Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

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

Public, Kingston RI · vs · Public, Providence 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 4.8 years at Rhode Island College, on median earnings of $69,743 vs $56,318 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Rhode IslandRhode Island College
Net price / yr$21,440$9,478
Total net cost$85,760$37,912
Median earnings, 10 yrs$69,743$56,318
Median debt$22,250$20,500
Payback4 yrs4.8 yrs
20-year net return$341,900$121,248

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