3 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Rhode Island 2025

Students can find a variety of degree programs at the most affordable online colleges in Rhode Island. These programs can provide flexibility at a low cost.

Rhode Island students searching for affordable and flexible higher education have limited in-state choices. However, three accredited online colleges in Rhode Island offer online bachelor's degrees under $500 per credit hour.

If you're looking for quality educational opportunities that match on-campus programs, these cheap online colleges might be a good fit. Below, we explore the cheapest online colleges in Rhode Island, detailing academic programs, tuition rates, and financial aid.

List of the Cheapest & Most Affordable Online Colleges in Rhode Island

Several Rhode Island schools offer distance education programs at the undergraduate level. Keep reading to learn about inexpensive colleges that provide a comprehensive and rigorous online learning experience for Rhode Island students.

1. Johnson & Wales University

Johnson & Wales University is a private, four-year school in Providence. With accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education, this institution provides quality degree programs.

Students can choose from numerous online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Some of the undergraduate programs include:

computer science
criminal justice
healthcare administration
finance
psychology

Tuition for undergraduates is $495 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school offers many scholarships, grants, and corporate partnership discounts to help lower tuition costs.

2. New England Institute of Technology

The New England Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit school committed to student success with programs designed to help students build career-ready skills. Fully online degrees are available at undergraduate and graduate levels.

Students must have completed an associate degree to enter one of the online bachelor's programs. Students can complete their studies in as few as 18 months. The degree programs include:

criminal justice
healthcare practice management
RN to BSN nursing
veterinary technology

Tuition varies by program and degree level; however, the lowest tuition rate is the RN to BSN nursing program at $275 per credit hour. Students may complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to help afford one of these degree programs.

3. Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University is a private school in Bristol that offers numerous online undergraduate and graduate degrees. These flexible programs are available for part-time or full-time students. Some of the online bachelor's degrees include:

applied psychology
cybersecurity & networking
management
public administration

An undergraduate course worth three credits costs $1,299 or $433 per credit hour. Military members and their families can receive a tuition discount. Additionally, students may complete a free Prior Learning Assessment to earn credit for work and life experiences, which can help make earning a degree more affordable.

Other Affordable Online Schools

There are limited fully online higher education options in Rhode Island. Fortunately, Rhode Island students may choose from several schools from other states that offer affordable tuition for all learners, regardless of residency.

Liberty University

Liberty University is a private Christian school with a campus in Virginia. It offers numerous online undergraduate and graduate degrees in many different fields. Undergraduates could major in subjects such as:

applied ministry
aviation management
digital design
government
healthcare administration

Undergraduate tuition is $390 per credit hour and graduate tuition is $516. Several tuition discounts and scholarship opportunities are available, including opportunities for military members, first responders, and small businesses. Also, students may apply for federal loans and enroll in payment plans to help manage out-of-pocket tuition costs.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a distance learning institution, though it has a base in Utah. Students can pursue bachelor's and master's degrees in fields such as:

information technology
business management
marketing
data analytics
elementary education

Students pay a flat rate tuition every six-month term. Undergraduates pay around $8,300 per academic year; however, many students receive institutional scholarship awards that lower tuition.

Our Selection Criteria

We selected the schools on this list based on several ranking factors. Our considerations include:

Accreditation: Every school on this list is accredited and offers quality online education.
Learning format: We chose schools that offer fully online bachelor's degrees.
Location: While we chose schools that specifically offer 100% online degrees, the schools on this list are based in Rhode Island.

How Much Does a Cheap College in Rhode Island Cost?

Though there are a limited number of cheap online colleges in Rhode Island, several schools offer tuition rates under $500 per credit hour. The schools on this list charge between $275 and $495 per credit hour.

How Can I Make an Online Degree Affordable in Rhode Island?

You can make an online degree affordable by submitting applications to grant and scholarship opportunities. Some grants and scholarship programs award up to the full cost of tuition.

You can also explore employer tuition reimbursement programs, tuition waivers, and other financial aid assistance options.

The online degree programs in Rhode Island also accept approved transfer credits which helps make your online degree more affordable.

Learn more below on how to make an online degree cheaper:

FAQs About Higher Education at the Cheapest Colleges in Rhode Island

Do you have questions about the cheapest colleges in Rhode Island? Below, we discuss tuition rates, admissions, and financial aid opportunities.

What Is the Cheapest Online College in Rhode Island?

New England Institute of Technology offers the cheapest tuition rate in Rhode Island at $275. Prospective students can lower tuition costs through scholarships, grants, and loans.

Are Cheap Online Colleges in Rhode Island Accredited?

Yes, all of the cheap colleges in Rhode Island listed are accredited. Online learners can expect a comprehensive learning experience that rivals in-person programs.

What Is the Easiest Online College To Get Into in Rhode Island?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Roger Williams University has an 88% acceptance rate. This rate makes it the easiest online college in Rhode Island on this list to get into.

Rhode Island students looking for online schools with an open admissions policy can choose an out-of-state option like Liberty University, which offers the same tuition rate regardless of residency and has a 100% acceptance rate.

Are There Any Free Online College Degree Programs in Rhode Island?

All the schools on this list have low tuition rates; however, scholarships and grants can significantly lower tuition or even cover it completely. For instance, the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship covers tuition in full for two continuous years of enrollment.

Explore Accredited Bachelor's Degree Programs in New England

Are you ready to start earning your bachelor's degree? Check out the affordable colleges on Learn.org. Contact each school for more information about total tuition costs, online classes, and financial aid opportunities.