Rhode Island university campus representing information systems education
Updated December 2025

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

Ranking 4 top accredited information systems programs in Rhode Island. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Providence, Warwick, Cranston.

Programs Ranked4
Median Salary$103,450
Cost of Living101.4%
Tech Hubs3

Top 3 Information Systems Programs in Rhode Island 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

Bryant University

Smithfield, RIPrivate

54 information systems graduates annually, 94% graduation rate

$50K
Tuition/yr
94%
Grad Rate
73.8
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

Rhode Island College

Providence, RIPublic

13 information systems graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$9K
Tuition/yr
43.1
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

Salve Regina University

Newport, RIPrivate

3 information systems graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$47K
Tuition/yr
38.8
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Rhode Island offers 4+ accredited information systems programs across public and private universities
  • 2.Bryant University leads with 94% 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 Systems Education in Rhode Island: Overview

Rhode Island offers 4 accredited information systems programs, producing approximately 73 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 systems programs in the state are led by Bryant University, Rhode Island College, Salve Regina University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

Rhode Island Information Systems Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1Bryant UniversitySmithfield, RIPrivate$50,27294%73.8
2Rhode Island CollegeProvidence, RIPublic$9,481โ€”43.1
3Salve Regina UniversityNewport, RIPrivate$47,180โ€”38.8
4Johnson & Wales University-ProvidenceProvidence, RIPrivate$39,792โ€”36

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

SchoolBryantRhode Island CollegeSalve ReginaJohnson & Wales Universit...
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
In-State Tuition
$50,272
$9,481
$47,180
$39,792
Graduation Rate
94%
N/A%
N/A%
N/A%
Annual Graduates
54
13
3
3
Acceptance Rate
66%
81%
70%
84%
Type
Private
Public
Private
Private
Score
73.8/100
43.1/100
38.8/100
36.0/100

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

Rhode Island offers 2 bachelor's-level information systems programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Bryant University, Rhode Island College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,415 in the Rhode Island market.

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

Top 3 Information Systems Bachelor's Programs in Rhode Island

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Bryant
$50,272
94%
33
64.6
#2 Rhode Island College
$9,481
N/A%
13
43.1

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

For graduate study, Rhode Island offers 3 master's-level information systems programs. Leading institutions include Bryant University, Salve Regina University, Johnson & Wales University-Providence. 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 systems master's programs for more options beyond Rhode Island.

Top 3 Information Systems Master's Programs in Rhode Island

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Bryant
$50,272
94%
54
73.8
#2 Salve Regina
$47,180
N/A%
3
38.8
#3 Johnson & Wales Universit...
$39,792
N/A%
3
36.0

Most Affordable Information Systems Colleges in Rhode Island

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information systems programs in Rhode Island are at Rhode Island College ($9,481/year), Johnson & Wales University-Providence ($39,792/year), Salve Regina University ($47,180/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Rhode Island's competitive tech salaries.

At Rhode Island College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $37,924 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $72,415, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 1 years. See our Most Affordable Information Systems Programs for national comparisons.

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

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#1 Rhode Island College
$9,481
$37,924
1 years
Public
#2 Johnson & Wales Universit...
$39,792
$159,168
4.3 years
Private
#3 Salve Regina
$47,180
$188,720
5 years
Private

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

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information systems 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

Bryant University

Smithfield, RI โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $50,272 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 94% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Systems Graduates: 54 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 66%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 73.8 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 94% graduation rate
  • 54 information systems graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 73.8 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (94%), program size (54 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,450), and selectivity (66% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#2

Rhode Island College

Providence, RI โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $9,481 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Systems Graduates: 13 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 43.1 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 13 information systems graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 43.1 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (13 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,450), and selectivity (81% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#3

Salve Regina University

Newport, RI โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $47,180 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Systems Graduates: 3 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 70%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 38.8 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 3 information systems graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 38.8 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (3 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,450), and selectivity (70% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#4

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 Systems Graduates: 3 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 84%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 36.0 / 100

Program Strengths

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

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 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
88
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Rhode Island with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$105,594

Systems Analyst

SOC 15-1211
+10%

Systems Analyst opportunities in Rhode Island with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$113,052

IT Manager

SOC 15-1299
+15%

IT Manager opportunities in Rhode Island with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$109,816
+15%

Technical Consultant opportunities in Rhode Island with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$101,819

Database Administrator opportunities in Rhode Island with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$95,569

Information Systems 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 4)
  • You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration

Information Systems in Rhode Island FAQ

Ranking Methodology

Based on 4 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Information Systems 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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