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Rhode Island Forensic Science At a Glance
| Metric | Detail |
|---|
| Median Forensic Science Salary | $82,840 |
| Salary Outlook | Rhode Island offers competitive wages for forensic science professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. |
| Primary Licensing Body | Rhode Island Professional Licensing Board |
| Accreditation Required | Institutional + Regional |
Earning an online forensic science degree in Rhode Island offers a flexible path into forensic science careers. Rhode Island offers competitive wages for forensic science professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, Rhode Island students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.
Online Forensic Science Schools in Rhode Island
The following schools offer accredited online forensic science programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Rhode Island.
How We Rank Schools
Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most
recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS).
To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the
U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked
against schools at the same credential level:
BOCSCORE
- Graduation rate 30%
- Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
- Average net price (lower is better) 20%
- Retention rate 15%
- Fully online availability 10%
Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score.
Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.
Acceptance rate
88%
Graduation rate
68%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$70,266
Avg net price
$37,999/yr
TuitionIn‑state$44,418
Out‑of‑state$44,418
Key stats- Retention rate: 80%
- Programs offered: 40
Source:Accreditor: New England Commission on Higher Education · IPEDS · College Scorecard
Career Outlook and Salaries in Rhode Island
Forensic Science professionals in Rhode Island experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Rhode Island.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary (Rhode Island) |
|---|
| Detective and Criminal Investigator | $88,450 |
| Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officer | $77,230 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Why Pursue an Online Forensic Science Degree in Rhode Island?
Choosing a program in Rhode Island can provide several advantages:
- In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Rhode Island offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
- Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
- Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the Rhode Island economy and job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online forensic science programs in Rhode Island accredited?
The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.
How does Forensic Science pay in Rhode Island compare to other states?
Rhode Island offers competitive wages for forensic science professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Rhode Island a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.
What is the primary licensing board for forensic science in Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Rhode Island. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.
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