Skip to main content

Best Value Accounting and Related Services Colleges in Rhode Island

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Rhode Island College delivers the state's most affordable accounting education at just $10,988 net cost, while private options like Providence College command $45,538 despite similar graduate earnings around $49,000. This price gap reflects Rhode Island's mixed economy where defense contractors, healthcare systems, and financial services create steady demand for accounting professionals. The state's eight programs span from budget-friendly public universities to specialized business schools, with graduation rates varying dramatically from 46% to 88% across institutions.
8
Programs
$10,988 – $45,538
Net Price Range
$55,814
Avg. Program Earnings
68.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

8 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,988 $49,019 $10,986 46.2% 87.5%
2 $19,899 $49,019 $16,408 71.0% 76.4%
3 $35,682 $63,997 $47,930 74.9% 69.5%
4 $38,123 $62,154 $42,666 66.6% 91.0%
5 $32,478 $46,254 $40,408 54.9% 83.4%
6 $40,846 $57,995 $51,169 80.6% 68.8%
7 $45,538 $62,260 $60,848 87.9% 52.8%
8 $21,611 $13,365 67.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between Rhode Island's cheapest and most expensive accounting programs?

Rhode Island College costs $10,988 annually compared to Providence College's $45,538, yet both programs lead to similar starting salaries around $49,000. The public college offers strong value with lower debt loads of $15,783 versus $27,000 at private institutions.

How do graduation rates vary among Rhode Island accounting programs?

Providence College leads with an 88% graduation rate, followed by Bryant University at 81% and Salve Regina at 75%. Rhode Island College lags significantly at 46%, though its low cost may attract students with different risk profiles and financial constraints.

Where do Rhode Island accounting graduates typically find employment?

The state's defense industry, including Electric Boat and Raytheon, requires extensive financial oversight and compliance expertise. Healthcare systems like Lifespan and major regional banks also recruit locally, with easy access to Boston and New York expanding career opportunities for graduates.

More Accounting and Related Services Rankings

Cheapest Accounting and Related Services in Rhode Island Accounting and Related Services Under $20,000 in Rhode Island

Related

All Accounting and Related Services Programs Best Colleges in Rhode Island Best Accounting and Related Services in Rhode Island

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.