 84.0 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Rhode Island College #619 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Program outcomes vary by major. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing reports 151 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $83,068, ranked #208 nationally in its major. Psychology, General reports 144 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $52,758, ranked #140 nationally in its major. Social Work reports 101 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $53,312, ranked #67 nationally in its major. Business Administration, Management and Operations reports 61 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $58,221, ranked #290 nationally in its major.
