Online Degrees in Rhode Island

This year, Rhode Island has provided public colleges and universities only 15.5 percent of the funds they need to operate. The rest of the funds will have to be raised through tuition and fees, according to The Providence Journal. The story doesn't end there. For the first time last year, the University of Rhode Island paid more in financial assistance --about $61 million--than appropriated by the state--some $57 million. Other Rhode Island schools are also having a tough time coming up with aid money, according to published reports.

Want to avoid fiscal problems? Enroll in online degree programs in Rhode Island. By pursuing the best Rhode Island online degrees, you can prepare for upcoming professional challenges in growing industries, while keeping a flexible schedule and limited your overall education costs.

Get the 411 on Rhode Island Online Degrees

In Rhode Island, you may enroll at a national online degree program or take online courses offered through a local institution. Blended or so-called hybrid courses may be offered through established brick and mortar Rhode Island universities. These programs combine online coursework with some classroom components such as lab work or weekly discussion sections. In most online courses, professors provide course materials and activities via the Web through course management and collaborative learning systems.

Online Degree Programs in Rhode Island: Which Degree Levels Do They Offer?

Popular online degree programs for Rhode Island students include associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in:

• Business
• Education
• Nursing and health care
• Criminal justice and psychology
• Information technology

You can also obtain online certificates at Rhode Island universities and community colleges in:

• Digital forensics
• Business
• Health care
• Hospitality and gaming
• Internet design
• Sustainable energy and going green
• Video game design and development

Which Benefits Can Rhode Island Degree Programs Offer You?

The best Rhode Island online degrees offer multiple benefits. Since you can access courses anytime and from anywhere, there's no need to relocate for school and you can maintain a full-time job. During your studies, you may also acquire new skills that could open doors in growing and exciting industries in Rhode Island and translate into salary increases. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pay rises with education level. Check out the following median weekly pay rates for various education levels:

• High school graduate: $626
• Associate's degree: $761
• Bachelor's degree: $1,025
• Master's degree: $1,257
• Professional degree: $1,529

Which Jobs Are Available in Rhode Island Once You've Earned Your Degree?

The mean annual salary of a Rhode Island worker was $44,320 in 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some of the growing industries you could focus on once you've earned your degree include:

• Consumer products and design
• Defense and homeland security
• Financial services
• Green technology
• Health and life sciences
• Information technology and digital media
• Manufacturing and industrial products
• Marine trades

CVS, Swarovski, Tiffany & Co. and Raytheon are in Rhode Island, which also benefits from shipbuilding and tourism due to its coastal location.