5 Cheapest Universities in Providence for International Students

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In Providence, Rhode Island, there are a handful of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Providence, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 5 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Providence, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Providence for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Providence ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Rhode Island College 25,100 USD 48%
Johnson and Wales University 37,900 USD 21%
Rhode Island School of Design 56,500 USD -18%
Providence College 57,000 USD -19%
Brown University 62,700 USD -31%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 47,900 USD for universities in Providence.

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1. Rhode Island College

Founded in 1854 in the city of Providence, Rhode Island College is the second-oldest college in the state. It currently offers over 100 study programs in different areas of arts and sciences, education, nursing, social work, and business. Students at the university enjoy its close proximity to the city and several beautiful beaches.

2. Johnson and Wales University

Johnson and Wales University was originally a business school when it was established in 1914 in Providence, Rhode Island. Over the years, the university added more degree programs in different fields such as communication, engineering, education, and hospitality. Programs at the university are designed to expose students to real-life experiences and industry simulations to make them ready for their future careers.

3. Rhode Island School of Design

The Rhode Island School of Design is the leading school for arts and design in the United States. It is affiliated with Brown University and grants degrees to undergraduates and graduates. RISD is also known for its campus museum, one of the largest museums in the country, which houses the work of students along with ancient and contemporary art pieces.

4. Providence College

Located in the capital city of Rhode Island, Providence College offers over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs in its four schools. Since this is a Catholic university, it has different religious degrees, like Theology or Biblical Studies, and its spiritual character is reflected in the program’s curriculum. This is done through a set of mandatory courses that must be taken during the first two years of all bachelor’s programs and involve topics such as philosophy, social science, and theology. It also has a very active student body with more than 100 student groups and dozens of sports teams.

5. Brown University

Brown University is one of the renowned private institutions in the US. As an ivy league member, this elite university has a legacy of transforming competent students into experts and distinguished professionals. In fact, it is the home of several prominent figures and celebrated personalities. The university champions in all academic aspects, including academic excellence, innovative and top-rated multidisciplinary programs, and high employability rate, to name a few. With its rich history and continuing prominence, the university will remain one of the leading institutions that strive for excellence.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Providence for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Providence ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Providence College 7,500 USD - 12,300 USD 75%
Johnson and Wales University 10,300 USD - 15,200 USD 66%
Rhode Island College 17,400 USD 42%
Brown University 56,100 USD - 75,500 USD -89%
Rhode Island School of Design 56,500 USD -91%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 29,600 USD for universities in Providence.

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1. Providence College

Located in the capital city of Rhode Island, Providence College offers over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs in its four schools. Since this is a Catholic university, it has different religious degrees, like Theology or Biblical Studies, and its spiritual character is reflected in the program’s curriculum. This is done through a set of mandatory courses that must be taken during the first two years of all bachelor’s programs and involve topics such as philosophy, social science, and theology. It also has a very active student body with more than 100 student groups and dozens of sports teams.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Providence College should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 7,500 USD to 12,225 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Johnson and Wales University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Johnson and Wales University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Johnson and Wales University is 10,296 USD to 15,156 USD.

Johnson and Wales University was originally a business school when it was established in 1914 in Providence, Rhode Island. Over the years, the university added more degree programs in different fields such as communication, engineering, education, and hospitality. Programs at the university are designed to expose students to real-life experiences and industry simulations to make them ready for their future careers.

3. Rhode Island College

Founded in 1854 in the city of Providence, Rhode Island College is the second-oldest college in the state. It currently offers over 100 study programs in different areas of arts and sciences, education, nursing, social work, and business. Students at the university enjoy its close proximity to the city and several beautiful beaches.

The tuition fee at Rhode Island College for incoming international master’s students is 17,352 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Brown University

Another affordable university to consider in Providence is Brown University.

Brown University is one of the renowned private institutions in the US. As an ivy league member, this elite university has a legacy of transforming competent students into experts and distinguished professionals. In fact, it is the home of several prominent figures and celebrated personalities. The university champions in all academic aspects, including academic excellence, innovative and top-rated multidisciplinary programs, and high employability rate, to name a few. With its rich history and continuing prominence, the university will remain one of the leading institutions that strive for excellence.

The tuition fee in Brown University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 56,096 USD.

5. Rhode Island School of Design

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Rhode Island School of Design has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 56,435 USD yearly.

The Rhode Island School of Design is the leading school for arts and design in the United States. It is affiliated with Brown University and grants degrees to undergraduates and graduates. RISD is also known for its campus museum, one of the largest museums in the country, which houses the work of students along with ancient and contemporary art pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Providence, Rhode Island?

Applying to cheap universities in Providence requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Providence?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Providence. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Providence is the Brown University, which offers American Studies, Comparative Literature, and Ethnic Studies to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Brown University offers Biostatistics, Data Science, and Design Engineering.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in United States, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in United States as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Providence for international students was helpful!