9th Annual Rhode Island RN Program Rankings by RNCareers.org
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Rhode Island and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 2 ADN degree programs and 4 BSN degree programs in Rhode Island. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Rhode Island to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.Â
Best BSN Programs in Rhode Island
#1 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
University of Rhode Island
Pass Rate
Green Hall, 35 Campus Avenue, Kingston, RI - 02881
(401) 874-1000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 77.41%
- Programs: Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
University Information
Total Faculty: 785
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $15,332
Book and Supplies: $1,250
Percent Received Aid: 98%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $11,835
Percent Admitted: 76%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 18%
Graduation Rate: 71%
#2 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Rhode Island College
Pass Rate
- 600 Mount Pleasant Ave, Providence, RI - 02908
- (401) 456-8000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 73.91%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, RN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 319
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,702
- Book and Supplies: $1,200
- Percent Received Aid: 93%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,674
- Percent Admitted: 81%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 21%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
About RN Programs in Rhode Island
- There are 5 nursing schools in Rhode Island. The CCNE accredits 3 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 5 schools in Rhode Island.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Rhode Island is between 84.65% and 86.58%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Rhode Island is between 79.23% and 89.11%.
- The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Rhode Island can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
New healthcare initiatives in Rhode Island have presented nurses with new challenges to face. Some of the challenges that will present themselves include: an aging population, health care reforms, new preventative care initiatives, and the constant evolution of medical technology. There are registered nurses taking the initiative every day and pursuing higher education in order to meet these challenges. An educated nurse is a very powerful member of the healthcare industry. Nurses have busy schedules and life can become more hectic when schooling is added into the mix. Finding the school with the best program can be overwhelming but, at the end of the day, it is worth it.
Rhode Island RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
| Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Nursing Programs | 2 | 4 |
| Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 85.41% | 83.63% |
| NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 84.65% to 86.58% | 79.23% to 89.11% |
Nursing Programs Offered in Rhode Island
- Registered Nursing: 5
- Family Nurse Practitioner: 2
- Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- CNL: 1
Rhode Island Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types
- University of Rhode Island: 4
- Rhode Island College: 2
- Salve Regina University: 2
- New England Institute of Technology: 1
- Community College of Rhode Island: 1
Become a Nurse Practitioner in Rhode Island
Research the best Rhode Island NP programs, and find comprehensive guides to the following NP careers:
Become an APRN in Rhode Island
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
RN Licensing Requirements in Rhode Island
Comprehensive guide to Rhode Island Nursing License Requirements Renewals RN and APRN.
Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
PO Box 2649
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
(717) 783-7142
More of the Best RN Programs in Rhode Island
|
Grade
|
University
|
Rhode Island Rank
|
Degree
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 80.65 | Salve Regina University | 3 | BSN |
| 79.23 | New England Institute of Technology | 4 | BSN |
Compare Nursing Salaries in Rhode Island
How much do nurses earn in Rhode Island?
- CNA Salary Report for 2025
- LPN Salary Report for 2025
- RN Salary Report for 2025
- NP Salary Report for 2025
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