Affordable Online Degrees for Rhode Island Residents
ACE offers lower tuition, wherever you are.
ACE vs. Online Colleges in Rhode Island
to $1 ROI
For every $1 ACE students invest in their education, they receive $19.20 in higher future earnings.7
If you’re researching affordable online degrees in Rhode Island, chances are you’re comparing local colleges to find the right fit. While staying close to home may seem like the obvious choice, the best online education isn’t always defined by geography.
American College of Education (ACE) is a fully online college built to serve working professionals seeking a high-quality education at an affordable tuition. By combining flexibility with career-focused academics, we help students earn degrees that support both their personal and professional goals.
Our high student satisfaction¹ reflects an educational experience that puts students first. From supportive faculty to coursework designed around real workplace challenges, ACE helps prepare graduates for what’s next. That’s the ACE difference, and we’re proud to offer it to Rhode Island residents.
Why Choose ACE?
Your degree should move your career forward without forcing you to put your life on hold. That’s why ACE delivers flexible online learning, affordable tuition and practical programs that fit the realities of today’s busy professionals.
How ACE Compares
You may be considering respected institutions like the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, Johnson & Wales University, or Roger Williams University. While each offers online opportunities, ACE was created specifically for online students.
From our consistent course design to career-centered curriculum, ACE helps working adults succeed while balancing the demands of everyday life. Compare your options and discover why thousands of students have chosen ACE.
| ACE | University of Rhode Island | Rhode Island College | Johnson & Wales University | Roger Williams University | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Delivery | Fully online courses2 | Select online options | Select online options | Select online options | Select online options |
| Built for working adults | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Start dates per year | 11 starts | 2-4 starts | 2-4 starts | 2-4 starts | 2-4 starts |
| Student to faculty ratio | 11:13 | 17:14 | 15:14 | 14:14 | 10:14 |
| Cost (online master’s) | Most under $10,0005 (total program cost) | $18,0284 (average annual in-state cost) | $10,1124 (average annual in-state cost) | $15,1564 (average annual cost) | $21,3054 (average annual cost) |
| GRE requirement | Never | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Published tuition and fee figures for comparison institutions reflect annual costs rather than total program cost. As master’s programs commonly span multiple academic years, total costs at comparison institutions may exceed the annual amounts shown.
Our Commitment to Affordable Tuition
Higher education should open doors, not create financial barriers. ACE keeps tuition affordable so you can focus on achieving your goals instead of worrying about the cost of getting there. In fact, 87% of ACE students graduate without student loan debt.6
Our Unique Academic Experience
At ACE, every course is intentionally crafted to help you succeed in an online environment. Our academic team develops curriculum using current industry standards and regularly updates programs to reflect changing workplace expectations and emerging best practices. Plus, you’ll learn from experienced professionals who bring practical insights into their instruction, helping you connect new knowledge to the work you do every day.
Your experience also includes:
- Uniform course design: Every course follows the same intuitive format, creating a familiar learning cadence from your first class through graduation
- Fully asynchronous learning: Except for required local practicum, internship or student teaching experiences in select programs, you decide when and where you complete your coursework through our online platform
- Comprehensive support: Take advantage of our writing center, digital library and complimentary monthly tutoring to help you stay on track throughout your program
How ACE Supports Aspiring Rhode Island Teachers
ACE offers online teaching degrees for Rhode Island residents that prepare future educators with the instructional skills, classroom experience and educational foundations needed to succeed. And because our courses2 are delivered online, you can continue working while building the knowledge and confidence to take the next step in your professional journey.
You can complete an initial licensure certificate or master’s degree at ACE and then take steps toward earning a teaching certificate in Rhode Island, but you’ll want to ensure you’re aware of any additional requirements.
Programs That Advance Careers
We’re accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and have the online programs you need to advance your career.
Education
Whether you’re looking to become an educator, grow your expertise or advance into administration, ACE equips you with the research, strategies, pedagogies and skills you need.
Business
Dive into today’s business landscape and discover how to address its challenges with relevant skills, practices and technologies that are designed to make a difference.
Healthcare
Healthcare administrators and public health professionals are a driving force in ensuring quality patient care. ACE prepares you to succeed in non-clinical healthcare roles.
Nursing
Nurses looking to become leaders or educators should look no further than ACE to support their career goals with innovative and applicable practices that lead to positive patient outcomes.
FAQs
Is ACE authorized to offer programs to students in Rhode Island?
Yes! ACE is approved to enroll students in Rhode Island and other SARA participating states through its home-state authorization in Indiana. Read about this agreement to learn more about how ACE supports out-of-state enrollments.
What do ACE programs offer that online Rhode Island colleges might not?
Students choose ACE because we make it possible to earn a respected degree without sacrificing flexibility or affordability. Our fully online courses2 are designed for working professionals, our faculty bring real-world experience to every course and our curriculum emphasizes skills you can apply immediately in your career. Plus, with every $1 ACE students invest in their education, they receive $19.20 in higher future earnings.7
How can an ACE degree help me get a Rhode Island teaching certificate?
ACE’s initial licensure programs provide the educational foundation, instructional methods and classroom preparation needed to pursue a teaching career. After completing your program, you’ll still need to satisfy any additional Rhode Island licensure requirements before becoming licensed.
1Student Right to Know. Accessed July 27, 2026.
2Some programs also have local practicum, internship or student teaching requirements.
3Internal research conducted in March 2026
4CollegeTuitionCompare: University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, Johnson & Wales University, Roger Williams University. Accessed July 27, 2026.
5This is an estimated value of the cost for tuition and fees. Amounts may vary depending on number of transfer credits applied to the selected program hours, the pace and satisfactory completion of the selected program, receipt of institutional scholarship and/or grant amounts, or adjustments to tuition or fees as described in the Catalog Right to Modify Tuition section. State sales and use tax will apply where required by law.
6Internal research completed in November 2025