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Best Value Business Administration 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 business education at just $10,988 net cost, while Bryant University graduates command the highest starting salaries at $54,470. The $34,550 cost gap between these programs reflects different pathways into Rhode Island's defense contracting sector and healthcare administration roles. With only nine business programs statewide, students benefit from smaller class sizes and direct connections to employers like CVS Health and Raytheon Technologies.
9
Programs
$10,988 – $45,538
Net Price Range
$45,171
Avg. Program Earnings
67.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

9 Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,988 $42,073 $10,986 46.2% 87.5%
2 $19,899 $50,387 $16,408 71.0% 76.4%
3 $21,611 $37,054 $13,365 67.5%
4 $40,846 $54,470 $51,169 80.6% 68.8%
5 $36,906 $49,136 $35,625 57.5% 74.5%
6 $38,123 $48,600 $42,666 66.6% 91.0%
7 $32,478 $37,054 $40,408 54.9% 83.4%
8 $45,538 $51,722 $60,848 87.9% 52.8%
9 $35,682 $36,042 $47,930 74.9% 69.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the large salary difference between Johnson & Wales graduates earning $37,054 and Bryant graduates at $54,470?

Bryant University focuses heavily on finance and consulting preparation, fields that command higher entry salaries in Rhode Island's corporate sector. Johnson & Wales emphasizes hospitality and operations management, which typically offer lower starting wages but strong advancement potential in the state's tourism industry.

How do public universities compare to private options for business value in Rhode Island?

University of Rhode Island at $19,899 net cost produces graduates earning $50,387, nearly matching expensive private schools like Roger Williams at $38,123. Rhode Island College offers the strongest value proposition with graduates earning $42,073 for less than $11,000 in costs.

Does the RI Promise scholarship affect business program affordability?

The RI Promise covers two years of community college tuition, allowing students to complete prerequisites affordably before transferring to four-year business programs. This pathway can reduce total costs at URI or RIC by approximately $8,000 to $12,000.

More Business Administration, Management and Operations Rankings

Cheapest Business Administration, Management and Operations in Rhode Island Business Administration, Management and Operations Under $20,000 in Rhode Island

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