🥇
$65,656
Tuition/yr
96%
Grad rate
96.9
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best machine learning degree programs: Brown, Providence College, Rhode Island College
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $9,481 to $65,656/year
Rhode Island College offers the most affordable option at $9,481/yr
Machine Learning degree programs available: 1 master's, 2 doctoral in Rhode Island
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Major employers: Fidelity Investments, CVS Health, Citizens Bank, FM Global
Tech hubs in Providence and Warwick
Hakia Research 2026
Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning programs
We rank 9 accredited machine learning 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.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodologyAre Machine Learning Degree Programs in Rhode Island Worth It?
Answer
$103,450
Yes. The best machine learning degree programs in Rhode Island deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $103,450 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $34,939/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Machine Learning Degree Rankings in Rhode Island
Compare the top-ranked Machine Learning programs in Rhode Island by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs in Rhode Island
6
Programs ranked
$38,410
Avg tuition/yr
66%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Rhode Island ranks among the nation's top destinations for machine learning education, with 6 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 1 public and 5 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Brown, Providence College, Rhode Island College, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Rhode Island machine learning 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 $9,481 to $65,656 annually, with an average of $38,410/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 66%, 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 machine learning degrees in Rhode Island, these top-ranked machine learning schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
#4
$39,792
Tuition/yr
53.4
Hakia Score
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Johnson & Wales University-Online | Providence, RI | Private | $13,365 | 13% | 36.0 |
Best Master's Machine Learning Programs in Rhode Island
1
Programs ranked
$65,656
Avg tuition/yr
96%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Rhode Island offers 1 master's degree programs in machine learning, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Brown, 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 $65,656/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 machine learning schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
🥇
$65,656
Tuition/yr
96%
Grad rate
96.8
Hakia Score
Best Doctoral Machine Learning Programs in Rhode Island
2
Programs ranked
$39,886
Avg tuition/yr
96%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Rhode Island is home to 2 doctoral programs in machine learning, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at Brown, U of Rhode Island are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Rhode Island PhD holders earning a median of $129,313, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Providence, Warwick, Cranston region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Fidelity Investments, CVS Health, Citizens Bank.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Rhode Island programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing machine learning degrees in Rhode Island, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Machine Learning Degree Costs & Tuition in Rhode Island
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $34,939/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $87,348/year |
| Community college tuition | $8,735/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $209,636 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $52,408 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Machine Learning Students in Rhode Island
State Aid Programs
Rhode Island offers several pathways to make machine learning education affordable. The Rhode Island Promise program is a flagship state initiative that covers tuition at the Community College of Rhode Island for qualifying recent high school graduates, making it an excellent starting point for students pursuing associate-level credentials before transferring to four-year institutions (Rhode Island Promise). Additionally, students can access federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opens doors to grants, loans, and work-study opportunities at all accredited institutions in the state (Federal Student Aid). The Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner provides comprehensive resources on available state and federal aid options, helping students navigate funding mechanisms (Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner).
Key Programs & Amounts
Many institutions in Rhode Island offer institutional scholarships and merit-based aid to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Brown University, the state's leading machine learning program, provides need-based financial aid packages to help offset its higher tuition. For students seeking affordable options, Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island both offer competitive tuition rates alongside institutional funding opportunities. Transfer students benefit significantly from the Rhode Island Transfer Agreements, which help seamless credit transfer from the Community College of Rhode Island to state colleges and URI (Rhode Island Transfer Agreements), allowing students to complete general education credits affordably before advancing to upper-level machine learning coursework. Prospective students should consult individual school financial aid offices and explore the College Scorecard for detailed cost and aid data (College Scorecard).
Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator, Rhode Island
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a machine learning 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.
Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a machine learning degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+1064%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,967,896
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$147,619
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
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$3,003,304
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Austin, TX)$155,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return5.5%
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
Machine Learning Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Rhode Island metro areas
Providence$114K
Warwick$109K
Cranston$103K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Providence | $114K |
| Warwick | $109K |
| Cranston | $103K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Machine Learning Graduates in Rhode Island
Find machine learning jobs in Rhode Island. These major employers across Rhode Island metro areas are actively hiring machine learning degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Machine Learning Jobs in Providence
RICVS Health
healthcare
Citizens Financial Group
finance
Fidelity Investments
finance
Infosys
consulting
Machine Learning Jobs in Warwick
RIGTECH/IGT
gaming-tech
Amica Insurance
insurance
Transfer Pathways for Machine Learning Degrees in Rhode Island
State Transfer System
Rhode Island's transfer system is designed to help a seamless pathway from community college to university-level machine learning programs. The Rhode Island Transfer Agreements (https://www.riopc.edu/) establish formal articulation agreements that allow students to complete general education and foundational coursework at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and transfer credits directly to four-year institutions. This pathway is particularly valuable for students seeking affordable entry points: CCRI charges just $4,856 in tuition, while state universities charge $11,799 on average for in-state students. By starting at an associate level, students can save tens of thousands of dollars while earning college credits that count toward a bachelor's degree in machine learning. The state's 2 two-year institutions play a critical role in democratizing access to machine learning education.
How Transfers Work
The state's Rhode Island Promise program (https://www.ccri.edu/ripromise/) covers tuition at CCRI for qualifying recent high school graduates, further reducing financial barriers to starting a machine learning education. After completing an associate degree or core requirements at CCRI, students can transfer to programs at University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, or Brown University, all of which accept transfer credits under state agreements. According to (IPEDS), this pathway supports the 129 master's completions and broader degree pipeline across institutions. The Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner oversees these agreements to ensure smooth transitions. Students interested in alternative paths should explore Data Analytics in Rhode Island and Computer Science in Rhode Island. Learn more about best online programs for flexible, transfer-friendly options as well.
Why Pursue a Machine Learning Degree in Rhode Island?
Industry & Workforce
Rhode Island offers a strong machine learning education landscape with 10 institutions offering programs at multiple degree levels, according to (IPEDS). The state produced 290 bachelor's degree completions, 129 master's completions, and 16 doctoral completions in machine learning, demonstrating strong educational capacity across credential levels. This diverse ecosystem provides students with abundant options, from affordable community college pathways to prestigious research universities. The concentration of quality institutions in a compact state means students can access machine learning education without relocating far from home or family support networks.
Salary Outlook
The state's major employment centers in Providence, Warwick, and the Providence-Warwick metro area host significant employers including CVS Health, Lifespan, and Brown University, organizations investing heavily in data-driven decision-making and AI innovation. Brown University leads the state with 348 completions, establishing Rhode Island as a genuine hub for machine learning talent development. Students studying machine learning in Rhode Island benefit from proximity to these employers and the opportunity to intern or work in advanced roles while completing their degrees. For affordability-conscious students, the state average public in-state tuition of $11,799 provides exceptional value compared to out-of-state costs of $29,263. Explore related fields like Data Science in Rhode Island and Artificial Intelligence in Rhode Island to expand your educational options. Learn how Rhode Island's programs compare to Machine Learning in California and Machine Learning in New York.
Machine Learning Program Availability in Rhode Island
7 Programs
Rhode Island offers 7 accredited machine learning programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Providence, Warwick, Cranston.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Machine Learning Job Market & Salary Data in Rhode Island
Employment Outlook
Rhode Island's machine learning job market is supported by a diverse educational pipeline, with 10 institutions offering machine learning programs across bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels (IPEDS). The state's four-year institutions provide strong foundational training, with public in-state tuition averaging $11,799 annually, making education accessible for aspiring machine learning professionals. This affordable pathway helps build a talent pool ready to enter the competitive job market across the Providence-Warwick metro area and beyond (BLS State Data).
Salaries by Metro
The Providence-Warwick metropolitan area serves as the primary hub for machine learning employment in Rhode Island, with major employers spanning healthcare, technology, and retail sectors. Cities including Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, and Newport collectively support strong career opportunities for machine learning graduates. Recent completions demonstrate strong program output, with 290 bachelor's degree completions and 129 master's degree completions across the state's institutions (IPEDS). Related fields such as Data Science and Artificial Intelligence offer complementary career pathways, while Computer Science programs provide broader technical foundations for interested professionals.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in Rhode Island$67,243$150,003
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Machine Learning Programs in Rhode Island
Online Programs
0 available in Rhode Island
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$31,445/yr$34,939/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare Machine Learning Programs in Other States
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Massachusetts
- Total Programs
- 73
- Median Tuition
- $47,600
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Connecticut
- Total Programs
- 15
- Median Tuition
- $45,600
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 179
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 73
- Median Tuition
- $9,000
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 119
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Virginia
- Total Programs
- 28
- Median Tuition
- $10,100
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Colorado
- Total Programs
- 17
- Median Tuition
- $13,900
Machine Learning Degree Programs in Rhode Island: FAQ
What are the best machine learning degree programs in Rhode Island?
The best machine learning degree programs in Rhode Island based on our methodology are: 1) Brown University (96% graduation rate), 2) Providence College, and 3) Rhode Island College. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Rhode Island offers 7 total accredited programs across 2 public and 5 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 6 bachelor's programs.
How much do machine learning degree programs cost in Rhode Island?
Machine Learning degree program costs in Rhode Island vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $34,939/year, while private institutions average $76,866/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $8,735/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $139,756 at public schools to $307,463 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can machine learning degree graduates earn in Rhode Island?
Machine Learning professionals in Rhode Island earn a median salary of $103,450, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $67,243, while senior roles exceed $150,003. Salaries vary by metro area: Providence ($113,795), Warwick ($108,623) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online machine learning degree programs in Rhode Island?
Yes, Rhode Island offers 0 accredited online Machine Learning programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from various state universities. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire machine learning degree graduates in Rhode Island?
Major Machine Learning employers in Rhode Island include Fidelity Investments, CVS Health, Citizens Bank, FM Global, Textron. The Providence and Warwick metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Rhode Island universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Rhode Island's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a machine learning degree program worth it in Rhode Island?
A machine learning degree program in Rhode Island offers strong ROI with a $103,450 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $34,939/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($116,898), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do machine learning degree programs take in Rhode Island?
Standard completion times for machine learning degree programs in Rhode Island are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Rhode Island community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Rhode Island university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for machine learning degree students in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island machine learning degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Rhode Island state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Rhode Island's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Rhode Island salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Was this ranking helpful for your college search?
Thanks for your feedback!
How can we improve this article?
Thank you for helping us improve!
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.