At $10,988/yr net price, Rhode Island College graduates earn $56,318/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,318/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,988 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,952 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,318/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,318/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,674/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,507/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,290/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,107/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,800/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $104,192 | $41,000 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $71,575 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $65,797 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $65,610 | $24,750 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $65,387 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $56,641 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Certificate | $54,748 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $53,775 | $25,152 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $52,941 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $52,607 | $19,041 |
The Risk Factor
46.2% of students at Rhode Island College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Rhode Island College offers solid financial returns for certain career-focused programs, but your success depends heavily on choosing the right major. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning over $100,000 annually, making even the higher debt load of $41,000 manageable. Computer science and accounting also deliver strong returns with median earnings around $65,000.
The 46% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without a degree but often with debt. If you struggle academically or lack clear career direction, this risk becomes personal. The 74% retention rate suggests many students realize early that RIC may not suit them.
Your major choice determines your financial outcome more than at most schools. While nursing graduates thrive in Rhode Island's healthcare market, liberal arts majors face limited local opportunities and lower earnings potential. The state's job market favors technical skills and healthcare credentials over general degrees.
RIC works best financially if you qualify for in-state tuition, choose a high-earning program, and graduate on time. The low net price of $11,000 annually gives you breathing room that private colleges cannot match. However, avoid this school if you need extensive academic support or plan to major in fields without clear career paths.
Financial aid reaches only 41% of students, suggesting many middle-income families pay full price. Merit scholarships exist but remain limited. Your best cost strategy involves choosing a high-return major and completing your degree quickly to minimize total expenses and maximize earning potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rhode Island College worth the cost for the return on investment?
Rhode Island College offers solid value with a low net price of $11,000 annually and graduates earning $56,318 after 10 years. However, the 46% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI.
What are the highest paying majors at Rhode Island College?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning over $104,000, followed by Educational Administration at $71,575 and Computer Science at $65,797. Most other programs result in lower earnings that may not justify the investment.
How much student debt do Rhode Island College graduates typically have?
Rhode Island College graduates have a median debt of $20,500, which is manageable compared to the national average. The relatively low debt load helps improve the overall financial return for those who complete their degrees.
Should I attend Rhode Island College if I'm not studying nursing or education?
Rhode Island College's value drops significantly outside of nursing, education, and computer science programs. With below-average graduation rates and modest earnings in other fields, students should carefully consider alternatives for better career prospects.