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Roger Williams University accepts over 90% of applicants while delivering graduates who earn $70,266 annually, making it the highest-paying school among Rhode Island's most accessible institutions. The Ocean State's open-door colleges span a wide cost spectrum, from Rhode Island College's $10,988 net price to Roger Williams' $38,123, yet all maintain acceptance rates above 74%. These schools directly serve Rhode Island's defense contractors, healthcare systems, and educational institutions that drive the state's economy. The RI Promise program covers community college costs for two years, creating pathways that complement these four-year options. University of Rhode Island leads in graduation rates at 71%, while New England Institute of Technology focuses on technical training that aligns with the state's manufacturing and technology sectors. Students can expect post-graduation earnings ranging from $43,418 to over $70,000, reflecting Rhode Island's mix of entry-level service positions and specialized technical roles in defense and healthcare.
5
Schools
$27,679
Avg. Net Price
$57,686
Avg. Earnings
59.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Easy Admission Colleges in Rhode Island

College listings
# School Acceptance Rate Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 91.0% 3,957 $38,123 66.6%
2 87.5% 4,630 $10,988 46.2%
3 83.4% 3,913 $32,478 54.9%
4 76.4% 13,822 $19,899 71.0%
5 74.5% 1,712 $36,906 57.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Roger Williams University stand out among accessible Rhode Island colleges?

Roger Williams accepts 91% of applicants and produces graduates earning $70,266 annually, the highest among these schools. The Bristol campus serves 3,957 students with a 66.6% graduation rate, offering strong returns on the $38,123 net price through connections to Rhode Island's professional sectors.

How affordable is Rhode Island College compared to other state options?

Rhode Island College costs just $10,988 annually, making it the most affordable option by nearly $9,000. With an 87.5% acceptance rate and 4,630 students, it serves as the state's primary low-cost pathway to a bachelor's degree, though graduates earn $56,318 on average.

Does the RI Promise program work with these four-year schools?

RI Promise covers two years of community college, creating transfer pathways to these four-year institutions. Students can complete general education requirements affordably, then transfer to schools like URI or RIC to finish their degrees while managing costs more effectively.

What career outcomes can graduates expect from these accessible programs?

Earnings vary significantly, from Johnson & Wales' $43,418 average to Roger Williams' $70,266. New England Institute of Technology graduates earn $48,684 working in Rhode Island's technical sectors, while URI graduates average $69,743 in the state's defense and healthcare industries.

Is University of Rhode Island worth the higher cost among these options?

URI's $19,899 net price delivers a 71% graduation rate and $69,743 average earnings. With 13,822 students and 76.4% acceptance rate, it offers the best combination of accessibility, completion rates, and earning potential among Rhode Island's open-admission schools.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.