Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

University of Rhode Island vs Community College of Rhode Island: which has better ROI?

Public, Kingston RI · vs · Public, Warwick RI

The verdict

University of Rhode Island has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $85,760 in 4 years versus not at all at Community College of Rhode Island, on median earnings of $69,743 vs $42,659 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Rhode IslandCommunity College of Rhode Island
Net price / yr$21,440$6,513
Total net cost$85,760$13,026
Median earnings, 10 yrs$69,743$42,659
Median debt$22,250$10,920
Payback4 yrs
20-year net return$341,900$-127,046

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.