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Key Takeaways
Best information technology degree programs: Brown, U of Rhode Island, Bryant
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,856 to $65,656/year
Community College of Rhod... offers the most affordable option at $4,856/yr
Information Technology degree programs available: 1 associate's, 1 master's in Rhode Island
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
1 online information technology degree programs in Rhode Island
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Rhode Island community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
1 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Fidelity Investments, CVS Health, Citizens Bank, FM Global
Tech hubs in Providence and Warwick
Hakia Research 2026
Information Technology degree programs near 11+ cities across Rhode Island
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Rhode Island Information Technology programs
We rank 5 accredited information technology programs in Rhode Island using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Information Technology Degree Programs in Rhode Island Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Information Technology Degree Rankings in Rhode Island
Compare the top-ranked Information Technology programs in Rhode Island by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Information Technology Programs in Rhode Island
Program Landscape
Rhode Island offers 1 accredited associate's degree programs in information technology, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Community College of Rhod..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Rhode Island offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $4,856/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $56,898 in Rhode Island.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Rhode Island's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Providence, Warwick, Cranston areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Fidelity Investments, CVS Health, Citizens Bank hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among information technology schools in Rhode Island, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their information technology degrees in Rhode Island.
Best Bachelor's Information Technology Programs in Rhode Island
Program Landscape
Rhode Island ranks among the nation's top destinations for information technology education, with 3 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 1 public and 2 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Brown, U of Rhode Island, Bryant, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Rhode Island information technology programs earn a median salary of $87,933, 10% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Providence, Warwick, Cranston metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Fidelity Investments, CVS Health, Citizens Bank.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $14,116 to $65,656 annually, with an average of $43,348/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 95%, with the highest reaching 96%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Rhode Island's leading technology employers. For students seeking information technology degrees in Rhode Island, these top-ranked information technology schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Information Technology Programs in Rhode Island
Program Landscape
Rhode Island offers 1 master's degree programs in information technology, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Rhode Island, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Rhode Island earn a median salary of $103,450, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Providence, Warwick, Cranston creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Fidelity Investments, CVS Health, Citizens Bank actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $14,116/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Rhode Island's information technology schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Information Technology Degree Costs & Tuition in Rhode Island
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $33,725/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $84,313/year |
| Community college tuition | $8,431/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $202,352 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $50,588 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Information Technology Students in Rhode Island
State Aid Programs
Rhode Island offers several pathways to make Information Technology education affordable. The Rhode Island Promise program covers tuition at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) for qualifying recent high school graduates, eliminating a major financial barrier for students pursuing IT credentials. This initiative is particularly valuable for students beginning their IT journey at the associate's degree level before transferring to a four-year institution. Additionally, all federal student aid options are available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which provides access to grants, loans, and work-study opportunities regardless of institution type.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal programs, individual institutions provide scholarships and financial aid packages tailored to IT students. The University of Rhode Island and Bryant University both offer institutional aid to help offset tuition costs. Students should complete the FAFSA as early as possible and explore merit-based scholarships specific to their chosen school. For comprehensive guidance on federal aid options, the Federal Student Aid portal provides detailed information about grants, loans, and repayment plans. The Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner also maintains resources about state-specific financial aid opportunities and transfer pathways that can reduce overall costs.
Information Technology Degree ROI Calculator, Rhode Island
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information technology degree in Rhode Island. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Information Technology Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a information technology degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+692%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,279,487
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$114,286
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Information Technology Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Rhode Island metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Providence | $114K |
| Warwick | $109K |
| Cranston | $103K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Information Technology Graduates in Rhode Island
Find information technology jobs in Rhode Island. These major employers across Rhode Island metro areas are actively hiring information technology degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Information Technology Jobs in Providence
RIInformation Technology Jobs in Warwick
RITransfer Pathways for Information Technology Degrees in Rhode Island
State Transfer System
Rhode Island's transfer system is designed to help seamless progression from associate's to bachelor's degree programs, making it an affordable pathway for students beginning their IT education at community colleges. The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) offers 1 associate's degree program in Information Technology with 3 completions annually (IPEDS), serving as an important entry point for students seeking lower initial costs and smaller class sizes. The Rhode Island Transfer Agreements system explicitly facilitates transfer from CCRI to state colleges and the University of Rhode Island, with established articulation agreements ensuring that coursework completed at the two-year level applies directly toward bachelor's degree requirements. This structured pathway reduces duplication, minimizes time-to-degree, and significantly lowers overall educational costs.
How Transfers Work
Students beginning at Community College of Rhode Island can complete general education requirements and foundational IT coursework before transferring to complete specialized bachelor's programs. The University of Rhode Island, as the state's largest IT program with 95 completions, actively participates in Rhode Island's transfer agreements and welcomes community college graduates. Additionally, qualifying recent high school graduates may benefit from the Rhode Island Promise program, which covers tuition at CCRI, making the initial associate's degree completely affordable. Upon transfer to four-year institutions, students pursue advanced coursework in specialized areas such as Network Administration, Cloud Computing, or Cybersecurity. For comprehensive information on transfer options and articulation agreements, consult the Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner and institutional transfer offices (Rhode Island Transfer Agreements).
Why Pursue an Information Technology Degree in Rhode Island?
Industry & Workforce
Rhode Island offers a strong pathway for students pursuing Information Technology degrees, with 7 institutions currently offering IT programs across associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels (IPEDS). The state's IT education landscape is anchored by top-tier schools: the University of Rhode Island leads the state with 95 completions, followed by Brown University with 35 completions and Bryant University with 9 completions. Bachelor's degree programs dominate the offering, with 3 institutions producing 134 completions annually, providing students with diverse educational pathways (IPEDS).
Salary Outlook
The state's technology sector is strengthened by major employers headquartered in key metropolitan areas including the Providence-Warwick region, where companies like CVS Health, Lifespan, and Care New England maintain significant operations. For affordability-conscious students, Rhode Island's public universities offer compelling financial advantages, with average in-state tuition at four-year institutions standing at $11,799, substantially lower than the national average. Additionally, the Rhode Island Promise program covers tuition at Community College of Rhode Island for qualifying recent high school graduates, making entry-level IT education accessible to all learners. Compare Rhode Island's IT programs with opportunities in Information Systems, Cybersecurity, and Cloud Computing specializations to find your ideal career path.
Information Technology Program Availability in Rhode Island
Source: IPEDS 2024
Information Technology Job Market & Salary Data in Rhode Island
Employment Outlook
Rhode Island's information technology job market is supported by a diverse employer landscape and strong educational pipeline. The state hosts 7 institutions offering IT programs, with 134 bachelor's degree completions annually, providing a steady stream of qualified professionals for regional employers (IPEDS). The Providence-Warwick metropolitan area serves as the primary technology hub, anchored by major employers and educational institutions that drive demand for IT professionals across multiple sectors. Students and job seekers can explore current employment trends and wage data through the Bureau of Labor Statistics Rhode Island page, which provides real-time occupational outlooks for computer and information technology roles.
Salaries by Metro
The state's major cities. Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, and Newport, collectively represent significant employment centers for technology professionals. Public four-year institutions in Rhode Island charge an average in-state tuition of $11,799, making local degree programs accessible compared to national alternatives (IPEDS). The University of Rhode Island leads the state with 95 IT degree completions, positioning graduates for immediate entry into Rhode Island's job market. Those seeking comparative opportunities can review national rankings and trends through resources like best bachelor's programs and most affordable programs, which contextualize Rhode Island's competitive advantages in IT education and employment.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Information Technology Programs in Rhode Island
Online Programs
1 available in Rhode Island
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Information Technology Programs in Other States
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- 55
- Median Tuition
- $27,400
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- 137
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- $6,800
- Total Programs
- 138
- Median Tuition
- $13,800
- Total Programs
- 71
- Median Tuition
- $10,100
- Total Programs
- 33
- Median Tuition
- $9,100
Information Technology Degree Programs in Rhode Island: FAQ
What are the best information technology degree programs in Rhode Island?
How much do information technology degree programs cost in Rhode Island?
What salary can information technology degree graduates earn in Rhode Island?
Are there online information technology degree programs in Rhode Island?
What companies hire information technology degree graduates in Rhode Island?
Is an information technology degree program worth it in Rhode Island?
How long do information technology degree programs take in Rhode Island?
What financial aid is available for information technology degree students in Rhode Island?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Rhode Island salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.