Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Rhode Island 2025
Brown University
236 software engineering graduates annually, 96% graduation rate
Providence College
13 software engineering graduates annually, 89% graduation rate
Rhode Island College
42 software engineering graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Rhode Island offers 9+ accredited software engineering 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)
Software Engineering Education in Rhode Island: Overview
Rhode Island offers 9 accredited software engineering programs, producing approximately 370 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 software engineering programs in the state are led by Brown University, Providence College, Rhode Island College, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Rhode Island Software Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brown University | Providence, RI | Private | $65,656 | 96% | 96.9 |
| 2 | Providence College | Providence, RI | Private | $59,830 | 89% | 54.9 |
| 3 | Rhode Island College | Providence, RI | Public | $9,481 | — | 45.3 |
| 4 | University of Rhode Island | Kingston, RI | Public | $14,116 | — | 42.2 |
| 5 | New England Institute of Technology | East Greenwich, RI | Private | $33,225 | — | 41.2 |
| 6 | Johnson & Wales University-Providence | Providence, RI | Private | $39,792 | — | 39.8 |
| 7 | Roger Williams University | Bristol, RI | Private | $42,336 | — | 37.9 |
| 8 | Johnson & Wales University-Online | Providence, RI | Private | $13,365 | 13% | 30.6 |
| 9 | Community College of Rhode Island | Warwick, RI | Public | $4,856 | — | 28.4 |
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in Rhode Island: Side-by-Side
| School | Brown | Providence College | Rhode Island College | U of Rhode Island | New England Institute of... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $65,656 | $59,830 | $9,481 | $14,116 | $33,225 |
| Graduation Rate | 96% | 89% | N/A% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 236 | 13 | 42 | 23 | 16 |
| Acceptance Rate | 5% | 49% | 81% | 77% | 73% |
| Type | Private | Private | Public | Public | Private |
| Score | 96.9/100 | 54.9/100 | 45.3/100 | 42.2/100 | 41.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers 8 bachelor's-level software engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Brown University, Providence College, Rhode Island College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,415 in the Rhode Island market.
A bachelor's in software engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs in Rhode Island
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Brown | $65,656 | 96% | 236 | 96.9 |
| #2 Providence College | $59,830 | 89% | 13 | 54.9 |
| #3 Rhode Island College | $9,481 | N/A% | 42 | 45.3 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Rhode Island
For graduate study, Rhode Island offers 1 master's-level software engineering programs. Leading institutions include Brown University. 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 software engineering master's programs for more options beyond Rhode Island.
Top 3 Software Engineering Master's Programs in Rhode Island
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Brown | $65,656 | 96% | 129 | 96.9 |
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in Rhode Island
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering programs in Rhode Island are at Community College of Rhode Island ($4,856/year), Rhode Island College ($9,481/year), Johnson & Wales University-Online ($13,365/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 Software Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs in Rhode Island (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Community College of... | $4,856 | $19,424 | 0.5 years | Public |
| #2 Rhode Island College | $9,481 | $37,924 | 1 years | Public |
| #3 Johnson & Wales Universit... | $13,365 | $53,460 | 1.4 years | Private |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Software Engineering Schools in Rhode Island
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 software engineering 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.
Brown University
Providence, RI • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $65,656 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 236 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 5%
- • Ranking Score: 96.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 236 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 96.9 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (96%), program size (236 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,450), and selectivity (5% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Providence College
Providence, RI • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $59,830 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 13 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 49%
- • Ranking Score: 54.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 13 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 54.9 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (13 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,450), and selectivity (49% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Rhode Island College
Providence, RI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,481 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 42 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 81%
- • Ranking Score: 45.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 42 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 45.3 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (42 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,450), and selectivity (81% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $14,116 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 23 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 77%
- • Ranking Score: 42.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 23 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 42.2 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (23 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,450), and selectivity (77% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
New England Institute of Technology
East Greenwich, RI • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $33,225 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 16 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 41.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 16 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 41.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (16 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,450), and selectivity (73% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Rhode Island with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Rhode Island with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Rhode Island with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Rhode Island with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Rhode Island with strong job growth.
Software Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- 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
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Rhode Island's 9)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Software Engineering in Rhode Island FAQ
Based on 9 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Software Engineering degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
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
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.