Best Nursing Programs in Rhode Island (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 173 accredited nursing programs across 40 schools in Rhode Island. The fastest listed completion time is 12 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $209,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 90.3% first-time pass rate. RNs in Rhode Island earn $84,990/year on average (BLS).
173
Programs
40
Schools
12 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
90.3%
Avg NCLEX (3)
94
Online / Hybrid
$85K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
Rhode Island nursing programs at a glance
- 173 accredited nursing programs across 40 schools in Rhode Island (0 LPN, 3 ADN, 11 BSN, 1 bridge).
- Fastest listed program: 12 months (RN to BSN at Salve Regina University).
- Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
- Highest published NCLEX pass rate in our listing: 91.79% (Western Governors University).
- 94 online or hybrid programs serve Rhode Island students (6 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in Rhode Island: $84,990 (BLS) · 4.3% projected job growth through 2032.
Rhode Island nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 173 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 40 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 0 LPN · 3 ADN · 11 BSN · 1 bridge · 61 MSN · 24 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | RN to BSN at Salve Regina University — 12 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $209,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 90.3% average across 3 programs with published data · high: 91.79% (Western Governors University) |
| Delivery formats | 87 online · 7 hybrid · 6 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $84,990/yr (BLS) · 4.3% projected growth through 2032 |
All Nursing Programs in Rhode Island
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Showing 100 of 173 programs from our directory for Rhode Island.
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How to choose a nursing program in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (173 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. Registered nurses in Rhode Island earn $84,990/year on average (BLS), close to the national benchmark. RN employment in Rhode Island is projected to grow 4.3% through 2032 (BLS). Choosing a nursing program in Rhode Island means weighing completion time, total tuition, NCLEX outcomes, and how quickly you can start earning an RN salary in a local labor market. Among programs in our Rhode Island directory, the fastest listed completion time is 12 months. We track 173 accredited nursing programs in Rhode Island — including 14 entry-level RN, 1 bridge/RN-to-BSN pathways. Rhode Island is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state — plan to license in Rhode Island directly for in-state practice. Neighboring Connecticut and Massachusetts also require direct licensure or endorsement.
Key takeaways
- Screen Rhode Island programs by recent NCLEX first-attempt pass rate before tuition — licensing failure costs more time than a longer program.
- Verify ACEN or CCNE accreditation (or state board approval) before any deposit; unaccredited programs may block NCLEX eligibility in Rhode Island.
- License in Rhode Island directly — endorsement from another state is available, but Rhode Island does not issue multistate compact privileges.
- Rhode Island lists 14 entry-level RN programs; community college ADN plus employer-funded RN-to-BSN is often the lowest total-cost path.
- 1 RN-to-BSN or bridge programs in Rhode Island suit nurses already licensed who want BSN completion while working.
- Listed tuition in Rhode Island spans $13,500 to $209,000 — public ADN programs anchor the low end; private accelerated programs cluster at the top.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- No — license in this state directly or via endorsement.
- CE at renewal
- 10 hours per 2 years cycle.
- Average RN salary
- $84,990 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in Rhode Island
Programs by Degree Type
61
MSN Programs
24
DNP Programs
11
BSN Programs
3
ADN Programs
1
RN-BSN Programs
Nursing Schools in Rhode Island
40 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New England Institute of Technology | 1 | ADN | N/A | View |
| Rhode Island College | 3 | BSNDNP | N/A | View |
| University of Rhode Island | 3 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Salve Regina University | 3 | RN-BSNBSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| Community College of Rhode Island | 1 | ADN | 88.0% | View |
| Western Governors University | 3 | BSNMSN | 91.8% | View |
| National University | 4 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Aspen University | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.2% | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Walden University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Texas at Arlington | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Regis College | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Cincinnati | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Johns Hopkins University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Chamberlain University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Michigan State University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Simmons University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in Rhode Island?
There are 173 accredited nursing programs available in Rhode Island across 40 schools — including 0 LPN, 3 ADN, 11 BSN, 61 MSN, and 24 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in Rhode Island?
Nursing program tuition in Rhode Island starts as low as $13,500 and reaches $209,000 among programs in our directory. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable; private BSN programs cost more. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How long does nursing school take in Rhode Island?
The fastest nursing programs listed in Rhode Island can be completed in 12 months (RN to BSN at Salve Regina University). LPN certificates typically take 9–12 months, ADN programs 18–24 months, and traditional BSN programs 36–48 months. Accelerated BSN programs for career changers can finish in 12–18 months.
What is the average nurse salary in Rhode Island?
Registered nurses in Rhode Island earn an average of $84,990 per year ($41/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in Rhode Island is projected to grow 4.3% through 2032.
Can I complete nursing school online in Rhode Island?
Yes. There are 94 online and hybrid nursing programs (87 fully online, 7 hybrid) available to Rhode Island residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within Rhode Island.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in Rhode Island?
Among programs with published NCLEX data in our directory, Western Governors University leads at 91.79% first-time pass rate (Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)). Average across 3 programs with data: 90.3%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
What are the nursing license requirements in Rhode Island?
To practice nursing in Rhode Island, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the Rhode Island Board of Nursing. Rhode Island is not currently a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so you will need separate licensure for each state you wish to practice in. License renewal is every 2 years with 10 continuing education hours required.
Is there a nursing shortage in Rhode Island?
Yes. Like most states, Rhode Island is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 4.3% job growth projected through 2032 reflects strong demand for qualified nurses, particularly in rural areas and specialized care units. This means excellent job security and competitive compensation for nursing graduates.
What GPA do I need for nursing school in Rhode Island?
GPA requirements for nursing programs in Rhode Island vary by school and degree level. Most BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 for admission, while competitive programs may require 3.2 or higher. ADN and LPN programs at community colleges often have lower GPA thresholds. Some programs consider your overall GPA while others focus on prerequisite science courses.
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