[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-2″]As a partner state in the New England Board of Higher Education, Rhode Island offers diverse educational opportunities for students.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Colleges in Rhode Island offer online degree options at the undergraduate and graduate levels. A bachelor’s degree meets the educational requirement for many growing careers. For example, financial managers, public relations managers, software developers, and operations research analysts in Rhode Island all earn [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ri.htm/” target=”_blank”]annual mean wages[/hen-ui-link] of over $100,000.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many of Rhode Island’s growing industries prefer to hire candidates with college degrees. Careers in biomedical sciences, business services, and tech often require a bachelor’s degree or higher. The Ocean State also offers opportunities in marine ecology, maritime construction, and environmental preservation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rhode Island’s online colleges offer many enrollment options, including [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/synchronous-vs-asynchronous-programs-courses/”]synchronous and asynchronous[/hen-ui-link] courses, self-paced classes, and accelerated programs. Demand for online programs has increased amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and many students prefer the flexibility of online learning schedules. Rhode Islanders also benefit from in-state tuition discounts when enrolling at public colleges and universities in the state.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Our list ranks the best online colleges in Rhode Island. We only include [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]regionally accredited schools[/hen-ui-link] in our ranking to ensure each school meets the highest standard for granting degrees. Prospective students can use the list to find the right fit for their budget, interests, and career goals.[/hen-ui-text] ​ [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] ​ ​ [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online Colleges in Rhode Island[/hen-ui-heading] ​ ​ [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] ​ ​ ​ [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Employment in Rhode Island[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rhode Islanders benefit from above-average salaries and a strong economy. Rhode Island’s [hen-ui-link href=”https://commerceri.com/industries/” target=”/"_blank"”]major industries[/hen-ui-link] include biomedical sciences, cybersecurity and data analytics, maritime fields like shipbuilding and environmental preservation, and business services. Transportation and tourism also have strong growth projections.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rhode Islanders earn salaries above the national average. The mean annual wage in Rhode Island exceeds $60,000, compared to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm/” target=”_blank”]national mean[/hen-ui-link] of $56,310. As of Jan. 2021, the state’s [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.ri.htm#eag_ri.f.1/” target=”_blank”]7.2% unemployment rate[/hen-ui-link] slightly exceeds the national unemployment rate, and its [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/state/rhode_island/” target=”_blank”]110.6 cost of living[/hen-ui-link] also exceeds the national average.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]By earning a college degree, Rhode Islanders increase their career options and earning potential. More than [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/RI/PST045219/” target=”_blank”]1 in 3[/hen-ui-link] Rhode Islanders possess a bachelor’s degree or higher, and many of the state’s highest-paying and fastest-growing careers require a bachelor’s-level education. As the data below show, several of Rhode Island’s fastest-growing careers offer six-figure salaries.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following information covers some of the highest-paying roles employing more than 1,000 individuals in Rhode Island. Salary information applies specifically to Rhode Island, while job growth data pertains to the United States.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Top 10 Fastest-Growing, Highest-Paying Careers in Rhode Island[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Annual Mean Salary (2020)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Education Required[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Medical and Health Services Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm/” target=”_blank”]32%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”]$130,620[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm/” target=”_blank”]22%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”]$108,060[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Financial Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm/” target=”_blank”]15%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”]$169,070[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Management Analysts[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm/” target=”_blank”]11%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”]$93,980[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Computer and Information Systems Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm/” target=”_blank”]10%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”]$156,980[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Computer Systems Analysts[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-analysts.htm/” target=”_blank”]7%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”]$99,010[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Project Management Specialists and Business Operations Specialists, All Other[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/about/data-for-occupations-not-covered-in-detail.htm/” target=”_blank”]6%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”]$88,110[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Financial and Investment Analysts, Financial Risk Specialists, and Financial Specialists, All Other[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm/” target=”_blank”]5%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”]$88,930[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]General and Operations Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm/” target=”_blank”]4%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”]$155,290[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm/” target=”_blank”]4%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”]$206,670[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Doctoral[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ri.htm/” target=”_blank”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] ​ ​ [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Online Associate Degrees in Rhode Island[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many Rhode Island colleges also offer online associate degrees. An associate degree offers foundational training in business, technology, the liberal arts, and engineering. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ccri.edu/distance/” target=”/"_blank"”]Community College of Rhode Island[/hen-ui-link] offers online courses at a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ccri.edu/bursar/tuitionfees/spring-tuition-fees.html/” target=”_blank”]significant discount[/hen-ui-link] compared to four-year tuition rates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After completing associate degrees, graduates can enter the workforce in fields like allied healthcare, applied technology, or other vocational fields. A [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/transfer-credits-online-colleges/”]transfer-ready associate degree[/hen-ui-link] often meets the general education requirements for a bachelor’s degree. With an associate degree, students can transfer into four-year colleges and complete bachelor’s degree in about two years.[/hen-ui-text] ​ [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Online Graduate Degrees in Rhode Island[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rhode Island’s universities offer many [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]online graduate programs[/hen-ui-link] in diverse disciplines. For example, graduate students can earn an online [hen-ui-link href=”https://web.uri.edu/online/programs/graduate/healthcare-management/” target=”_blank”]master’s in healthcare management[/hen-ui-link] or an online master’s in [hen-ui-link href=”https://web.uri.edu/online/programs/graduate/master-of-library-and-information-studies/” target=”/"_blank"”]library and information studies[/hen-ui-link] from the University of Rhode Island. Roger Williams University offers [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.rwu.edu/graduate/programs/online-graduate-programs/” target=”_blank”]online graduate degrees[/hen-ui-link] in subjects like criminal justice, public administration, and cybersecurity. These programs prepare graduates for careers in growing industries in Rhode Island.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online programs appeal to working professionals seeking career advancement or to transition into a new career. The flexible schedule of an online program makes it easier to work while completing graduate courses. Many online programs accept [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/transfer-credits-online-colleges/”]transfer credits[/hen-ui-link], which can shorten the degree timeline and save students money.[/hen-ui-text] ​ ​ [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading] ​ [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Is the Most Popular Online College in Rhode Island?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Roger Williams University, the University of Rhode Island, and Johnson & Wales University rank among the most popular online colleges in Rhode Island.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is Online College Cheaper in Rhode Island?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online enrollment status can save students money. In addition to potential tuition discounts, distance learners can save on transportation, living expenses, and other costs. However, online programs can also include additional fees, so it’s good to do your own research before enrolling.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Is the Most Popular Degree in Rhode Island?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The most popular degrees in Rhode Island include business, healthcare, education, and the liberal arts. Many online colleges in Rhode Island offer fully online degrees in these areas.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can You Get a College Degree Completely Online?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. Many colleges and universities offer fully online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels across a variety of fields.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Do Employers Care if You Have an Online Degree?” expanded=”true”] ​ [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online degree from an accredited college meets the same educational standards as an in-person degree. Often, the degree iself won’t even say that it was earned online. As a result, employers will hire candidates with online degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”170,1481,905″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]