Best Substance Abuse Counseling Schools in Rhode Island (2026)

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Rhode Island Substance Abuse Counseling At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Substance Abuse Counseling Salary$62,850
Salary OutlookRhode Island offers competitive wages for substance abuse counseling 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 substance abuse counseling degree in Rhode Island offers a flexible path into substance abuse counseling careers. Rhode Island offers competitive wages for substance abuse counseling 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 Substance Abuse Counseling Schools in Rhode Island

The following schools offer accredited online substance abuse counseling 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.

Ranked by BOC Score — U.S. Dept. of Education outcome data. Advertising never affects rankings.

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#1

Salve Regina University

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

Source:Accreditor: New England Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Rhode Island College

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

Source:Accreditor: New England Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Community College of Rhode Island

Warwick, RI
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
51.2 BOC Score
Graduation rate 26%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $42,659
Avg net price $6,513/yr
Tuition
In‑state$5,550
Out‑of‑state$14,834
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 66

Source:Accreditor: New England Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Johnson & Wales University-Providence

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

Source:Accreditor: New England Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Rhode Island

Substance Abuse Counseling 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)
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor$65,120
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker$60,990
Social and Community Service Manager$77,570
Social and Human Service Assistant$47,720

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


Why Pursue an Online Substance Abuse Counseling 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 substance abuse counseling 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 Substance Abuse Counseling pay in Rhode Island compare to other states?

Rhode Island offers competitive wages for substance abuse counseling 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 substance abuse counseling 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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