At $19,899/yr net price, University of Rhode Island graduates earn $69,743/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $35,743/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,899 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $79,596 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $69,743/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$35,743/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 71.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,930/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,326/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,578/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,524/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,213/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $113,894 | $49,650 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $109,286 | $33,897 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $73,720 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,693 | $21,500 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,473 | $26,101 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $67,995 | $19,750 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,332 | $19,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $65,557 | $20,500 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $63,997 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,880 | $24,458 |
The Risk Factor
71.0% of students at University of Rhode Island graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 29% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Rhode Island delivers solid ROI with a reasonable net price of under $20,000 and moderate debt levels, making it a good value among public universities in the Northeast.
Your program choice matters enormously here. Pharmacy graduates earn $113,894 despite carrying higher debt loads of $49,650, while nursing majors see strong returns at $109,286 with more manageable debt of $33,897. Engineering programs offer excellent value, particularly electrical engineering where you graduate with just $21,500 in debt but earn over $72,000. These technical programs capitalize on Rhode Island's proximity to Boston's biotech corridor and defense contractors.
The 71% graduation rate creates real financial risk. Nearly three in ten students leave without degrees, meaning you face debt without the earning power to justify it. The 84% retention rate suggests most students who stay past freshman year will finish, but that first year represents a critical financial decision point.
URI works best if you can get into pharmacy, nursing, or engineering programs and complete your degree. The state's compact size means internship and job opportunities in Providence and nearby Boston remain accessible. However, you should avoid URI if you plan to study lower-earning majors, struggle academically, or need substantial financial aid since only 21% of students receive need-based assistance.
The relatively low debt levels across most programs reflect URI's reasonable tuition structure. Your best financial strategy involves choosing a high-earning major, taking advantage of the school's strong alumni network in New England, and leveraging internship opportunities with local healthcare systems and tech companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Rhode Island worth the cost?
University of Rhode Island offers decent value with a $19,899 net price and $69,743 median earnings after 10 years. The ROI depends heavily on your major, with pharmacy and nursing graduates earning over $100,000 while other programs may struggle to justify the cost.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Rhode Island?
Pharmacy graduates from University of Rhode Island earn a median of $113,894 annually, followed by nursing at $109,286. Engineering and computer programs also perform well, with electrical engineering graduates earning around $72,693.
How much debt do University of Rhode Island graduates have?
University of Rhode Island graduates leave with a median debt of $22,250, which is manageable for high-earning majors like pharmacy and nursing. Students in lower-paying programs may face challenges repaying this debt load.
Does University of Rhode Island have good job placement after graduation?
University of Rhode Island has a 71% graduation rate, which is average for public universities. Career outcomes vary significantly by program, with health sciences and engineering majors seeing strong job placement while liberal arts graduates may face more competition.