2025 Top Online Community Colleges in Rhode Island

The top online community colleges in Rhode Island are shining examples of easily available, adaptable education designed for students juggling work and personal obligations with academic goals.

These organizations, which are models of creativity and diversity, provide a wide range of courses and programs that are tailored to the changing needs of the labor market.

They offer pathways to associate degrees, certificates, and possibilities for lifelong learning with an emphasis on cost and quality, ensuring that students not only meet their academic objectives but also improve their chances of landing a job.

Featured Community Colleges Online in Rhode Island

Although there aren't many online community colleges in Rhode Island, there are plenty of opportunities.

These highlighted educational institutions are prime examples of the state's dedication to offering innovative online platforms for accessible, high-quality education.

Despite the restricted options accessible in the state, they cater to a varied student base and offer a range of programs geared to satisfy the demands of today's learners and tomorrow's professionals.

1. Rhode Island College

Rhode Island College provides a BS in accounting, which requires 70 to 72 credit hours and is meant to prepare students to analyze and integrate complicated information to aid in managerial decision-making.

The program, which emphasizes teamwork and strong oral and writing communication, prepares students for professional achievement.

Furthermore, the college offers a wide range of degree programs in finance, marketing, and cybersecurity to suit a wide range of interests and career aspirations.

Students are well-positioned for success in a variety of business sectors, with a semester fee of $4,740.50 for 12 to 18 credit hours.

Online Community Colleges From Other States

This section looks at other online community colleges from other states in the country.

Eastern Gateway Community College

Eastern Gateway Community College's online associate degree in nursing program, containing 70 credits at $138 per credit hour for out-of-state students, is designed for aspiring registered nurses.

This program addresses the changing healthcare demands of the twenty-first century by emphasizing the nurse's critical role in a variety of settings, including the community, hospitals, long-term care, clinics, and home health care.

Aside from nursing, the college provides a variety of degree programs in subjects such as social work, accounting, and mathematics, increasing students' academic and employment options.

Houston Community College

Students seeking an Associate of Science in biology at Houston Community College concentrate on problem-solving, data collecting, quantitative analysis, and reporting in biological studies, while also engaging extensively with the scientific process.

For out-of-state students, this 60-credit program costs $151.00 per credit hour.

The college offers online degrees in business, astronomy, and dance in addition to biology, enhancing its academic offerings and giving students many chances to pursue and succeed in a variety of professions.

Ivy Tech Community College

The 60-credit-hour Associate of Applied Science in accounting program at Ivy Tech Community College teaches students how to prepare critical financial documents like balance sheets and cash flow statements, with an emphasis on ethical accounting practices.

Out-of-state students pay $4,732.57 in tuition.

Furthermore, the college broadens academic horizons with degree programs in biology, chemistry, and education, appealing to a wide range of interests and professional prospects.

Panola College

Panola College's Associate of Applied Science in agriculture program, which requires 60 credit hours, combines research, academic expertise, and cutting-edge technology to develop a thorough grasp of ethical land, food, and water management.

This curriculum, which costs $200 per credit hour for out-of-state students, provides a good foundation for agricultural sciences.

Aside from agriculture, Panola provides degrees in music, Spanish, and drama, broadening its academic offerings to meet the different interests of its students.

Northwood Technical College

Northwood Technical College's associate degree in early childhood education requires 60 credit hours.

The program focuses on using play, art, language, science, math, and music to promote development in young children of all abilities and backgrounds, including physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth.

The entire program cost is $9,639. In addition, the college provides a variety of degree programs in subjects like accountancy, cosmetology, and pharmacy, giving students a wide range of job options.

Stanly Community College

Stanly Community College's criminal justice associate degree consists of 65 to 66 credit hours, with the goal of providing a complete understanding of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, judicial processes, corrections, and security services.

This program, which costs $268 for out-of-state tuition, is a foundational pillar for aspiring professionals.

Furthermore, the college broadens its educational offerings to include degrees in accounting, human services, and business, catering to a diverse range of academic interests and career goals.

Lakeshore Technical College

Lakeshore Technical College provides an accounting associate degree, which requires a total of 60 credits and prepares graduates for key roles in reviewing and improving the financial health and profitability of firms across multiple industries.

Out-of-state tuition costs $219.30 per credit, making it an investment in a lucrative and challenging profession.

Beyond accounting, the college offers degrees in culinary arts, criminal justice, and court reporting, appealing to a wide range of professional goals and interests.

James A. Rhodes State College

The 64-credit Associate of Applied Business in accounting program at James A. Rhodes State College is carefully crafted to provide students with a modern, superior education with the goal of launching or enhancing their careers.

This program, which costs $380 per credit for non-residents, opens doors to many fulfilling opportunities.

The college also offers degrees in project management, digital media, and business, catering to a broad range of interests and career aspirations.

Itawamba Community College

The Associate of Applied Science in public health program at Itawamba Community College prepares students for entry-level roles in the healthcare industry, addressing evolving challenges such as healthcare reform, an aging population, and common health issues.

This 60-credit program costs $245 per semester hour for out-of-state students.

Furthermore, the college offers degrees in paralegal studies, criminal justice, and general studies, expanding chances for students with different academic and professional interests.

Is Community College Free in Rhode Island?

The Rhode Island Promise Scholarship allows recent high school graduates to attend community college for almost nothing.

This initiative provides two years of tuition-free education at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) to students who attend full-time immediately after graduating from high school or getting a GED.

The scholarship is intended to pay the cost of tuition and obligatory fees that are not already covered by other financial assistance for which the student is eligible, thereby making community college available to all Rhode Island residents.

How Much Does Community College Cost in Rhode Island?

The cost of community college in Rhode Island varies depending on resident status and program of study. For the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), the state's principal community college, in-state students pay much less than out-of-state students.

According to the most recent available data, in-state tuition was around $4,700 per academic year, while out-of-state students paid closer to $12,000 per academic year.

These amounts vary depending on the number of credit hours taken each semester and do not include additional fees, books, or supplies.

Rhode Island Community College Degree Types

Rhode Island community college, principally represented by the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), provides a wide range of degree programs to meet the needs of students with various backgrounds and career ambitions.

Students can earn Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees for transfer to four-year universities, with an emphasis on liberal arts, sciences, and pre-professional programs.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in technical and vocational sectors such as healthcare, technology, and business are offered for people who want to enter the industry right away.

Career Opportunities for Rhode Island Community College Graduates

Rhode Island community college graduates work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, technology, business, and the arts.

Opportunities include nursing and dental hygiene, as well as cybersecurity, digital media, and engineering technology.

Graduates also pursue employment in culinary arts, criminal justice, and early childhood teaching, aided by strong local industry contacts and hands-on training.

Find an Online Community College Today

Embarking on your journey to find a top online community college in Rhode Island is now easier.

Whether you're looking to advance in your current field or pivot to a new career, the perfect online community college awaits to equip you with the skills and knowledge for success. Start exploring today to unlock a world of opportunities.