Government Accredited Online Colleges in Rhode Island

Back in 1997, the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education approved a new policy to improve the quality of distance education and offer opportunities for its own residents, having recognized that the Internet could help change the face of higher education as the state new it. In 2012, over a thousand students enrolled in various undergraduate and graduate programs through Title IV universities and colleges exclusively as distant learners. It might seem like a small number, but online programs in Rhode Island are usually on par with the other states. Today, seven Rhode Island four year public schools have options for distance learning, including University of Rhode Island, which has more than 100 online courses.

Like other parts of the United States, the cost of tuition in Rhode Island as increased in the last few years. Between the years of 2004 and 2014, there was an increase of 36 percent in two year public school tuition while four year schools saw an increase of 46.5 percent. In fact, 2011 saw a 7.4 percent increase all on its own.

Rhode Island also decreased its budget for higher education between 2008 and 2014 by 23.1 percent, which is one reason to explain the higher tuition costs in the state. Recently, the public schools in Rhode Island have turned to try and fund new operations with tuition rather than using state funds.

Enrollment continues to rise in Rhode Island. There was a 16 percent increase starting in 2002 in overall public institutions, though studies suggest the Northeast is due for a decrease in enrollment soon. In the meantime, it maintains a 79.9 percent retention rate and 57.3 percent graduation rate.