Top 3 Computer Science Programs in Rhode Island 2025
Brown University
273 computer science graduates annually, 96% graduation rate
Providence College
13 computer science graduates annually, 89% graduation rate
University of Rhode Island
90 computer science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Rhode Island offers 8+ accredited computer science programs across public and private universities
- 2.Brown University leads with 96% graduation rate
- 3.Rhode Island software developers earn median $103,450 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Providence, Warwick, Cranston
- 5.Cost of living index: 101.4% of US average (above average)
Computer Science Education in Rhode Island: Overview
Rhode Island offers 8 accredited computer science programs, producing approximately 456 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Providence, Warwick, Cranston, with major employers including Fidelity Investments, CVS Health, Citizens Bank.
With a median software developer salary of $103,450 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 101.4% compared to the US average, Rhode Island offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.
The top computer science programs in the state are led by Brown University, Providence College, University of Rhode Island, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Rhode Island Computer Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brown University | Providence, RI | Private | $65,656 | 96% | 96.9 |
| 2 | Providence College | Providence, RI | Private | $59,830 | 89% | 54.3 |
| 3 | University of Rhode Island | Kingston, RI | Public | $14,116 | — | 54 |
| 4 | Rhode Island College | Providence, RI | Public | $9,481 | — | 44.2 |
| 5 | Johnson & Wales University-Providence | Providence, RI | Private | $39,792 | — | 39.1 |
| 6 | Roger Williams University | Bristol, RI | Private | $42,336 | — | 36.7 |
| 7 | Johnson & Wales University-Online | Providence, RI | Private | $13,365 | 13% | 30.3 |
| 8 | Community College of Rhode Island | Warwick, RI | Public | $4,856 | — | 28.3 |
Top 5 Computer Science Programs in Rhode Island: Side-by-Side
| School | Brown | Providence College | U of Rhode Island | Rhode Island College | Johnson & Wales Universit... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $65,656 | $59,830 | $14,116 | $9,481 | $39,792 |
| Graduation Rate | 96% | 89% | N/A% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 273 | 13 | 90 | 42 | 19 |
| Acceptance Rate | 5% | 49% | 77% | 81% | 84% |
| Type | Private | Private | Public | Public | Private |
| Score | 96.9/100 | 54.3/100 | 54.0/100 | 44.2/100 | 39.1/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Science in Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers 7 bachelor's-level computer science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Brown University, Providence College, University of Rhode Island. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,415 in the Rhode Island market.
A bachelor's in computer science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Science Bachelor's Programs in Rhode Island
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Brown | $65,656 | 96% | 273 | 96.9 |
| #2 Providence College | $59,830 | 89% | 13 | 54.3 |
| #3 U of Rhode Island | $14,116 | N/A% | 90 | 54.0 |
Top Computer Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Rhode Island
For graduate study, Rhode Island offers 2 master's-level computer science programs. Leading institutions include Brown University, University of Rhode Island. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Rhode Island reaching $134,485 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best computer science master's programs for more options beyond Rhode Island.
Top 3 Computer Science Master's Programs in Rhode Island
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Brown | $65,656 | 96% | 129 | 96.9 |
| #2 U of Rhode Island | $14,116 | N/A% | 5 | 38.2 |
Most Affordable Computer Science Colleges in Rhode Island
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer science programs in Rhode Island are at Community College of Rhode Island ($4,856/year), Rhode Island College ($9,481/year), Johnson & Wales University-Online ($13,365/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Rhode Island's competitive tech salaries.
At Community College of Rhode Island, a 4-year degree costs approximately $19,424 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $72,415, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.5 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Science Programs in Rhode Island (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Community College of... | $4,856 | $19,424 | 0.5 years | Public |
| #2 Rhode Island College | $9,481 | $37,924 | 1 years | Public |
| #3 Johnson & Wales Universit... | $13,365 | $53,460 | 1.4 years | Private |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Science Schools in Rhode Island
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer science programs in Rhode Island, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Brown University
Providence, RI • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $65,656 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 273 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 5%
- • Ranking Score: 96.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 273 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 96.9 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (96%), program size (273 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,450), and selectivity (5% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Brown's Computer Science program offers a highly customizable curriculum with two pathways requirement and capstone experience, taught by distinguished professors with access to cutting-edge research labs. The program provides both coursework-only and research project options, with an optional professional track including 2-6 month internships.
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •Introductory Programming
- •Introductory Algorithms and Data Structures
- •Computer Systems or Software Engineering
- •Discrete Mathematics and basic Probability
- •Linear Algebra
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Capstone Project Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Providence College
Providence, RI • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $59,830 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 13 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 49%
- • Ranking Score: 54.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 13 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 54.3 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (13 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,450), and selectivity (49% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $14,116 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 90 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 77%
- • Ranking Score: 54.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 90 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 54.0 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (90 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,450), and selectivity (77% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
URI's Computer Science program is part of a Carnegie R1 research university, placing it among the top 4.8% of institutions nationally, with strong industry partnerships like RISE and dedicated career support through assigned specialists for every student.
Admission Prerequisites
- •4 units in English
- •3 units in mathematics including Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry
- •2 units in a physical or natural science (including at least one laboratory science)
- •2 units in history or social science
- •2 units in the same foreign language
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.00
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
- Capstone Project Required
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: about 75% of URI graduates get jobs right after commencement and about 15% go on to graduate school
- Top Employers: RISE
Rankings & Recognition
- URI's Carnegie R1 classification places us among the top 4.8% of degree-granting postsecondary institutions nationally
Rhode Island College
Providence, RI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,481 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 42 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 81%
- • Ranking Score: 44.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 42 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 44.2 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (42 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,450), and selectivity (81% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Johnson & Wales University-Providence
Providence, RI • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $39,792 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 19 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 84%
- • Ranking Score: 39.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 19 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 39.1 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (19 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,450), and selectivity (84% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Rhode Island with strong job growth.
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Full Stack Developer opportunities in Rhode Island with strong job growth.
Systems Architect
SOC 15-1252Systems Architect opportunities in Rhode Island with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Rhode Island with strong job growth.
Technical Lead
SOC 15-1252Technical Lead opportunities in Rhode Island with strong job growth.
Computer Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Providence, Warwick, Cranston
- You're seeking competitive salaries ($103,450 median)
- You want to work at companies like Fidelity Investments or CVS Health
- You prefer Rhode Island's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Rhode Island's 8)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Computer Science in Rhode Island FAQ
Based on 8 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Science degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Rhode Island-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Rhode Island salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.