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Most Popular Schools in Rhode Island

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2023 Most Popular Schools in Rhode Island

21 Schools Ranked
$44,461 Average Earnings
$21,750 Avg Student Debt

It's not easy to decide which program to enroll in when you have so many options available. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school or bootcamp that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Course Advisor has developed this Most Popular Schools in Rhode Island ranking. Our analysis looked at 21 schools in Rhode Island to see which programs were the most popular for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

University of Rhode Island

Kingston, Rhode Island
4,782 Total Awards
$44,926 Average Earnings
$22,076 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named University of Rhode Island the most popular school in Rhode Island for students working on their degree. Located in Kingston, Rhode Island, the fairly large public school awarded 4,782 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from URI accumulate an average of $22,076 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $338, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, URI graduates make an average of $44,926 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

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#2

Brown University

Providence, Rhode Island
3,032 Total Awards
$50,925 Average Earnings
$14,769 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Brown University helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in Rhode Island. Brown University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in Providence, Rhode Island that handed out 3,032 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $14,769 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $507, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Brown graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $50,925 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 53% were women.

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#3

Community College of Rhode Island

Warwick, Rhode Island
2,343 Total Awards
$38,557 Average Earnings
$14,617 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Community College of Rhode Island. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Rhode Island list. CCRI is a fairly large public school situated in Warwick, Rhode Island. It awarded 2,343 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $14,617 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, CCRI graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,557 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

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#4

Rhode Island College

Providence, Rhode Island
1,841 Total Awards
$42,201 Average Earnings
$23,963 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Rhode Island College is a great place for students. Located in Providence, Rhode Island, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,841 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,963 in student loans. During the early years of their career, RIC graduates make an average of $42,201 annually. Around 72% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Rhode Island College

#5

Johnson & Wales University - Providence

Providence, Rhode Island
1,633 Total Awards
$43,037 Average Earnings
$26,657 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Johnson & Wales University - Providence. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Rhode Island list. JWU Providence is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Providence, Rhode Island. It awarded 1,633 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $26,657 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $376 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, JWU Providence graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,037 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

Read full report on Johnson & Wales University - Providence

#6

Providence College

Providence, Rhode Island
1,476 Total Awards
$46,437 Average Earnings
$24,489 Avg Student Debt

Providence College ranked #6 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Rhode Island list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Providence, Rhode Island, and it awarded 1,476 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Providence accumulate an average of $24,489 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $680 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Providence graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,437 during the early year of their career. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Providence College

#7

Roger Williams University

Bristol, Rhode Island
1,180 Total Awards
$45,082 Average Earnings
$21,485 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #7, Roger Williams University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. RWU is located in Bristol, Rhode Island and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,180 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from RWU accumulate an average of $21,485 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $571. Once they receive their degree, RWU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,082 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

Full Roger Williams University Report

#8

Bryant University

Smithfield, Rhode Island
1,119 Total Awards
$62,466 Average Earnings
$22,185 Avg Student Debt

Bryant University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #8 on the list. Located in Smithfield, Rhode Island, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 1,119 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,185 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $757.After graduating from Bryant, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $62,466 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 44% were women.

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#9

New England Institute of Technology

East Greenwich, Rhode Island
1,089 Total Awards
$46,207 Average Earnings
$23,471 Avg Student Debt

New England Institute of Technology came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Rhode Island ranking. New England Tech is a private not-for-profit institution located in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. The school has a small population, and it awarded 1,089 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,471 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $274 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from New England Tech, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,207 during the early years of their career. Around 40% of those degree recipients were women.

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#10

Salve Regina University

Newport, Rhode Island
858 Total Awards
$46,084 Average Earnings
$22,717 Avg Student Debt

Salve Regina University landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Newport, Rhode Island, and it awarded 858 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,717 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $465, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Salve Regina graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,084 during the early year of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

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#11

Rhode Island School of Design

Providence, Rhode Island
649 Total Awards
$35,346 Average Earnings
$24,133 Avg Student Debt

Rhode Island School of Design did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #11 on the list. Rhode Island School of Design is a small private not-for-profit school located in Providence, Rhode Island that handed out 649 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from RISD accumulate an average of $24,133 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $739 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from RISD, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,346 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

Full Rhode Island School of Design Report

#12

Johnson & Wales University - Online

Providence, Rhode Island
565 Total Awards
$38,044 Average Earnings
$27,447 Avg Student Debt

Johnson & Wales University - Online ranked #12 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Rhode Island list. Providence, Rhode Island is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 565 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $27,447 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $376. During the early years of their career, JWU Online graduates make an average of $38,044 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

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#13

Lincoln Technical Institute - Lincoln

Lincoln, Rhode Island
456 Total Awards
$31,318 Average Earnings
$14,439 Avg Student Debt

Lincoln Technical Institute - Lincoln ranked #13 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Rhode Island list. Lincoln Tech - Lincoln is located in Lincoln, Rhode Island and has a very small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 456 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $14,439 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $70 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Lincoln Tech - Lincoln, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $31,318 during the early years of their career. Around 92% of those degree recipients were women.

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444 Total Awards
$41,652 Average Earnings
$10,637 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, New England Tractor Trailer Training School of Rhode Island did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. NETTTS is located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and has a very small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 444 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,637 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $55. During the early years of their career, NETTTS graduates make an average of $41,652 annually. Around 1% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on New England Tractor Trailer Training School of Rhode Island

#15

Roger Williams University School of Law

Bristol, Rhode Island
153 Total Awards
$48,000 Average Earnings

Roger Williams University School of Law did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #15 on the list. Roger Williams University School of Law is a very small private not-for-profit school located in Bristol, Rhode Island that handed out 153 degrees in 2020-2021.

After graduating from Roger Williams University School of Law, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,000 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

Full Roger Williams University School of Law Report

#16

MotoRing Technical Training Institute

East Providence, Rhode Island
82 Total Awards
$27,817 Average Earnings
$8,964 Avg Student Debt

MotoRing Technical Training Institute came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Rhode Island ranking. East Providence, Rhode Island is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 82 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from MTTI accumulate an average of $8,964 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $66. Once they receive their degree, MTTI graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $27,817 during the early year of their career. Around 7% of those degree recipients were women.

Full MotoRing Technical Training Institute Report

#17

Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy-Cranston

Cranston, Rhode Island
81 Total Awards
$18,617 Average Earnings
$14,410 Avg Student Debt

Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy-Cranston ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Rhode Island list. Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy-Cranston is a very small private for-profit school situated in Cranston, Rhode Island. It awarded 81 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $14,410 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $102 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy-Cranston, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $18,617 during the early years of their career. Around 96% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy-Cranston Report

#18

Empire Beauty School-Warwick

Warwick, Rhode Island
63 Total Awards
$17,698 Average Earnings
$16,273 Avg Student Debt

Empire Beauty School-Warwick did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #18 on the list. Empire Beauty School-Warwick is located in Warwick, Rhode Island and has a very small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 63 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Empire Beauty School-Warwick accumulate an average of $16,273 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $80, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Empire Beauty School-Warwick graduates make an average of $17,698 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 100% were women.

Full Empire Beauty School-Warwick Report

#19

IYRS School of Technology & Trades

Newport, Rhode Island
38 Total Awards
$37,559 Average Earnings
$14,857 Avg Student Debt

IYRS School of Technology & Trades did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #19 on the list. Located in Newport, Rhode Island, the very small private not-for-profit school awarded 38 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,857 in student loans. During the early years of their career, IYRS graduates make an average of $37,559 annually. Around 8% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on IYRS School of Technology & Trades

#20

Paul Mitchell the School Rhode Island

Cranston, Rhode Island
37 Total Awards
$17,801 Average Earnings
$13,340 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, Paul Mitchell the School Rhode Island did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Paul Mitchell the School Rhode Island is a very small private for-profit school situated in Cranston, Rhode Island. It awarded 37 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,340 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $87, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Paul Mitchell the School Rhode Island graduates make an average of $17,801 annually. Around 95% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Paul Mitchell the School Rhode Island Report

#21

College Unbound

Providence, Rhode Island
30 Total Awards

College Unbound ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Rhode Island list. This very small private not-for-profit school is located in Providence, Rhode Island, and it awarded 30 degrees in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 77% were women.

Read full report on College Unbound

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 21 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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