Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Rhode Island
Despite its small size, Rhode Island is home to many excellent colleges and universities, some of which offer accredited nursing degrees. Anyone who plans on becoming a registered nurse (RN) first needs to complete either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
While an ADN takes just two years and prepares students to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and become RNs, earning a four-year BSN could be worth your while. Not only do BSN-holders earn more than ADN-holders, but some healthcare facilities are beginning to only hire BSN-holding RNs.
Regardless of which you choose, completing a program in Rhode Island prepares you to become an RN in the Ocean State.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Nurses Helping Nurses: Why You Can Trust Nurse.org
As the leading educational website for nurses by nurses, Nurse.org is committed to editorial integrity and data-driven analysis. We independently research schools and programs for nurses and strive to write recommendations that genuinely reflect our true opinion of the product or service. Where relevant, our recommendations may incorporate feedback from 500,000+ nurses in our social communities.
✔ Evaluated 1,100+ accredited nursing school programs using the latest U.S. government data sets. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
✔ Content written by 80+ licensed, practicing nurses who are experts in their respective specialties. Learn more about our nurse contributors.
✔ Connected 1,500,000+ nurses to educational programs since 2020.
Top 10 Nursing Schools in Rhode Island
This is a panel-reviewed selection based on a number of factors, including,
- Reputation
- NCLEX pass rate
- Tuition
- Acceptance rate, when available
- Only ACEN or CCNE-accredited schools are eligible
Our selection panel includes 4 Registered Nurses with over 55 years of combined nursing experience and 7 nursing degrees.
- Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
- Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
- Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, BA, CBC
- Leah Helmbrecht, BSN, RN
Because nursing careers take different forms, the top 10 Rhode Island nursing schools are ranked in no particular order. Note that because Rhode Island does not have 10 accredited nursing programs, some ranked schools offer online-only degrees.
Often ranked among the top research institutions in the region, the University of Rhode Island is home to nearly 25,000 students from across the world. Roughly half of URI's students come from Rhode Island and take advantage of affordable in-state tuition. Students interested in nursing have several options. First, there's the traditional BSN, the flagship program for undergraduates.
Current RNs without a BSN can also choose the RN-BSN, available on-campus and online. Finally, BSN holders looking for a graduate degree can complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the Providence campus.
- Public or Private? Public
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Percent Enrolled Online: 4%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $566
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,336
- Address: Green Hall, 35 Campus Avenue, Kingston, RI
- Website
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $66,332
Salve Regina University is known for its value and outcomes. According to the university, the recent graduating class saw 98% of graduates find a job or enroll in graduate school within six months of completing their bachelor's degree. That's good news for students completing Salve's BSN program.
While NCLEX pass rates aren't the highest, students do gain valuable experience through clinicals and service-learning, including a chance to study abroad in Ireland. Other options include an online RN-BSN and multiple graduate programs.
- Public or Private? Private
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Percent Enrolled Online: 21%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,508
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,508
- Address: 100 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, RI
- Website
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $69,477
Founded in 1854, Rhode Island College is the oldest institution of higher education in the state. Today, the college teaches 5,000 students at its campus in the Mount Pleasant region of Providence. The main undergraduate nursing program, the traditional BSN, has students apply during their freshman year at RIC.
Current RNs can enroll in the RN-BSN, and prospective nurses who already have a bachelor's degree can enroll in the accelerated second-degree BSN. Graduate students can choose an MSN, a DNP, or a certificate in either nursing care management or healthcare quality and patient safety.
- Public or Private? Public
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Percent Enrolled Online: 4%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $372
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $919
- Address: 600 Mount Pleasant Ave, Providence, RI
- Website
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $65,610
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Founded in 1964 with just 325 students, the Community College of Rhode Island now teaches 18,000 students—an incredible rate of growth in such a short time. As a community college, CCRI does not offer four-year degrees, so students cannot enroll in a BSN.
However, CCRI does have an accredited ADN. Current licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can use the LPN-RN program to take a step forward in their nursing careers. Any graduates interested in a BSN can always enroll in an online RN-BSN program elsewhere.
- Public or Private? Public
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Percent Enrolled Online: N/A
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $221
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $331
- Address: 400 East Ave, Warwick, RI
- Website
- Retention Rate: 60%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: N/A
The New England Institute of Technology is a regional leader in teaching employable skills. Prospective nurses who want to earn a BSN through NEIT should keep an open mind since the pathway is not traditional.
First, students must complete the ADN, a six-term program that can be completed in as little as 18 months. Then, they can enroll in NEIT's online RN-BSN. While the program is far from conventional, students can always work as an RN after just 18 months and then earn their BSN while continuing to gain nursing experience.
- Public or Private? Private
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Percent Enrolled Online: 7%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $620
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $620
- Address: One New England Tech Boulevard, East Greenwich, RI
- Website
- Retention Rate: N/A
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $83,546
Rhode Island is a small state, so there simply aren't enough in-state schools that offer nursing degrees. Fortunately, schools like Aspen University offer online RN-BSN degrees to nurses nationwide. This fast program takes just 12 months to complete and uses eight-week courses. Other nursing options include various MSN specializations, RN-MSN degrees, and a DNP.
- Public or Private? Private
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Percent Enrolled Online: 85%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $180
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $180
- Address: 4615 E. Elwood St., Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ
- Website
- Retention Rate: 50%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: N/A
Based primarily in Phoenix, Arizona, Grand Canyon University is a private Christian school best known for its online programs. While students in Arizona can enroll in the on-campus traditional BSN, nurses in Rhode Island complete the online RN-BSN.
After completing a BSN, Rhode Island RNs can choose from various graduate nursing options, including an MSN in nursing education. GCU also has several doctoral options and graduate certificates for nurses who want to advance their careers even further.
- Public or Private? Private
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Percent Enrolled Online: 76%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $461
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $461
- Address: 3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ
- Website
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $77,476
Best known for its online programs, Western Governors University has locations across the nation. While WGU doesn't have a location in Rhode Island, nurses can still enroll in its online degrees. The most popular option is the online RN-BSN*, a low-cost program that most students complete in two years. To encourage students, WGU charges a lower tuition rate the faster you complete the program, so it's in your best interest to work fast! RNs can also skip their BSN entirely and enroll in an online RN-MSN program, such as the RN-MSN in Nursing Education.
- Public or Private? Private
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Percent Enrolled Online: 100%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: N/A
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: N/A
- Address: 4001 South 700 East Suite 700, Salt Lake City, UT
- Website
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $75,430
Created to empower current healthcare professionals, Chamberlain University offers a variety of online degrees that lead to higher-paying positions. Current RNs would be most interested in either the online RN-BSN or the online RN-MSN. Both options are quick ways to advance your career -- for example, the RN-BSN takes just one year to complete. Of course, any applicants must first become RNs. Chamberlain does offer an accelerated three-year BSN, though Rhode Island students can't take advantage of this unique program.
- Public or Private? Private
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Percent Enrolled Online: 7%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $699
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $699
- Address: 2149 W. Dunlap Avenue, Phoenix, AZ
- Website
- Retention Rate: 100%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $71,315
While Capella University does have a campus, about 30,000 of its 38,500 students choose to study online. Students looking for an online nursing degree have three main options: bachelor's, master's, and doctoral. As an online-only program, all applicants must already have an RN prior to sending in an application. However, current RNs can take advantage of Capella's flexible degrees. The RN-BSN takes as little as nine months to complete, and students can begin MSN courses while wrapping up their RN-BSN.
- Public or Private? Private
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Percent Enrolled Online: 100%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $398
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $398
- Address: 225 South 6th Street, 9th Floor, Minneapolis, MN
- Website
- Retention Rate: 36%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $73,684
4 Key Factors That Affect Nursing School Tuition
Keep in mind that colleges and universities reserve the right to change tuition rates at any time. The yearly tuition rates listed here will vary for each student depending on various factors, including:
-
Transfer credits
-
Completed competency exams
-
Amount of credits taken per year
-
Financial aid awards
Check with the specific school for current tuition rates.
Rhode Island Nurse Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),
-
Rhode Island registered nurses earn a mean annual wage of $85,270.
-
Rhode Island has 10,860 nurses employed in the state.
-
Rhode Island employs 23.73 nurses per 1,000 workers
Rhode Island's mean annual wage of $85,270 edges out the U.S. mean annual wage of $77,600. This salary also beats nearby New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. However, Rhode Island's pay is lower than nearby Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.
What's great about Rhode Island is that it doesn't sacrifice employment for higher nursing wages. While states like New York and Connecticut employ fewer nurses per capita than the national average, Rhode Island is among the highest per capita employers for registered nurses.
While Rhode Island doesn't have the largest selection of nursing schools, registered nurses in RI get to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Next Steps
Spend some time looking at potential Rhode Island schools to decide where you would be interested in learning. Once you've selected multiple schools, get in touch with different departments to learn more about the application and admissions process.
Contact each school’s admissions office. The first step to becoming a nurse is getting into a college. Contact every school's admissions office to learn more about the admissions process. They might include tips on how to boost your application's quality!
Check to see if you meet the nursing school requirements. Getting into a college is the first step. Usually, nursing schools have a separate admissions process that's even tougher than the college's admissions process. Find out if you're on track to meet the nursing school requirements.
Submit your application(s). Once you've figured out everything you need to get into the college and nursing program, the final step is to gather your materials and apply! Things you'll likely need to submit include:
-
High school transcript (GPA)
-
ACT and/or SAT scores
-
College entrance essay(s)
-
Letter(s) of recommendation
Important Considerations When Comparing Schools
After getting accepted to multiple schools, picking where you want to attend is a tough decision. While big factors such as cost, distance from home, and school reputation should be considered, you might be overlooking other details. Here are some things to consider when comparing schools:
-
Total program cost, including in-state or out-of-state tuition and fees
-
Private vs. Public
-
Distance from home
-
Financial aid, scholarships, and grants offered
-
Cost of living on-campus or in the area
-
School and nursing program acceptance rate
-
Commute to school/hospital for clinicals
-
Program length
-
Program type (on-campus, online, hybrid)
-
Program outcomes (NCLEX pass rate and job placement)
-
School’s accreditation (regional and national)
Why you should care about the nursing program’s accreditation
Accrediting bodies are in charge of evaluating academic quality. Make sure that any college or university you apply to in Rhode Island is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. In addition, only apply to nursing programs that have programmatic accreditation.
The two nursing accreditation organizations to look for are
If you earn a degree from an unaccredited school, you may have trouble securing federal financial aid and finding work as a nurse after graduation. Furthermore, if you plan on attending a graduate or doctoral program, a prerequisite is a BSN from an accredited nursing program.
Getting a License in Rhode Island
Fortunately for aspiring nurses, Rhode Island has a relatively simple path to becoming a nurse. All requirements are available online, and new nurses will apply for licensure by examination. Here are the steps to earning an RN license in Rhode Island.
-
Study at an accredited and approved nursing school in Rhode Island
-
Submit proof of Rhode Island Residency
-
Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
-
Pass a background check with fingerprints
-
Apply through the State of Rhode Island Department of Health.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Final Thoughts
Rhode Island may not have the most nursing programs to choose from, but students who graduate and become RNs enjoy above-average wages and one of the highest employment rates for nurses in the nation. The colleges that do offer nursing programs are excellent, so students do still have some options. After earning an ADN or BSN, nurses submit their information, pass the NCLEX, and earn a license to work in Rhode Island as a registered nurse!
References:
State of Rhode Island Department of Health
*Indicates an affiliate link. At no additional cost to you, Nurse.org will earn a commission if you click through and use this service.
