[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rhode Island is home to many excellent hospitals and offers easy access to both cities and coastal recreation. Although it’s the smallest state,12,150 nurses work in Rhode Island.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide can help you choose between the best nursing programs in Rhode Island. We explore how to get your Rhode Island registered nursing (RN) license and typical salaries.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep reading for more about nursing schools in Rhode Island and your career prospects.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Rhode Island[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The best nursing program in Rhode Island for you depends on your preferences, learning needs, background, and career goals. If you want to earn your license quickly, an associate degree in nursing (ADN) takes two years to complete. A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) takes longer but is more valuable for career advancement.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in Rhode Island, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text]
We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1
Salve Regina University
- Newport, RI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
A private college based in Newport, Salve Regina ranks among the top nursing schools in Rhode Island. Candidates can earn their master of science in nursing in a flexible online format that includes limited campus sessions. The program offers six annual start dates and a mix of synchronous and asynchronous classes.
- Program(s): Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Newport, Rhode Island
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $670/credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's in nursing; registered nurse license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 28 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
80%
Online Enrollment
$11,250
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
83%
Retention Rate
$11,250
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 75%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,771
- Institution Type
- Private
#2
Rhode Island College
- Providence, RI
- 4 year
- Campus
- Accredited
Based in Providence, Rhode Island College offers a hybrid doctor of nursing practice for trained nurses. As one of the top nursing programs in Rhode Island, the degree trains students for top-level administrative and clinical positions. Common courses include advanced epidemiology, clinical research/analytic methods, and healthcare policy and advocacy.
- Program(s): Doctor of nursing practice
- Campus: Providence, Rhode Island
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $536/credit in state; $784/credit neighboring states; $1,005 out of state
- Admission Requirements: Registered nurse license; master's in nursing with a 3.0 GPA or bachelor's in nursing and a related master's degree (such as in public health or health administration)
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 98.4%
99%
Online Enrollment
$ 8,316
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
76%
Retention Rate
$16,164
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 81%
- Students Enrolled
- 7,072
- Institution Type
- Public
#3
University of Rhode Island
- Kingston, RI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
The University of Rhode Island operates campuses in Kingston and Providence. Ranked among the top nursing programs in Rhode Island, the school's master of science in nursing covers nursing theory, foundational science, and advanced practice. The program offers three specializations: adult-gerontology primary care, family, and psychiatric mental health. All courses take place in person at the URI Nursing Education Center in Providence.
- Program(s): Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Providence, Rhode Island
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $803/credit in state; $1,550/credit out of state
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing with a 3.0 GPA; registered nurse license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.5%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $109,286 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
89%
Online Enrollment
$14,096
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
85%
Retention Rate
$27,214
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 76%
- Students Enrolled
- 17,649
- Institution Type
- Public
#4
Community College of Rhode Island
- Warwick, RI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Community College of Rhode Island operates campuses in cities including Warwick, Providence, and Lincoln. As one of the top nursing schools in Rhode Island, CCRI's associate of science in nursing builds entry-level skills and prepares students for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). The Lincoln campus program offers evening and weekend enrollment options.
- Program(s): Associate of science in nursing
- Campus: Lincoln, Newport, Providence, and Warwick, Rhode Island
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Tuition: $210/credit in state; $626 out of state
- Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate; ACCUPLACER test; HESI A2 test
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 84.6%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $59,193 for associate degree graduates, according to College Scorecard
95%
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
56%
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 13,684
- Institution Type
- Public