Best Online Special Education Programs in Rhode Island (2026)

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Rhode Island Special Education At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Special Education Salary$82,642
Salary OutlookRhode Island offers competitive wages for special education professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyRhode Island Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online special education degree in Rhode Island offers a flexible path into special education careers. Rhode Island offers competitive wages for special education 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 Special Education Schools in Rhode Island

The following schools offer accredited online special education 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

Brown University

Providence, RI BOC Score 84.6
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 5%
Graduation rate 96%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $93,487
Avg net price $25,184/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$71,412
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$71,412
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 99%
  • Programs offered: 22

Source:Accreditor: New England Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

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

#3

Bryant University

Smithfield, RI BOC Score 74.3
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 65%
Graduation rate 80%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $90,008
Avg net price $41,219/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$52,677
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$52,677
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 87%
  • Programs offered: 16

Source:Accreditor: New England Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Rhode Island School of Design

Providence, RI BOC Score 63.4
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 19%
Graduation rate 89%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $68,140
Avg net price $50,507/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$62,688
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$62,688
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 94%
  • Programs offered: 6

Source:Accreditor: New England Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Providence, RI BOC Score 33.7
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 88%
Graduation rate 55%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $43,418
Avg net price $31,027/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$42,419
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$42,419
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 79%
  • Programs offered: 49

Source:Accreditor: New England Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Roger Williams University School of Law

Bristol, RI
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $70,266
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact

Source:Accreditor: New England Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Rhode Island

Special Education 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)
Special Education Teacher, Kindergarten and Elementary School$84,300
Special Education Teacher, Middle School$93,970
Special Education Teacher, Secondary School$92,990
Special Education Teacher, Preschool$59,310

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


Why Pursue an Online Special Education 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 special education 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 Special Education pay in Rhode Island compare to other states?

Rhode Island offers competitive wages for special education 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 special education 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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