Best Rhode Island Community Colleges (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 5 community colleges serving 18,532 students in Rhode Island (1 public colleges and 4 private colleges).
The average tuition for community colleges in Rhode Island is approximately $3,950 per year for in-state students and $10,582 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $30,000 per year (view national tuition costs).
Minority enrollment is 54%, with the majority being Hispanic and the student-teacher ratio is 26:1.

Community Colleges in Rhode Island (2026)

College
Location
Quick Facts
Lincoln Technical Institute-Lincoln
Private for-profit
622 George Washington Hwy
Lincoln, RI 02865
Enrollment: 659 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Community College of Rhode Island
Public
400 East Ave
Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 825-1000
Enrollment: 12,275 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 In-state tuition: $3,950 Out-state tuition: $10,582 Minority enrollment: 54%
IYRS School of Technology & Trades
Private not-for-profit
449 Thames St
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 848-5777
Enrollment: 68 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Acceptance rate: 89% Minority enrollment: 33%
Johnson & Wales University-Online
Johnson & Wales University-Online Photo - Wildcat Center, Harborside Campus ; houses Health Services for the Harborside Campus, Athletics, 2 gymnasiums, student life programming space, game room, fitness center, the university`s Harborside Bookstore (operated by Follett Higher Education Group) and Student Involvement & Leadership.
Private not-for-profit
8 Abbott Park Pl
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 598-1000
Enrollment: 3,608 students Acceptance rate: 45% Minority enrollment: 52%
New England Institute of Technology
New England Institute of Technology Photo
Private not-for-profit
One New England Tech Boulevard
East Greenwich, RI 02818
(401) 739-5000
Enrollment: 1,922 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Acceptance rate: 67% Private-state tuition: $30,000 Minority enrollment: 49%

Overview

This State (RI)
Total Faculty
88 staff
Number of Programs Offered
4

Student Body

Total Enrollment
2,301 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
26:1
# Full-Time Students
803 students
# Part-Time Students
1,498 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
777 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
659 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
131 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,109 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
392 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
% Asian
3%
% Hispanic
23%
% Black
15%
% White
46%
% Hawaiian
n/a
% Two or more races
5%
% Non Resident races
n/a
% Unknown races
8%
Diversity Score
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
24%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
49%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$29,100

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

In-State Tuition Fees
$3,950
Out-State Tuition Fees
$10,582
Private State Tuition Fees
$30,000
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
93%
Median Debt for Graduates
$15,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,417
Acceptance Rate
67%
SAT Total Avg.
n/a
SAT Reading
534
SAT Math
519

Frequently Asked Questions

How many community colleges are located in Rhode Island?
There are 5 community colleges serving 18,532 students in Rhode Island.
How much do community colleges cost in Rhode Island?
The average tuition for community colleges in Rhode Island is approximately $3,950 per year for in-state students and $10,582 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $30,000.
How diverse are community colleges in Rhode Island?
Community colleges in Rhode Island have approximately 54% minority enrollment, with the majority being Hispanic.

Recent Articles

As Four-Year Colleges Enter Short-Term Training, Should You Still Choose a Community College?
As Four-Year Colleges Enter Short-Term Training, Should You Still Choose a Community College?
As universities expand short-term workforce certificates, learn how community colleges compare on cost, flexibility, employer partnerships, and career outcomes.
What New Federal Aid Rules Mean for Short-Term Training Choices
What New Federal Aid Rules Mean for Short-Term Training Choices
Learn how new federal financial aid rules affect short-term workforce training programs and what prospective community college students should consider before enrolling.
Childcare, Transportation, and Food Support: Services That Drive Community College Completion
Childcare, Transportation, and Food Support: Services That Drive Community College Completion
Learn how childcare, transportation, food assistance, and other basic needs services help community college students stay enrolled and graduate.