10 Cheapest Universities in Rhode Island for International Students

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In Rhode Island, there are a lot 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. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Rhode Island, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 10 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Rhode Island, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Rhode Island for International Students

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
New England Institute of Technology 18,600 USD - 36,000 USD 62%
Rhode Island College 28,300 USD 42%
University of Rhode Island 38,400 USD 20%
Johnson and Wales University 43,900 USD 9%
Roger Williams University 45,700 USD - 51,000 USD 5%
Salve Regina University 51,300 USD -6%
Bryant University 53,400 USD -11%
Rhode Island School of Design 64,000 USD -33%
Providence College 64,900 USD -35%
Brown University 71,700 USD -49%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 48,000 USD for universities in Rhode Island.

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1. New England Institute of Technology

New England Institute of Technology is a private university in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Plumbing and heating ventilation, architectural design, occupational therapy, veterinary technology, and software engineering are among the technical programs available. Students at New England Tech will receive hands-on education and professional skill development to help them advance in their careers.

2. 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.

3. University of Rhode Island

The University of Rhode Island, a flagship university of Rhode Island, is a research-intensive institution. It has campuses in Kingston, Downtown Providence, Jewelry District, Narragansett, and West Greenwich. Many opportunities await tertiary students of all levels as the university offers hundreds of majors, graduate programs, international degrees, and minor courses.

4. 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.

5. Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University was initially established as a Junior College that was eventually awarded university status in 1992. Over the years, the university has grown to offer a complete tertiary education, including a College of Law and other University College programs. Its students are given the opportunity to experience the real-world processes of life through internships and apprenticeships, completing over a hundred service hours before graduation.

6. Salve Regina University

Salve Regina University is a private Catholic liberal arts university, founded in 1934 by a religious institution named Sister of Mercy. The university offers over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs and provides its students with a quality of life, and education through great infrastructure that exploits the sea-side view available in Rhode Island. Different scholarships and grants for both international and local students are available for both undergraduate and graduate programs. While bound by its religious foundations, Salve Regina University remains an educational institution that gives freedom of thinking and quality learning to its constituents.

7. Bryant University

Previously known as Bryant College, Bryant University stands tall and proud among the leading universities in the northeastern region of the United States. It offers one of the best business programs in the country. Bryant University produces competent graduates, with 99% landing full-time roles right after graduation.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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 Rhode Island for International Students

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
New England Institute of Technology 6,000 USD - 13,100 USD 78%
Johnson and Wales University 6,864 USD - 15,200 USD 74%
Providence College 7,860 USD - 19,200 USD 70%
Salve Regina University 9,120 USD - 13,700 USD 66%
Rhode Island College 13,000 USD - 19,500 USD 51%
Roger Williams University 18,800 USD - 46,900 USD 29%
Bryant University 30,500 USD - 47,200 USD -16%
University of Rhode Island 34,300 USD -30%
Rhode Island School of Design 64,000 USD -144%
Brown University 71,700 USD - 79,200 USD -173%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 26,200 USD for universities in Rhode Island.

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1. New England Institute of Technology

New England Institute of Technology is a private university in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Plumbing and heating ventilation, architectural design, occupational therapy, veterinary technology, and software engineering are among the technical programs available. Students at New England Tech will receive hands-on education and professional skill development to help them advance in their careers.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, New England Institute of Technology should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 6,000 USD to 13,050 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 6,864 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. 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.

The tuition fee at Providence College for incoming international master’s students is 7,860 USD to 19,170 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Salve Regina University

Another affordable university to consider in Rhode Island is Salve Regina University.

Salve Regina University is a private Catholic liberal arts university, founded in 1934 by a religious institution named Sister of Mercy. The university offers over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs and provides its students with a quality of life, and education through great infrastructure that exploits the sea-side view available in Rhode Island. Different scholarships and grants for both international and local students are available for both undergraduate and graduate programs. While bound by its religious foundations, Salve Regina University remains an educational institution that gives freedom of thinking and quality learning to its constituents.

The tuition fee in Salve Regina University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 9,120 USD.

5. Rhode Island College

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Rhode Island College 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 12,960 USD yearly.

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.

6. Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University was initially established as a Junior College that was eventually awarded university status in 1992. Over the years, the university has grown to offer a complete tertiary education, including a College of Law and other University College programs. Its students are given the opportunity to experience the real-world processes of life through internships and apprenticeships, completing over a hundred service hours before graduation.

7. Bryant University

Previously known as Bryant College, Bryant University stands tall and proud among the leading universities in the northeastern region of the United States. It offers one of the best business programs in the country. Bryant University produces competent graduates, with 99% landing full-time roles right after graduation.

8. University of Rhode Island

The University of Rhode Island, a flagship university of Rhode Island, is a research-intensive institution. It has campuses in Kingston, Downtown Providence, Jewelry District, Narragansett, and West Greenwich. Many opportunities await tertiary students of all levels as the university offers hundreds of majors, graduate programs, international degrees, and minor courses.

9. 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.

10. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Applying to cheap universities in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Rhode Island. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island for international students was helpful!