5 Cheapest Online Master's Degrees in Rhode Island 2025

At just 1,034 square miles, Rhode Island is the smallest state by 900 square miles. Despite its small size, learners in the Ocean State can find multiple cheap master's degrees online through the state's top schools.

Learn more about the affordable online master's programs available in Rhode Island, including business administration, criminal justice, healthcare management, and many more.

5 Most Affordable Online Master's Programs in Rhode Island

Students who want to take advantage of in-state tuition rates for their master's degree program without changing their schedule to complete on-campus coursework can enroll in affordable online colleges. Online students receive the same high-quality degrees as in-person students with fewer fees and more flexible scheduling. These cheap online master's degrees are offered in multiple programs of study, providing options for all graduate learners.

1. Salve Regina University

Salve Regina University offers graduate students access to fully online degrees in five main areas of study, including business, healthcare, and criminal justice. Each field of study has multiple graduate degrees and certificate programs, including Master of Science and Master of Arts programs. Many of the online master's degrees can also continue to doctoral-level degrees for more advanced education options.

• Average cost per credit hour: $760 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Salve Regina accepts FAFSA, and students can qualify for need-based aid, merit-based scholarships, and payment plans.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. Johnson & Wales University

Johnson & Wales University (JWU) has 10 online master's degrees. In addition to 12 different MBA specializations, such as human resources management, there are nine other graduate degrees available, including nutrition, finance, and food safety. Students can earn their degrees through either seven- or 15-week-long online courses, based on their schedules.

• Average cost per credit hour: $842 per credit hour
• Financial aid: JWU accepts federal grants and offers multiple institutional scholarships to graduate students.
• Accreditation: NECHE

3. Roger Williams University

There are four fully online master's degrees available at Roger Williams University (RWU). Students can choose from an MPA, real estate, cybersecurity, or criminal justice degree. The online degrees at RWU can be completed in two years on a part-time schedule or one year with full-time scheduling. Online classes are taught asynchronously to allow for flexible learning.

• Average cost per credit hour: $1,131 per credit hour
• Financial aid: RWU offers scholarships for students who complete their undergraduate studies at RWU, as well as assistantships and scholarships based on a student's program of study.
• Accreditation: NECHE

4. Bryant University

Bryant University's online master's programs include a Master's of Business Administration, healthcare informatics, and actuarial science. The online programs at Bryant are primarily self-paced, giving busy learners the flexibility they need to earn their graduate degree without compromising their other responsibilities, such as family or career duties.

• Average cost per credit hour: $1,158 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Bryant offers merit-based scholarships as well as assistantships and alumni scholarships.
• Accreditation: NECHE

5. University of Rhode Island

Online learners at the University of Rhode Island (URI) can find 15 enrollment opportunities in online master's degree programs. These graduate programs include data analytics, public administration (MPA), cybersecurity, and more. The University of Rhode Island doesn't require GRE or GMAT results, making it easier for some students to be admitted.

• Average cost per credit hour: $1,201 per credit hour
• Financial aid: URI students can use federal aid, such as grants and scholarships. There are also program-based scholarships that students can be nominated for by instructors.
• Accreditation: NECHE

Other Affordable Online Master's Programs

Due to Rhode Island's size, there aren't many universities in the state that students may think are affordable, especially ones that offer fully online master's degrees. Fortunately, online schools across the country provide additional learning opportunities for students who want the flexibility of an online program.

California Coast University

There are 10 self-paced, online degrees available from California Coast University (CCU). These degrees include organizational leadership, healthcare management, and psychology. Because these degrees are self-paced, students can start at any time of year and complete their degrees faster than the standard two-year timeframe.

• Average cost per credit hour: $250 per credit hour
• Financial aid: CCU accepts FAFSA results and offers tuition discounts for military and first responders. The school also offers interest-free payment plans.
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is located in Kansas, but students nationwide can earn 12 different online degrees. The degrees available from FHSU include computer science, education, and social work. FHSU offers both thesis and non-thesis programs, helping students tailor their education to best suit their skills and needs.

• Average cost per credit hour: $350 per credit hour
• Financial aid: FHSU students can qualify for grants and scholarships and can use military education benefits.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

University of the People

The University of the People is an online, nonprofit, tuition-free university. Students pay per course exam instead of paying a standard tuition rate. The school has three master's degree programs available: business administration, information technology, and education. All degrees are fully self-paced, and students only have to pay when they take a final exam.

• Average cost per credit hour: $375 per course
• Financial aid: The University of the People offers need-based scholarships, and students can apply for federal aid programs, like grants and scholarships.
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University offers 22 online master's degree programs, including 20 asynchronous opportunities. Students can choose from degrees including communication studies, engineering, and environmental design. Classes are taught using the same curriculum as on-campus programs, only with increased flexibility. Texas Tech doesn't have in-state or out-of-state tuition rates, making it a great choice for Rhode Island-based learners.

• Average cost per credit hour: $625 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Graduate students can qualify for institutional scholarships, fellowships, and federal programs.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Georgia College & State University

Students can complete 18 different online graduate degrees at Georgia College & State University. Degrees are available in popular fields of study, including criminal justice, educational leadership, and public administration. Many of these programs have traditional and accelerated options for students with different scheduling demands.

• Average cost per credit hour: $700 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Georgia College accepts federal and state grants and financial aid, and the school also offers scholarships across multiple departments
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

We used strict criteria when finding affordable online master's degrees in Rhode Island and other states. These three criteria will ensure you get a high-quality education at a lower tuition rate.

• Accreditation: Every school on this list is accredited by a regional or national body. This means that all of these degrees meet high academic standards.
• Affordability: We highlighted programs with low up-front tuition rates. We also looked for affordable online colleges that accept FAFSA or provide their own financial aid packages.
• Program reputation: We picked colleges with strong reputations, as shown by awards from third-party publications.

FAQs About Cheap Online Master's Programs in Rhode Island

Online education is increasing in popularity, but these programs are still relatively new. As a result, many Rhode Island students have questions about the costs, difficulty, and financial aid available in these programs.

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

The average cost of an online master's degree in Rhode Island is around $36,000. Some factors that will affect your total costs include the total amount of credits your program requires, your financial aid eligibility, and even your field of study at some schools.

What Is the Easiest Master's Degree To Get Online?

There are many factors to consider when evaluating how easy a master's degree is to get online. Consider factors like how passionate you are about the subject, how well you can self-motivate, and if there's any hands-on or in-person component of your degree program.

However, some students claim that Master of Education, Master of Business Administration, and other master's degrees in similar fields are easier to get online because of the type of coursework they have.

How Can I Get My Master's If I Can't Afford It?

Online master's degree programs qualify for federal financial aid, so it's important to submit your FAFSA forms yearly. Many schools also offer their own scholarships, assistantships, and grant programs that can further reduce costs. Finally, some schools allow students to pay tuition in interest-free payment plans as an alternative to loans.

Explore Online Graduate Degrees

Read our articles and school profiles to learn more about master's degrees that pay well and the schools that offer them in Rhode Island and other states. Once you've found the best program for your career or educational goals, use our resources to start your application process today.