Rhode Island university campus representing information security education
Updated December 2025

Best Information Security Programs in Rhode Island: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 6 top accredited information security programs in Rhode Island. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Providence, Warwick, Cranston.

Programs Ranked6
Median Salary$103,450
Cost of Living101.4%
Tech Hubs3

Top 3 Information Security Programs in Rhode Island 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

Brown University

Providence, RIPrivate

21 information security graduates annually, 96% graduation rate

$66K
Tuition/yr
96%
Grad Rate
73.3
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

New England Institute of Technology

East Greenwich, RIPrivate

31 information security graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$33K
Tuition/yr
51.6
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RIPublic

16 information security graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$14K
Tuition/yr
45.3
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Rhode Island offers 6+ accredited information security 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)

Information Security Education in Rhode Island: Overview

Rhode Island offers 6 accredited information security programs, producing approximately 94 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 information security programs in the state are led by Brown University, New England Institute of Technology, University of Rhode Island, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

Rhode Island Information Security Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1Brown UniversityProvidence, RIPrivate$65,65696%73.3
2New England Institute of TechnologyEast Greenwich, RIPrivate$33,225โ€”51.6
3University of Rhode IslandKingston, RIPublic$14,116โ€”45.3
4Roger Williams UniversityBristol, RIPrivate$42,336โ€”43.5
5Johnson & Wales University-ProvidenceProvidence, RIPrivate$39,792โ€”36
6Community College of Rhode IslandWarwick, RIPublic$4,856โ€”31.7

Top 5 Information Security Programs in Rhode Island: Side-by-Side

SchoolBrownNew England Institute of...U of Rhode IslandRoger WilliamsJohnson & Wales Universit...
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$65,656
$33,225
$14,116
$42,336
$39,792
Graduation Rate
96%
N/A%
N/A%
N/A%
N/A%
Annual Graduates
21
31
16
17
3
Acceptance Rate
5%
73%
77%
88%
84%
Type
Private
Private
Public
Private
Private
Score
73.3/100
51.6/100
45.3/100
43.5/100
36.0/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Security in Rhode Island

Rhode Island offers 2 bachelor's-level information security programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are New England Institute of Technology, Roger Williams University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,415 in the Rhode Island market.

A bachelor's in information security typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Security Bachelor's Programs guide.

Top 3 Information Security Bachelor's Programs in Rhode Island

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 New England Institute of...
$33,225
N/A%
31
51.6
#2 Roger Williams
$42,336
N/A%
17
43.5

Top Information Security Schools for Master's Degrees in Rhode Island

For graduate study, Rhode Island offers 5 master's-level information security programs. Leading institutions include Brown University, University of Rhode Island, New England Institute of Technology. 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 information security master's programs for more options beyond Rhode Island.

Top 3 Information Security Master's Programs in Rhode Island

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Brown
$65,656
96%
21
73.3
#2 U of Rhode Island
$14,116
N/A%
16
45.3
#3 New England Institute of...
$33,225
N/A%
3
38.2

Most Affordable Information Security Colleges in Rhode Island

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information security programs in Rhode Island are at Community College of Rhode Island ($4,856/year), University of Rhode Island ($14,116/year), New England Institute of Technology ($33,225/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 Information Security Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Information Security Programs in Rhode Island (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#1 Community College of...
$4,856
$19,424
0.5 years
Public
#2 U of Rhode Island
$14,116
$56,464
1.5 years
Public
#3 New England Institute of...
$33,225
$132,900
3.6 years
Private

Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Information Security Schools in Rhode Island

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information security 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.

#1

Brown University

Providence, RI โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $65,656 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Security Graduates: 21 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 5%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 73.3 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 96% graduation rate
  • 21 information security graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 73.3 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (96%), program size (21 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,450), and selectivity (5% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#2

New England Institute of Technology

East Greenwich, RI โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $33,225 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Security Graduates: 31 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 73%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 51.6 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 31 information security graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 51.6 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (31 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,450), and selectivity (73% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#3

University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $14,116 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Security Graduates: 16 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 45.3 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 16 information security graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 45.3 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (16 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,450), and selectivity (77% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#4

Roger Williams University

Bristol, RI โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $42,336 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Security Graduates: 17 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 43.5 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 17 information security graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 43.5 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (17 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,450), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#5

Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Providence, RI โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $39,792 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Security Graduates: 3 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 84%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 36.0 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 3 information security graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 36.0 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (3 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,450), and selectivity (84% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

$72,415
Starting Salary
$103,450
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
113
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Rhode Island with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$107,103

Systems Analyst

SOC 15-1211
+10%

Systems Analyst opportunities in Rhode Island with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$102,943

IT Manager

SOC 15-1299
+15%

IT Manager opportunities in Rhode Island with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$98,316
+15%

Technical Consultant opportunities in Rhode Island with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$94,253

Database Administrator opportunities in Rhode Island with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$109,624

Information Security Programs in Other States

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Rhode Island if...
  • 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
Consider other states if...
  • You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
  • You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Rhode Island's 6)
  • You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration

Information Security in Rhode Island FAQ

Ranking Methodology

Based on 6 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Information Security degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

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

Official University Websites

Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data

Taylor Rupe

Taylor Rupe

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