Compare NCLEX pass rates, tuition, earnings, and program formats across every RI nursing school.
Rhode Island nursing programs face a workforce shortfall: the state expects 741 RN openings per year through 2030, yet in-state graduates fill just 63% of those vacancies. This gap makes nursing one of the most reliable careers in the Ocean State, but it also means aspiring nurses must choose wisely from a mix of public and private programs.
The University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College offer low-cost public paths, while private colleges such as Salve Regina and Providence College provide smaller cohorts and distinct clinical partnerships. With first-time NCLEX pass rates ranging from the high 80s to above 95%, a program’s performance can directly shape your early career prospects.
Rhode Island offers a compact but competitive landscape for nursing education, with public and private institutions delivering campus-based and online pathways to RN licensure. The rankings below balance affordability, student outcomes, and clinical preparation to help you find the right fit. Each school summary highlights key strengths and program-specific details that matter most to aspiring nurses in the Ocean State.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Rhode Island | Kingston, RI | $21,000/yr | Research-focused in-state nursing students | |
As Rhode Island’s flagship public university, URI delivers a four-year campus-based BSN that integrates clinical rotations across the state, including a formal partnership with HopeHealth for hospice and palliative care experiences. Students train at the shared Nursing Education Center in Providence, and the program emphasizes patient-centered care, leadership, and research. The university’s strong graduation rate and solid earnings outcomes make it a top choice for in-state learners seeking a rigorous, research-connected foundation.
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| #2 | Salve Regina University | Newport, RI | $37,000/yr | Career changers aiming for high pay | |
Salve Regina is a private university in Newport offering both a campus-based pre-licensure BSN and a fully online RN-to-BSN for working nurses. Both programs hold CCNE accreditation and focus on patient-centered care with clinical placements in diverse settings. The school boasts strong post-graduation earnings and a high graduation rate, making it an appealing option for career changers and those seeking a private education with solid financial returns.
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| #3 | Rhode Island College | Providence, RI | $9,000/yr (net price) | Budget-conscious students targeting licensure | |
Rhode Island College is a public institution in Providence that combines affordability with strong nursing outcomes. Its BSN program boasts a 97-98% NCLEX pass rate and uses the state-of-the-art Rhode Island Nursing Education Center, featuring simulation training accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. The curriculum covers a broad range of nursing topics, and the school maintains a close partnership with CCRI for a seamless online RN-to-BSN pathway, making it a standout for budget-conscious students seeking licensure success.
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| #4 | New England Institute of Technology | East Greenwich, RI | $36,000/yr | ||
New England Institute of Technology in East Greenwich offers an accelerated 18-month associate degree in nursing that emphasizes hands-on, campus-based training. The program’s fast pace and small class sizes appeal to students who want to enter the workforce quickly. With a low median graduate debt and a high percentage of Pell Grant recipients, NEIT provides an accessible on-ramp to RN licensure for Rhode Islanders seeking a practical, no-frills education.
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| #5 | Community College of Rhode Island | Warwick, RI | $7,000/yr (net price) | ||
Community College of Rhode Island is the state’s most affordable nursing option, with an associate degree program that reports a 94% NCLEX pass rate. Through the RI Promise scholarship, recent high school graduates may attend tuition-free. The program feeds directly into RIC’s online RN-to-BSN, creating a cost-effective, in-state educational pipeline. Its open-access mission and high Pell recipient rate underscore its role as a primary entry point into Rhode Island’s nursing workforce.
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| #6 | Providence College | Providence, RI | $49,000/yr | ||
Providence College introduced a new BSN program that integrates a liberal arts foundation with 76 credits of nursing coursework and nine clinical experiences at top Rhode Island hospitals. The program features small class sizes, a state-of-the-art simulation suite, and an optional Spanish Minor for Health Professions. While it is still pursuing CCNE accreditation, it has initial approval from the RI Board of Nursing and leverages the college’s overall strong graduation and earnings outcomes.
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| #7 | Johnson & Wales University | Providence, RI | $20,000/yr | ||
Johnson & Wales University’s accelerated BSN is a 16-month hybrid program designed for career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Based at the Providence campus, it combines online coursework with in-person clinical rotations and emphasizes interprofessional education. Scholarships up to $12,000 are available, and the program’s low institutional net price relative to other private options helps make a second-degree nursing pathway more accessible.
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This table compares BSN programs in Rhode Island on cost, NCLEX performance, graduation rates, and alumni earnings. NCLEX pass rates are from 2022, the most recent year with school-level data, and some schools do not publicly post this metric. Median earnings reflect 10-year outcomes from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.
| School | Program | In-State Tuition | Net Price | NCLEX Pass Rate (2022) | Graduation Rate | Median Earnings (10yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island College | BSN | $11,300 | $9,478 | 82.3% | 48.1% | $56,318 |
| Johnson & Wales University | Accelerated BSN | $13,365 | $20,252 | N/A | N/A | $43,418 |
| University of Rhode Island | BSN | $16,942 | $21,440 | 81.4% | 73.3% | $69,743 |
| Salve Regina University | BSN | $50,100 | $36,967 | 69.6% | 76.9% | $72,975 |
| Providence College | BSN | $63,550 | $48,523 | N/A | 85.8% | $87,054 |
In 2024, first-time NCLEX-RN test-takers from Rhode Island nursing programs achieved a 92.2% pass rate, just under the national benchmark of 93.6% for 2023.1 While the state performs near the national average, individual program outcomes vary, and a deeper look at pass rate trends can help you identify programs with strong licensure preparation.
Passing the NCLEX-RN is the final academic hurdle before you can practice as a registered nurse. First-time pass rates serve as a key indicator of how well a program’s curriculum aligns with the exam’s content and clinical judgment framework. Consistently high pass rates suggest a program effectively prepares students for licensure, which can minimize delays in entering the workforce and starting your nursing career. Conversely, rates that dip below state or national averages may signal gaps in instruction, outdated clinical experiences, or insufficient student support. For employers, a nurse’s NCLEX success can also reflect the rigor of their education, though it is rarely the sole hiring factor.
Rhode Island’s 2024 first-time pass rate of 92.2% indicates that most graduates are ready for entry-level practice. However, this figure represents an aggregate across all prelicensure programs in the state and masks differences between schools. The national NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2023 was 93.6%, and historical trends typically place the national average in the high 80s to low 90s. Because NCSBN releases state-level data with a slight lag, direct year-to-year comparisons can be tricky. The most recent available single-program statistic, an 82% first-time pass rate for Rhode Island College in 20222 illustrates how a specific institution may trail both the state and national marks. Without multi-year program-by-program data for 2023 through 2025, it is difficult to paint a complete picture, but this variance underscores why you should investigate each school directly.
When evaluating nursing schools, aim for programs that consistently report first-time NCLEX pass rates at or above 85% over at least three years. A single-year drop can happen due to a small cohort size or curriculum changes, but persistent underperformance is a red flag. Also check for transparency: reputable programs readily publish their NCLEX results on their websites or provide them upon request. If a school is reluctant to share these numbers, treat that as a cautionary signal.
As of this writing, complete multi-year pass rate data for every Rhode Island nursing school is not yet publicly available for the 2023, 2025 period. When comparing schools, start with the information you can access and supplement it with direct inquiries to admissions offices. Ask how the program supports students who do not pass on the first attempt, such as remediation plans or exam-prep resources. Even one year of below-average results does not define a program, but a pattern of decline should give you pause. For the most current statewide statistics, the Rhode Island Board of Nursing periodically publishes licensure exam performance summaries.
Sticker prices at Rhode Island nursing schools range widely, especially for out-of-state students. The net price after financial aid gives a more realistic view of what students pay, and reveals a sharp contrast between public and private programs.
In 2024, registered nurses in Rhode Island earned a mean annual wage of $99,770, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10% brought in $120,000 or more, while even the entry-level 10th percentile still earned $81,000. These figures set a high bar, and the state’s nursing programs deliver a wide range of median earnings a decade after students first enroll.
Program-level short-term earnings are not yet available, but the U.S. Department of Education’s median earnings metric, measured ten years after students begin their studies, offers a solid mid-career snapshot. Among the schools with available data, Providence College graduates top the list with median earnings of $87,054. Salve Regina University and the University of Rhode Island follow at $72,975 and $69,743, respectively. Rhode Island College ($56,318), New England Institute of Technology ($48,684), Johnson & Wales University ($43,418), and the Community College of Rhode Island ($42,659) round out the range.
Debt levels vary just as much. The Community College of Rhode Island carries the lightest load at a median of $10,920, while Providence College and Salve Regina both sit at $27,000. The University of Rhode Island’s median debt is $22,250, and Rhode Island College’s is $20,500. New England Tech’s is lower at $16,668, and Johnson & Wales is at $26,000.
A simple earnings-to-debt ratio reveals how many times a graduate’s annual mid-career earnings cover their initial loan balance. The Community College of Rhode Island leads with a ratio of 3.9:1, meaning graduates earn nearly four times their debt each year. Providence College (3.2:1) and the University of Rhode Island (3.1:1) are close behind. New England Tech and Rhode Island College also exceed 2.7:1. Salve Regina’s ratio stands at 2.7:1, while Johnson & Wales is the weakest at 1.7:1. Lower ratios don’t necessarily signal poor value, many of these programs target different career stages and degree levels, but they do highlight how debt can shape the long-term payoff.
Statewide RN wage data helps contextualize these outcomes. The $99,770 mean for all Rhode Island RNs sits above every program’s median earnings ten years out, which is expected because the BLS figure captures nurses across all experience levels, including those with advanced degrees and decades in the field. The strongest-performing programs still position graduates well above the state’s $81,000 entry-level mark, and within striking distance of the mean as careers progress. Data on the share of graduates earning above 150% of the poverty line is not yet available for these programs, so direct comparisons of economic mobility across schools cannot be made at this time.
Rhode Island's nursing workforce is under pressure, with demand outpacing in-state graduate supply. The state projects 741 annual RN openings through 2030, but local programs currently meet only 62.9% of that need, signaling strong job prospects for new nurses.
Choosing a nursing program is more than picking a school with a recognizable name; it is about matching your learning style, career goals, and financial situation with a program that can deliver a solid education and strong job prospects. Rhode Island’s compact size means you have a handful of options, but each has distinct strengths. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the factors that matter most.
Accreditation ensures your education meets national standards and that you will be eligible for licensure. The two primary accreditors for nursing programs are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). All reputable BSN programs in Rhode Island carry one or both. Before applying, verify the program’s current accreditation status on the accreditor’s website.
The path to becoming an RN in Rhode Island can follow different timelines and entry points. Traditional four-year BSN programs are designed for new college students and include general education alongside nursing coursework. Accelerated BSN tracks condense the curriculum into 12–18 months for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. RN-to-BSN programs serve current registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma who want to advance their credentials. Each format has different prerequisites, intensity, and cost. Decide which best aligns with your prior education and schedule.
Admission criteria vary by school but generally center on GPA, prerequisite coursework, and sometimes entrance exams.
Clinical rotations provide hands-on experience and often lead to job offers. Many Rhode Island nursing programs partner with major health systems. URI has a formal academic-practice partnership with HopeHealth, a provider of home care, hospice, and palliative services. In addition, students at multiple schools gain clinical hours at Lifespan hospitals (Rhode Island Hospital, Miriam Hospital) and Care New England facilities (Women & Infants, Kent Hospital). The VA Providence Medical Center also serves as a training site. Strong relationships with these employers can ease the transition into nursing practice after graduation.
The cost gap between public and private institutions is significant. Tuition at state universities like URI and RIC is typically far lower than at private colleges such as Salve Regina. However, some private schools offer institutional aid that narrows the difference. Beyond tuition, factor in fees, uniforms, background checks, and commuting costs to clinical sites. Compare net price calculators on each school’s financial aid page to estimate your true cost.
Rankings provide a starting point, but two metrics more directly reflect program quality: NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates and graduation rates. High pass rates indicate effective preparation for the licensure exam. Graduation rates show whether admitted students complete the program on time. These numbers are publicly reported and can be found on state board of nursing websites or school disclosure pages. A program with a modest ranking but strong licensure and completion outcomes is often a safer bet than a well-known name with weaker results.
Two-year associate versus four-year bachelor, the right nursing pathway in Rhode Island depends on your timeline, budget, and career ambitions. The state offers multiple routes to RN licensure and advanced practice, from quick entry ADN programs to graduate-level MSN and nurse practitioner tracks. Knowing which schools offer each type helps you match a program to your current situation and long-term goals.
Choosing between an ADN and a traditional BSN often comes down to how soon you want to start working and where you see yourself employed. ADN programs at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) take 18–24 months and prepare you to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Graduates qualify for staff nurse roles, though many Rhode Island hospitals now prefer or require a BSN. The traditional BSN route at the University of Rhode Island (URI), Rhode Island College (RIC), and Salve Regina University spans four years, embedding coursework in leadership, research, and community health. This degree opens a wider range of positions and a direct path to graduate study.
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, an accelerated BSN compresses core nursing education into 12–16 months. URI, NEIT, and Johnson & Wales University (JWU) offer full-time, year-round programs with integrated clinicals. These tracks skip general education requirements, making them intense but efficient for career changers who want to enter nursing quickly.
Current RNs with an associate degree or diploma can earn a BSN in 12–24 months through programs designed for working nurses. URI, RIC, Salve Regina, and NEIT all provide RN-to-BSN pathways, often with online or part-time options. The curriculum builds on your clinical experience and helps you meet employer expectations for a bachelor’s-level education.
For nurses aiming to specialize or move into advanced practice, URI and RIC offer MSN and nurse practitioner tracks lasting 24–36 months. These programs require a BSN and an active RN license. Concentrations include family nurse practitioner, nurse education, and clinical leadership. In Rhode Island’s dense healthcare market, an advanced degree can significantly expand your scope of practice and earning potential.
Private nursing schools in Rhode Island may quote tuitions double or triple those of public programs at URI or RIC, but after grants, scholarships, and institutional aid, the net price gap often narrows significantly. A higher sticker price can still yield a lower out-of-pocket cost. Compare net price, the amount you'll actually pay, not published tuition.
Below are answers to common questions students ask when exploring nursing school options in Rhode Island. Use these to help clarify costs, admissions, program types, and career outlook.
