The College Consensus ranking of the Best Colleges in Rhode Island combines the results of the most respected college ranking systems with the averaged ratings of thousands of real student reviews from around the web to create a unique college meta-ranking. This approach offers a comprehensive and holistic perspective missing from other college rankings. Visit our about page for information on which rankings and review sites were included in this year’s consensus rankings.
The Best Online Colleges & Universities in Rhode Island category is limited to schools in Rhode Island offering at least three fully-online degree programs at any level. Schools that did not qualify for a Consensus Score were ranked by their Student Review score.
Need help paying for college? You can find out more about college financial aid with our list of the Top Rhode Island Scholarships.
Online Learning in Rhode Island
Sure, students in Rhode Island aren’t constrained by long commutes, like a student in Montana or Wyoming. And there aren’t large, remote rural populations like many of the Midwestern and Southern states (in fact, it’s the most densely-populated of all the states). But working adults in Rhode Island – especially busy commuters working in Boston or Hartford – find a lot of benefit in being able to enhance their career from anywhere.
Distance learning has changed education dynamics over the last decade. More people from diverse cultures, ages, and backgrounds are now taking online courses. The growing popularity has made it possible for people who work full-time, high school graduates, unemployed and stay-at-home parents to access educational programs that fit their lifestyle. The trend has also been welcomed by millennials who are more appreciative of learning remotely, thus achieving study-life or work-life balance at the best online colleges.
Who Benefits Most from Online Colleges in Rhode Island?
To ascertain that you can comfortably undertake an online course, one needs to meet the following requirements:
Be able to learn outside the classroom setting: Different people have varying capabilities when it comes to attention and alertness while learning. Some students focus and are more attentive in a classroom setting. One of the major reasons why students fail in online colleges in Rhode Island is that they underestimate the time they need to devote to the coursework and assignments. Just like a conventional classroom, you need to keep up with the coursework and submit assignments on time.
Be self-motivated and disciplined: Online learning might not be the best option for people who struggle to accomplish tasks on their own. While there are courses that demand that students collaborate on group projects, most of the work is done by the student.
Have access to a computer and a reliable internet connection: Unlike conventional classes, students spend most of their time listening to lectures, taking projects, tackling assignments and projects, interacting with fellow learners, and emailing instructors. People who do not enjoy working with computers might find online learning overwhelming.
What Kinds of Degrees Can I Earn Online in Rhode Island?
Today, technology has made it possible for students to earn online degrees in Rhode Island. Students can also transfer their credits from online colleges to conventional schools and vice versa. Courses that cater to thought-heavy topics such as mathematics, humanities, and English tend to be common compared to courses covering specific subjects such as computer science.
You can undertake virtually any degree program online. For instance, professionals who are looking into improving their resume and developing skills that will make them more marketable at the workplace can undertake certification courses. There are also multiple online professional development programs. However, such professionals need to check with experts in their fields of practice on how particular online courses are received in the industry. Certification credits might or might not be transferrable towards bachelor degrees.
25 Highest Paying Online Associates Degrees
25 Highest Paying Online Bachelors Degrees
25 Highest Paying Online Masters Degrees
25 Highest Paying Online Doctoral Degrees
For students with a limited budget, there are associate two-year online degrees in Rhode Island. Such programs usually focus more on general education with little emphasis on the learner’s career. Associate degree programs are best suited for working adults or high school graduates who seek an affordable avenue towards obtaining a bachelor’s degree. Online bachelor’s degree programs in Rhode Island normally take students four years of study time. Such a program costs more than the associate’s degree program as it is more comprehensive.
How Can I Save Money on an Online Degree in Rhode Island?
Students prefer online courses due to their affordability and convenience. The following tips are meant to make such courses even more affordable:
Come up with a plan and stick to it: The only way students can get the most out of their online course is by coming up with a study plan and intentionally sticking to it. This is because it is easy to get distracted during the self-education process. During the planning process, students need to prioritize the skills they need to improve.
Enroll in low-cost regional institutions or community colleges: Community colleges are quite popular as they have smaller class sizes which means students get personalized attention. CCRI online degree courses from community colleges and low-cost regional institutions cost lower compared to four-year programs. Such institutions usually have transfer agreements with local institutions. Enrolling in a community college gives the student physical access to their preferred campus.
Find out whether you qualify for employer reimbursement online training programs: Today, employers are using incentives, such as tuition reimbursement to motivate their employees. Normally, the employee has to pay for the online course out of their pocket. Once they complete it, the employer reimburses some or all of the tuition fees. The reimbursement conditions are different for every employer. For instance, certain employers will reimburse their employees if they undertake courses that are within their scope of practice.
Final Thoughts
One of the most common mistakes students make as far as online learning is concerned is not checking on the institution’s accreditation. When an institution is accredited, it implies that it is providing students with the necessary support as well as the required job skills. Accreditation could also impact the student’s eligibility for state and federal financial aid. Students should also make a point of reviewing their preferred course’s curriculum before enrolling for any online course.
Related Rankings:
Best Colleges & Universities in Rhode Island
