Top 3 UX Design Programs in Rhode Island 2025
Rhode Island School of Design
78 ux design graduates annually, 89% graduation rate
Johnson & Wales University-Providence
38 ux design graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
New England Institute of Technology
26 ux design graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Rhode Island offers 6+ accredited ux design programs across public and private universities
- 2.Rhode Island School of Design leads with 89% 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)
UX Design Education in Rhode Island: Overview
Rhode Island offers 6 accredited ux design programs, producing approximately 152 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 ux design programs in the state are led by Rhode Island School of Design, Johnson & Wales University-Providence, New England Institute of Technology, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Rhode Island UX Design Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rhode Island School of Design | Providence, RI | Private | $58,690 | 89% | 88.9 |
| 2 | Johnson & Wales University-Providence | Providence, RI | Private | $39,792 | — | 51.5 |
| 3 | New England Institute of Technology | East Greenwich, RI | Private | $33,225 | — | 49.9 |
| 4 | Rhode Island College | Providence, RI | Public | $9,481 | — | 38.3 |
| 5 | Roger Williams University | Bristol, RI | Private | $42,336 | — | 34 |
| 6 | Johnson & Wales University-Online | Providence, RI | Private | $13,365 | 13% | 32.7 |
Top 5 UX Design Programs in Rhode Island: Side-by-Side
| School | Rhode Island School of... | Johnson & Wales Universit... | New England Institute of... | Rhode Island College | Roger Williams |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $58,690 | $39,792 | $33,225 | $9,481 | $42,336 |
| Graduation Rate | 89% | N/A% | N/A% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 78 | 38 | 26 | 5 | 2 |
| Acceptance Rate | 14% | 84% | 73% | 81% | 88% |
| Type | Private | Private | Private | Public | Private |
| Score | 88.9/100 | 51.5/100 | 49.9/100 | 38.3/100 | 34.0/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in UX Design in Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers 6 bachelor's-level ux design programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Rhode Island School of Design, Johnson & Wales University-Providence, New England Institute of Technology. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,415 in the Rhode Island market.
A bachelor's in ux design typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best UX Design Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 UX Design Bachelor's Programs in Rhode Island
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Rhode Island School of... | $58,690 | 89% | 78 | 88.9 |
| #2 Johnson & Wales Universit... | $39,792 | N/A% | 38 | 51.5 |
| #3 New England Institute of... | $33,225 | N/A% | 9 | 42.6 |
Top UX Design Schools for Master's Degrees in Rhode Island
For graduate study, Rhode Island offers 1 master's-level ux design programs. Leading institutions include Rhode Island School of Design. 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 ux design master's programs for more options beyond Rhode Island.
Top 3 UX Design Master's Programs in Rhode Island
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Rhode Island School of... | $58,690 | 89% | 18 | 68.6 |
Most Affordable UX Design Colleges in Rhode Island
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable ux design programs in Rhode Island are at Rhode Island College ($9,481/year), Johnson & Wales University-Online ($13,365/year), New England Institute of Technology ($33,225/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 UX Design Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable UX Design Programs in Rhode Island (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Rhode Island College | $9,481 | $37,924 | 1 years | Public |
| #2 Johnson & Wales Universit... | $13,365 | $53,460 | 1.4 years | Private |
| #3 New England Institute of... | $33,225 | $132,900 | 3.6 years | Private |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 UX Design Schools in Rhode Island
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 ux design 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.
Rhode Island School of Design
Providence, RI • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $58,690 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 78 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 14%
- • Ranking Score: 88.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 78 ux design graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 88.9 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (78 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,450), and selectivity (14% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Johnson & Wales University-Providence
Providence, RI • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $39,792 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 38 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 84%
- • Ranking Score: 51.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 38 ux design graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 51.5 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (38 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,450), and selectivity (84% 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)
- • UX Design Graduates: 26 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 49.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 26 ux design graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 49.9 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (26 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,450), and selectivity (73% 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)
- • UX Design Graduates: 5 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 81%
- • Ranking Score: 38.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 5 ux design graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 38.3 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (5 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,450), and selectivity (81% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Roger Williams University
Bristol, RI • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $42,336 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 2 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 34.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 2 ux design graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 34.0 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (2 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,450), and selectivity (88% 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.
UX Design 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 6)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
UX Design in Rhode Island FAQ
Based on 6 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
UX Design 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.