University of Rhode Island
Kingston, Rhode Island · Public · 72.2% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 79/100 · Strong Value
University of Rhode Island
Strong ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $16,942/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $37,146/yr |
| Average net price | $21,440/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $85,760 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $69,743 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $42,500 |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,250 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $236 |
| Estimated payback period | 6.5 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 73.3% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 13,381 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,368 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,923 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,803 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,394 |
| $110,001+ | $28,460 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Rhode Island with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $96,020 | B+ |
| Psychology | $56,571 | C |
| Communication and Media Studies | $64,520 | C |
| Biology | $80,379 | C+ |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $79,692 | B |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $72,328 | C+ |
| Teacher Education | $56,999 | C+ |
| Finance and Financial Management | $87,196 | C+ |
| Political Science and Government | $31,729 | C |
| Mechanical Engineering | $89,901 | B |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Rhode Island is $16,942/year ($37,146/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $21,440/year, or roughly $85,760 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $14,368/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $28,460/year.
The median graduate leaves with $22,250 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $236 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $69,743 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.52 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 74.3% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 78.3% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 73.6% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 79.0% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 72.2% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 500-630 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 520-650 |
| Enrollment | 13,381 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 21.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $11,089 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Rhode Island (this school) | 79 | $21,440 | $69,743 |
| University of Maryland-Baltimore County | 84 | $16,467 | $69,960 |
| University at Albany | 79 | $17,167 | $67,979 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | 76 | $11,900 | $64,270 |
| University of Nevada-Reno | 75 | $15,927 | $60,614 |
| Rhode Island College | 69 | $9,478 | $56,318 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
University of Rhode Island delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $21,440 per year ($85,760 over four years), graduates earn a median of $69,743 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 6.5 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 73.3% graduation rate.
Median debt of $22,250 against $69,743 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.