Best Online Colleges in Rhode Island

Based in Kingston, the University of Rhode Island offers both on-campus and online options to students seeking to get an education. Online students at URI pay in-state tuition regardless of where they live. Resources available to distance learners include a writing center that offers online appointments, access to online tutors who provide one-on-one assistance, and technological support.

URI offers one online program: a RN to BSN in nursing that requires students to complete 24 credit hours during courses that last seven weeks. UFI delivers online content asynchronously, and students can complete the program in as little as 15 months. Admission to the online RN to BSN in nursing program requires students to possess an RN license, a minimum 2.6 GPA, and either a nursing diploma or an associate degree in nursing from an ACEN-accredited program of nursing.

Recognized as an innovative educational leader, Johnson & Wales University (JWU) is a private, nonprofit institution with four campuses in Rhode Island, Florida, Colorado, and North Carolina. The school has a student body of approximately 16,000 undergraduate, graduate, and online students. Degree programs are offered in various disciplines, including the arts and sciences, business, culinary arts, engineering, and design.

One of the online colleges in Rhode Island, JWU's College of Online Education administers bachelor's degree programs 100% online in fields such as business, hotel and lodging management, entrepreneurship, and human resource management. One unique program, the BS in Baking and Pastry Arts and Food Service Management, is designed for students with an associate degree in the baking & pastry arts who would like to take the next step in their career. Six BSBA degree programs are offered in areas of specialization including international business and entrepreneurship.

A leader in technical career education in New England, New England Institute of Technology is a private nonprofit institution with undergraduate and graduate degrees in more than 50 areas. The school is noteworthy because most of its bachelor's degrees can be completed in three years. New England Tech, one of the best online colleges in Rhode Island, has e-learning options that are designed for working professionals.

Four online bachelor's degree programs are offered in Automotive Service Management, a program for working automotive and transportation professionals; Criminal Justice for Working Professionals, for public safety professionals; Rehabilitation Sciences, to train those working with the disabled; and the RN to BSN for licensed registered nurses. Some online degree programs have an accelerated format. Students have access to courses 24/7, in addition to online advising and tutoring. The school's tuition is the lowest of any private college in the state.