Here Are The Top Online College Programs In RI

A trend to virtual higher education that began during the pandemic has become a norm for many students, U.S. News & World Report said in a recent ranking of the best online programs that includes two schools in Rhode Island.

Colleges are expected to expand their online degree offerings, developing new programs as technology, course design, and high-speed internet availability continue to advance online learning, U.S. News said in its 2026 Best Online Colleges report.

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The top online institutions in Rhode Island and the tuition cost per credit are:

• University of Rhode Island, Kingston, $631 per credit, No. 38 nationally
• Johnson & Wales University, Providence, $495 per credit, No. 181 nationally

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Online enrollment peaked in 2020 when the pandemic closed college campuses nationwide. In fall 2021, when colleges reopened for in-person learning, 61% of all undergraduate students (9.4 million) were enrolled in at least one distance education course, and 28% (4.4 million) were enrolled exclusively in online classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

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Flexibility is a big reason behind the growth of online college enrollment. Students with family and full-time job responsibilities may be able to work around their schedules. It’s not a perfect fit for everyone, U.S. News said, but those with strong time management skills and the discipline to overcome distractions can make it work.

Online formats come with unique learning challenges, but U.S. News said accredited institutions like those in its ranking typically offer tailored support to help students adjust to the online environment.

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The top schools in the country and the cost of out-of-state tuition per credit are:

1. University of Florida ($500)
2. State University of New York — SUNY ($353)
3. University of Illinois Chicago ($350)
4, (tie) Ohio State University ($508)
4, (tie) University of North Carolina-Charlotte ($318)
6. (tie) Arizona State University ($580)
6. (tie) Oregon State University ($384)
6. (tie) University of Central Florida ($769)
9. CUNY School of Professional Studies ($350)
10. University of Tennessee-Knoxville ($460)
11. (tie) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide ($522)
11. (tie) Texas A&M University-College Station ($1,249)
11. (tie) University of Missouri-St. Louis ($1,384)
11. (tie) Washington State University ($672)
15. (tie) University of Arizona ($525)
15. (tie)University of North Carolina-Wilmington ($942)

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