Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees in Rhode Island 2025

Committing is the most important step in pursuing a bachelor's degree. Deciding where and how you will earn this college degree is the next big step in the process. In Rhode Island, residents can choose from many affordable online bachelor's degree programs within and outside the state. Keep reading as we explore the cheapest online bachelor's degrees available and other qualities you should look for when selecting your college or university.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree Cost in Rhode Island?

This varies based on your chosen career field, whether the online school is public or private, and whether you enroll as an in-state or out-of-state student. However, Education Data Initiative reports that the average cost of tuition nationally is $40,536 for an in-state, public college student, while the cost for out-of-state students is $59,011. At private schools, the average cost of an online bachelor's degree is $63,185.

While the average tuition in Rhode Island is somewhat higher than national figures, this article will feature the cheapest online bachelor's degrees available in the state. In addition, we will focus on cheap online colleges that accept financial aid, which can further decrease your expenses substantially.

Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Rhode Island

The following list ranks the most affordable online bachelor's degree programs statewide. Tuition reflects the cost of completing 30 credit hours per year in a 120-credit hour program.

1. New England Institute of Technology

Several online Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees � in electrical engineering technology, automotive service management, video game design, and cybersecurity and network engineering, for example � are offered at New England Institute of Technology (NEIT), a private school in East Greenwich. NEIT also offers a BS in nursing program for students who are already registered nurses (an RN to BSN degree). The school is known for offering accelerated degree programs that require only two years or less to complete.

Average in-state tuition: $8,250 to $21,000

Average out-of-state tuition: $8,250 to $21,000

Financial aid: In addition to federal, state, and NEIT-awarded grants, institutional and external scholarships may be pursued, as well as federal loans and work-study options.

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. Rhode Island College

Rhode Island College (RIC) offers an online Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) program that is tailor-made for busy adult learners. The BPS includes two concentration options, one in organizational leadership and the other in social services. Each concentration focuses on diversity and ethics while teaching concepts and skills that are essential for career advancement.

Average in-state tuition: $11,100

Average out-of-state tuition: $11,100

Financial aid: Federal sources fund grants, loans, and work-study programs, while RIC offers grants and scholarships based on financial need and academic achievement. The Hope Scholarship, which can save students from two years of tuition, is available to Rhode Island residents who meet and maintain certain requirements. State funding may also be explored.

Accreditation: NECHE

3. Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University (RWU) is a private university in Bristol. Through its Extension School for non-traditional students, it provides 10 bachelor's degrees for online learners, including a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in applied psychology, BS degrees in community development or professional legal studies, or a bachelor's degree in general studies (BGS). Some of these have received specialized accreditation from such agencies as the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), the Association of American Law Schools (AALS), and more.

Average in-state tuition: $12,990

Average out-of-state tuition: $12,990

Financial aid: A variety of aid is available through federal, state, and university grants and scholarships, as well as from outside agencies. Private and federal loans and student employment can also help reduce costs.

Accreditation: NECHE

4. Johnson & Wales University

Private institution Johnson & Wales University (JWU) in Providence uses experiential and work-integrated distance learning in its online courses to help you learn professional skills. The school offers 18 online BS degrees and four more as specialties within the business administration sector. Other fields of study include accounting, fashion merchandising and retailing, food industry compliance management, liberal studies, and public health.

Average in-state tuition: $14,850

Average out-of-state tuition: $14,850

Financial aid: Options include federal grants, loans, and work-study programs, college and third-party grants and scholarships, and the JWU Pledge, which subsidizes tuition for eligible students based on certain annual household income thresholds. State and private loans may also be available.

Accreditation: NECHE

Other Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees in the U.S.

You don't have to attend a Rhode Island college or university to find some of the cheapest online bachelor's degrees available. Check out the following tuition offered by schools in other states, especially if you are open to living in-state to pay the resident rates.

University of Florida

At Gaineville's University of Florida (UF), you can choose from 27 bachelor's degrees in such wide-ranging subjects as agricultural education and communication, criminology, computer science, fire and emergency services, nursing, sports and media journalism, and many more. In addition to having one of the lowest in-state tuition rates in the nation, UF Online is a top-five ranked program for its quality education and innovations.

Average in-state tuition: $3,356

Average out-of-state tuition: $15,000

Financial aid: Grants are offered by federal, state, and university sources, while state and university scholarships, such as the Florida Bright Futures or UF merit scholarship programs, provide other opportunities for assistance. You may also apply for federal loans, student employment, or private loans and scholarships to help fund your bachelor's degree.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

University of North Carolina (UNC) at Charlotte boasts a top-10 ranked online learning program recognized for its high quality and affordability, designed for busy professionals. UNC Charlotte offers 10 bachelor's degrees online. You can earn, among other degrees, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), BA degrees in elementary education and political science, and a BS in respiratory therapy.

Average in-state tuition: $4,765

Average out-of-state tuition: $9,530

Financial aid: In addition to federal grants and loans, UNC Charlotte's offerings include awards such as the Premier Merit Scholarship and student employment. State and private loans and grants may also be available.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

University of Central Florida

As a public university in Orlando, the University of Central Florida awards 34 bachelor's degrees in such fields as entertainment management, history, sociology, international and global studies, and interdisciplinary studies. Experienced, tenure-track faculty and a personal success coach are provided to guide you through your online education.

Average in-state tuition: $5,376

Average out-of-state tuition: $21,474

Financial aid: Numerous options, from scholarships and grants to student loans and student employment, are all available at federal, state, and university levels. External sources may provide an opportunity for additional funding.

Accreditation: SACSCOC and The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

At the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW), you can choose from nine bachelor's degrees in its online program. One of 17 institutions in the UNC system, UNCW strives to foster a supportive academic experience that stimulates creativity and critical thinking. The school offers BS degrees in clinical research and workforce learning and development, BA degrees in elementary education and international studies, a couple of bachelor's/master's combined degrees, and more.

Average in-state tuition: $5,554

Average out-of-state tuition: $28,247

Financial aid: Online students may seek assistance in the form of a federal grant or loan, merit-based scholarships, or work-study opportunities. Other options may include state sources and external grants or scholarships. UNCW also maintains an emergency fund to assist students if unexpected expenses arise.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

Indiana University East

Located in Richmond, Indiana University East (IU East) grants online bachelor's degrees in 28 programs. A few examples include BS degrees in business administration and digital media and storytelling, BA degrees in history and communications studies, and Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees in sustainability studies and healthcare management. Several of IU East's bachelor's degrees have earned programmatic accreditation.

Average in-state tuition: $7717

Average out-of-state tuition: $11,343

Financial aid: The university assists with federal grants and loans, offers automatic scholarships for eligible students, and provides additional IU EAST and IU scholarships based on merit and need. You may also investigate state and private grants and loans.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Oregon State University

This public university in Corvallis features more than 50 bachelor's programs online, including degrees in economics, creative writing, kinesiology, human development and family science, zoology, and horticulture. Oregon State University (OSU) uses a quarter-term system with four 11-week sessions held each year. Although this amounts to 180 total credit hours for bachelor's degrees at OSU, it is equivalent to the more common semester systems, which employ longer class sessions and therefore require 120 credit hours. Numerous OSU programs and departments are accredited by specific agencies.

Average in-state tuition: $17,280 to $18,495

Average out-of-state tuition: $17,280 to $18,495

Financial aid: You may seek assistance from federal and state grants, federal loans and work-study programs, and OSU scholarships. Other options may include state and private loans, as well as third-party grants or scholarships.

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

How We Rank Schools

We rigorously vetted each university to compile the rank list above. In addition to cost, we took other factors into account to ensure you are provided the highest quality options in online master's programs.

• Accreditation: Schools must meet the minimum requirement of national or regional accreditation by HLC, SACSCOC, or other recognized credentialing organizations. Some have specialized accreditations indicated for relevant programs.
• Affordability: Each school must offer enrollment prices comparable to the national average, along with generous financial aid to offset costs.
• Program reputation and quality: Universities must be respected and have graduation rates, student outcomes, and rankings that demonstrate a superior educational experience.
• Online format: Universities accomplish a high level of reliability, flexibility, and quality using this mode of education, earning national recognition for their innovative curricula and accessible support that produce student outcomes comparable to in-person, on-campus results.

FAQs About the Cheapest Bachelor's Degrees in Rhode Island

If you still have questions, you're not alone. Keep reading the following information we've provided to anticipate potential inquiries.

What Is the Cheapest Way To Get a Bachelor's Degree?

Generally, earning an online degree from an in-state, public institution will be the least expensive option, although most of the affordable rates shown in Rhode Island above come from private colleges. Another way to manage tuition costs is to apply for financial aid:

• Online colleges that accept Pell Grants and online colleges with scholarships, like the ones featured above, can significantly help you achieve affordable tuition.
• If you have prior learning from college courses or credits beyond an associate degree, look for online colleges that accept transfer credits.
• If you need to pay your tuition over time, explore online colleges with monthly payment plans.

What Is the Easiest BA Degree To Get Online?

Degrees that don't require much math or science, or programs like liberal arts and other general education degrees that allow for broader interests, are often considered easier. However, this is not always the case, since people excel in different subjects and with different learning methods. An accelerated learning option may also be viewed as easier than a longer, traditional track, but such compressed coursework will be more demanding in the short term, so the pros and cons of each strategy should be carefully weighed before deciding.

Can I Get a Bachelor's Degree Online for Free?

There are various ways you can earn an online bachelor's degree for free. Explore these opportunities or combine strategies to achieve a zero-tuition education:

• Apply for grants, scholarships, and student employment
• See if you qualify for tuition waivers through merit or need
• Ask your employer to pick up the cost
• Select an in-demand career field that colleges may incentivize
• Investigate online tuition-free degree programs
• Volunteer with AmeriCorps

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees

Visit Learn.org if you're curious to find out more. Explore various online programs offered by accredited institutions and contact schools for more information regarding how you can advance your educational career goals today.