Best Online Social Work Programs in Rhode Island (2026)

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Rhode Island Social Work At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Social Work Salary$70,890
Salary OutlookRhode Island offers competitive wages for social work professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyRhode Island Board of Social Work Examiners
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online social work degree in Rhode Island offers a flexible path into social work careers. Rhode Island offers competitive wages for social work 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 Social Work Schools in Rhode Island

The following schools offer accredited online social work 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:

  • 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.

#1

Providence College

Providence, RI BOC Score 75.3
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 51%
Graduation rate 87%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $87,054
Avg net price $48,523/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$63,550
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$63,550
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 93%
  • Programs offered: 31

Source:Accreditor: New England Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Salve Regina University

Newport, RI BOC Score 69.0
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 68%
Graduation rate 76%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $72,975
Avg net price $36,967/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$50,100
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$50,100
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 84%
  • Programs offered: 24

Source:Accreditor: New England Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Rhode Island College

Providence, RI BOC Score 60.9
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 92%
Graduation rate 47%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $56,318
Avg net price $9,478/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$11,300
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$27,299
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 73%
  • Programs offered: 61

Source:Accreditor: New England Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Rhode Island

Social Work 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.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Rhode Island)
Child, Family, and School Social Worker$69,870
Healthcare Social Worker$75,390
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker$60,990
Social Worker, All Other$111,590
Social and Community Service Manager$77,570
Social and Human Service Assistant$47,720
Community Health Worker$53,100

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Social Work 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 social work 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 Social Work pay in Rhode Island compare to other states?

Rhode Island offers competitive wages for social work 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 social work in Rhode Island?

The Rhode Island Board of Social Work Examiners 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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