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Key Takeaways
Best network administration degree programs: New England Institute of ..., Roger Williams, Johnson & Wales Universit...
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
Network Administration degree programs available: 2 associate's, 5 master's in Rhode Island
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Rhode Island community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
2 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
Network Administration 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 Network Administration programs
We rank 10 accredited network administration 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 Network Administration Degree Programs in Rhode Island Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Network Administration Degree Rankings in Rhode Island
Compare the top-ranked Network Administration programs in Rhode Island by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Network Administration Programs in Rhode Island
Program Landscape
Rhode Island offers 2 accredited associate's degree programs in network administration, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include New England Institute of ..., 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 $19,041/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 network administration schools in Rhode Island, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their network administration degrees in Rhode Island.
Best Bachelor's Network Administration Programs in Rhode Island
Program Landscape
Rhode Island ranks among the nation's top destinations for network administration education, with 3 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 0 public and 3 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are New England Institute of ..., Roger Williams, Johnson & Wales Universit..., recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Rhode Island network administration 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 $33,225 to $42,336 annually, with an average of $38,451/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 0%, with the highest reaching -Infinity%. 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 network administration degrees in Rhode Island, these top-ranked network administration schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Network Administration Programs in Rhode Island
Program Landscape
Rhode Island offers 5 master's degree programs in network administration, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Brown, U of Rhode Island, New England Institute of ..., 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 $39,025/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 network administration schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Network Administration Degree Costs & Tuition in Rhode Island
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $33,330/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $83,325/year |
| Community college tuition | $8,333/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $199,980 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $49,994 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Network Administration Students in Rhode Island
State Aid Programs
Rhode Island offers strong financial aid opportunities for students pursuing network administration degrees. The Rhode Island Promise program is a cornerstone initiative that covers tuition at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) for qualifying recent high school graduates, making it an excellent pathway for students starting with an associate's degree. Beyond state-specific programs, all Rhode Island students have access to federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for Pell Grants, Federal Work-Study, and federal student loans (Federal Student Aid). Students should complete their FAFSA as early as possible to maximize available funding.
Key Programs & Amounts
Many Rhode Island institutions offering network administration programs provide institutional scholarships and merit-based aid packages. For detailed information about state-specific financial aid programs and resources, students can contact the Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner (Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner), which oversees higher education policy and financial aid initiatives. Additionally, the College Scorecard tool provides transparency into average financial aid packages at individual institutions, helping prospective students make informed decisions (College Scorecard). International students and those seeking additional funding should explore employer sponsorship programs, as major Rhode Island employers like Lifespan, CVS Health, and Care New England often support workforce development in technology fields.
Network Administration Degree ROI Calculator, Rhode Island
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a network administration 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.
Network Administration Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a network administration degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
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
Network Administration 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 Network Administration Graduates in Rhode Island
Find network administration jobs in Rhode Island. These major employers across Rhode Island metro areas are actively hiring network administration degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Network Administration Jobs in Providence
RINetwork Administration Jobs in Warwick
RITransfer Pathways for Network Administration Degrees in Rhode Island
State Transfer System
Rhode Island's structured transfer system makes it seamless for students to begin at community colleges and advance to four-year institutions. The state operates 2 two-year institutions alongside 13 four-year colleges and universities, creating multiple pathways for network administration students (IPEDS). The Rhode Island Transfer Agreements system, administered by the Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner, facilitates course articulation between the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and four-year public institutions including the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and Rhode Island School of Design. Students completing 30 associate's degree completions annually at CCRI can transfer credits directly, ensuring no lost progress toward a bachelor's degree. The system guarantees that coursework completed at CCRI aligns with upper-level requirements at receiving institutions (Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner).
How Transfers Work
The Community College of Rhode Island serves as the primary transfer gateway for network administration students. CCRI's #1-ranked associate's program at $4,856 tuition provides an affordable entry point before transferring to bachelor's programs at institutions like the University of Rhode Island ($14,116 tuition) or Rhode Island College ($9,481 tuition). The Rhode Island Promise program covers CCRI tuition for qualifying recent high school graduates, eliminating upfront costs for initial enrollment. Additionally, many four-year institutions grant articulation agreements recognizing CCRI coursework, streamlining credential transfer. For students seeking flexible options, explore online network administration programs which often accommodate mid-career professionals transferring from other fields. The integrated pathway system ensures that Rhode Island residents can afford foundational education at community colleges while progressing to advanced degrees (Federal Student Aid).
Why Pursue a Network Administration Degree in Rhode Island?
Industry & Workforce
Rhode Island offers a strong ecosystem for aspiring network administrators, with 10 institutions across the state delivering specialized programs at multiple degree levels (IPEDS). The state boasts 2 associate's programs, 3 bachelor's programs, and 5 master's programs that collectively produced 126 completions in 2023, demonstrating strong demand and enrollment (IPEDS). Leading institutions like New England Institute of Technology have graduated 63 completions, while Brown University and Roger Williams University round out the top performers with 21 and 20 completions respectively. For prospective students, average public in-state tuition at four-year institutions stands at $11,799, significantly lower than the out-of-state average of $29,263, making Rhode Island an affordable choice for resident students.
Salary Outlook
The state's strategic location in the Northeast and vibrant technology sector create excellent career opportunities. Major employers including CVS Health, Lifespan, Brown University, and Care New England actively hire network administration professionals across the Providence-Warwick metro area and beyond. Students benefit from proximity to Fortune 500 companies and academic research institutions that drive networking innovation. Comparing your options? Explore network administration bachelor's programs nationwide and affordable network administration degrees to see how Rhode Island's offerings rank nationally. Additionally, students interested in complementary fields should consider exploring cybersecurity in Rhode Island and cloud computing programs to broaden career prospects.
Network Administration Program Availability in Rhode Island
Source: IPEDS 2024
Network Administration Job Market & Salary Data in Rhode Island
Employment Outlook
Rhode Island's network administration job market is supported by a diverse employer base concentrated in the Providence-Warwick metropolitan area. The state offers competitive opportunities for IT professionals seeking to establish or advance their careers in a growing technology sector. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Rhode Island's employment landscape continues to expand in information technology roles, with network administration positions available across healthcare, finance, education, and retail sectors. The Providence-Warwick metro area serves as the primary hub for network administration opportunities, with additional positions emerging in secondary cities including Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, and Newport.
Salaries by Metro
Job seekers in Rhode Island benefit from strong institutional anchors in the network administration field. Educational institutions like Brown University and the University of Rhode Island contribute significantly to the state's tech talent pipeline, with 16 to 21 completions annually from major programs (IPEDS). The state's average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions stands at $11,799, making education accessible for aspiring network administrators. Students completing associate's degrees at community institutions or bachelor's programs at state universities position themselves well for entry into Rhode Island's professional market. For comprehensive salary data and job projections specific to network administration roles, the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook provides detailed state-level information.
High-Growth Sectors
Network administration graduates in Rhode Island can explore career pathways across related IT disciplines. Students should consider complementary certifications and degree programs in Cybersecurity in Rhode Island, Cloud Computing in Rhode Island, and Information Technology in Rhode Island to enhance their competitiveness. The New England Institute of Technology leads the state with 63 program completions, demonstrating strong institutional capacity for workforce development in this field.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Network Administration Programs in Rhode Island
Online Programs
0 available in Rhode Island
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Network Administration Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 19
- Median Tuition
- $48,600
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- 7
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- $44,100
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- Median Tuition
- $1,300
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- Median Tuition
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- Total Programs
- 53
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
- Total Programs
- 55
- Median Tuition
- $14,400
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $14,700
- Total Programs
- 16
- Median Tuition
- $8,800
Network Administration Degree Programs in Rhode Island: FAQ
What are the best network administration degree programs in Rhode Island?
How much do network administration degree programs cost in Rhode Island?
What salary can network administration degree graduates earn in Rhode Island?
Are there online network administration degree programs in Rhode Island?
What companies hire network administration degree graduates in Rhode Island?
Is a network administration degree program worth it in Rhode Island?
How long do network administration degree programs take in Rhode Island?
What financial aid is available for network administration 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.