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Cheapest Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in Rhode Island

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Rhode Island College delivers the state's most affordable Liberal Arts and Sciences program at just $10,988 net cost, creating a $34,550 gap between the cheapest and most expensive options. The state's healthcare and education sectors actively recruit liberal arts graduates for their critical thinking and communication skills. Providence College leads graduation rates at 87.90% but commands the highest price at $45,538, while public options maintain strong acceptance rates above 75%.
7
Programs
$10,988 – $45,538
Net Price Range
$45,383
Avg. Program Earnings
66.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

7 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,988 $10,986 46.2% 87.5%
2 $19,899 $16,408 71.0% 76.4%
3 $21,611 $13,365 67.5%
4 $32,478 $40,408 54.9% 83.4%
5 $35,682 $47,930 74.9% 69.5%
6 $38,123 $42,666 66.6% 91.0%
7 $45,538 $60,848 87.9% 52.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Rhode Island College's public funding keeps net costs at $10,988, while Providence College's private status drives costs to $45,538. The $34,550 gap reflects different funding models, with public institutions receiving state subsidies that private colleges cannot access.

How do graduation rates vary across Rhode Island's liberal arts programs?

Providence College achieves the highest graduation rate at 87.90%, followed by Salve Regina at 74.90%. Rhode Island College, despite its low cost, maintains a 46.20% graduation rate, while the University of Rhode Island reaches 71.00%.

Does attending a more expensive liberal arts program guarantee better job prospects in Rhode Island?

Early career earnings data shows similar outcomes regardless of program cost, with graduates earning around $45,383. Rhode Island's healthcare, education, and defense sectors value liberal arts skills equally, making program quality and fit more important than price tag.

More Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Rankings

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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.