Best Nursing Schools in Providence: Programs, Tuition & Rankings for 2026
GradeToGrad Editorial Team
February 20, 2026
Compare 4 Providence nursing programs with real tuition and graduate earnings data from the College Scorecard.
Why Study Nursing in Providence?
Providence offers a strong healthcare market with growing demand for nurses across hospitals, clinics, and specialty care facilities. The metro area has 4 institutions offering nursing programs, from affordable community college ADN degrees to advanced doctoral programs.
Top University Nursing Programs
Rhode Island College (Providence)
In-state tuition: $10,986/year | Acceptance rate: 81.1% | Graduation rate: 45.0%
Nursing graduates earn $141,941/year (Master's Degree). Enrollment: 4,630 students.
Salve Regina University (Newport)
In-state tuition: $47,930/year | Acceptance rate: 69.9% | Graduation rate: 75.2%
Nursing graduates earn $74,932/year (Bachelor's Degree). Enrollment: 2,102 students.
New England Institute of Technology (East Greenwich)
In-state tuition: $35,625/year | Acceptance rate: 72.7% | Graduation rate: 54.1%
Nursing graduates earn $86,470/year (Bachelor's Degree). Enrollment: 1,712 students.
Affordable ADN Programs
| School | Location | Tuition | Nursing Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community College of Rhode Island | Warwick | $5,326/yr | $62,973/yr |
How to Choose the Right Program
Consider these factors when selecting a nursing program in Providence:
- Budget: Community college ADN programs are the cheapest path to an RN license, often under $5,000/year
- Career goals: ADN gets you working fastest; BSN opens more doors; MSN/DNP leads to advanced practice and highest earnings
- Transfer path: Many local CCs have articulation agreements with universities for ADN-to-BSN bridges
- Clinical sites: Look for programs with rotations at major local hospitals
Financial Aid
- Federal Pell Grant — up to $7,395/year, often covers full CC tuition
- State grants — check Rhode Island's state aid programs for residents
- HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship — tuition + living stipend for underserved area commitment
- Hospital tuition reimbursement — many employers pay for nurses pursuing higher degrees
Next Steps
Compare Providence nursing programs on GradeToGrad — see tuition, outcomes, and admissions data for every school.
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