Lowest In-State Tuition for a Bachelor’s
$11,300 in annual undergraduate tuition and required fees for state residents (2024–25), the lowest among the 7 bachelor’s programs shown here.
Rhode Island · Psychology Rankings · 2027 
Best Psychology Programs in Rhode Island for 2027
Rhode Island College asks $11,300 and awards 93 degrees, while the University of Rhode Island leads at $16,942 and awards 264. Providence College’s schoolwide graduation rate, 86%, is the best of the seven, with Bryant University next at 80%. All seven of the state’s ranked psychology programs are bachelor’s degrees, and five are private colleges.
By Taylor Rupe, Editor
Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Rhode Island
7 schools in Rhode Island awarded psychology bachelor’s degrees in 2023–24, scored against 1,212 bachelor’s programs nationwide.
- 1
University of Rhode Island
Psychology BA and BS
78.0 Comparison ScoreAt URI the BA and BS are quite different, so pick on structure. The BA needs 32 major credits, after prerequisites in general psychology, quantitative methods and two of developmental, personality or psychopathology, and leaves room for a second major, minor or study abroad. The BS needs 41 credits, with a more structured and math-heavy path through developmental, cross-cultural, psychological testing, physiological, social and learning or cognitive courses, plus research-intensive courses and a research experience. Every student completes an experiential learning course such as research, a community placement or teaching assistant work. BS students who want a health profession are urged to meet the pre-health advisor early.
- BA Credits
- At least 32 credits in the major, with 30 credits at the 300 level or higher.
- BS Credits
- At least 41 credits, with a 2.5 GPA in psychology courses and a research experience.
- Methods Courses
- Quantitative Methods in Psychology and Research Methods and Design in the Behavioral Sciences.
- Experiential Learning
- Required for both degrees: research, community placement, teaching assistant work and similar.
Program Sources: Curriculum – Department of Psychology
- Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- 264 Psychology, 2023–24
- School Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 72% 3,038 first-time, full-time students
- Median Graduate Earnings
- $56,571 Psychology bachelor’s graduates, College Scorecard
- In-State Tuition + Fees
- $16,942 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees
- $37,146 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- 2
Providence College
Psychology BA
72.8 Comparison ScoreEleven psychology courses make up the Providence College major, and the middle of it is a lab: after the four-credit Methods and Statistics course you choose one Methods and Analysis course with a lab in areas such as animal learning, behavioral neuroscience, cognition, development, health, neuropsychology, social psychology or aging. You also pick four courses spread across three areas, brain, mind and behavior; clinical and applied; and sociocultural and developmental. Two 400-level courses follow, from options like behavior therapy, theories of psychotherapy, drugs and behavior, or a clinical internship. A neuroscience certificate is available to psychology majors, and you can conduct research in the department's labs in the Science Complex.
- Methods Core
- Introduction to Psychology, then Methods and Statistics in Psychology with a lab.
- Methods and Analysis Lab
- One four-credit lab course in a chosen area such as cognition, development or social psychology.
- 400-Level Choices
- Clinical internship, independent study, behavior therapy, psychotherapy theories and more.
- Neuroscience Certificate
- An integrated neuroscience course of study for biology and psychology majors.
Program Sources: Program: Psychology - Providence CollegePsychology at Providence College
- Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- 73 Psychology, 2023–24
- School Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 86% 1,121 first-time, full-time students
- Median Graduate Earnings
- $63,746 Psychology bachelor’s graduates, College Scorecard
- In-State Tuition + Fees
- $63,550 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees
- $63,550 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- 3
Salve Regina University
Psychology BA
64.7 Comparison ScoreStart the statistics and research methods sequence in sophomore year at Salve Regina, because the department asks majors to take Introduction to Psychology in the first year and both Statistics and Research Methods courses early, and late starts can push you past four years. The 41-credit major adds applied behavior analysis or learning principles, development, social, cognitive or biological psychology, a clinical course and a history and systems capstone, with twelve elective credits from topics like forensic psychology, animal training, mindfulness and community psychology. Strong students can enter an accelerated program toward a master's in behavior analysis or clinical counseling. Semester study abroad in junior year is highly recommended.
- Methods Sequence
- Statistics and Research Methods I and II, recommended for sophomore year.
- Accelerated Master's
- Bachelor's plus Master of Science in Behavior Analysis in five years, with a 3.30 GPA and an application by February 15 of junior year.
- Electives
- Twelve credits, including forensic psychology, animal training, mindfulness, community psychology and advanced research.
- Capstone
- History and Systems of Psychology.
Program Sources: Psychology < Salve Regina UniversityPsychology (B.A.) < Salve Regina University
- Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- 52 Psychology, 2023–24
- School Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 77% 493 first-time, full-time students
- Median Graduate Earnings
- $61,121 Psychology bachelor’s graduates, College Scorecard
- In-State Tuition + Fees
- $50,100 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees
- $50,100 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- 4
Rhode Island College
Psychology BA
62.0 Comparison ScoreA three-part methods sequence is the core of this 44-credit psychology BA: Research Methods I, Research Methods II on behavioral statistics, and a choice of a general psychology lab or an applied lab as Research Methods III. Between them you take three core courses in areas like social psychology or personality, human development, cognitive psychology and psychological disorders, one course on topics such as intersectionality, social class, health or social change, and three more from a long list that includes applied behavior analysis, community psychology, psychological testing and an internship. A GPA of 2.0 in the major is required, and an accelerated BA-to-MA option can finish both degrees in as little as five years.
- Methods Sequence
- Research Methods I, Research Methods II: Behavioral Statistics, and a Research Methods III lab (general or applied).
- Social Context Course
- One course from intersectionality, social class, genders and sexualities, health psychology or social change.
- Electives
- Three from options such as applied behavior analysis, psychological testing, community psychology and an internship.
- Accelerated Master's
- A BA-to-MA psychology program can be completed in as little as five years.
Program Sources: Psychology | Rhode Island College CatalogPsychology Bachelor's Degree | Rhode Island College
- Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- 93 Psychology, 2023–24
- School Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 48% 829 first-time, full-time students
- Median Graduate Earnings
- $52,758 Psychology bachelor’s graduates, College Scorecard
- In-State Tuition + Fees
- $11,300 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees
- $27,299 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- 5
Roger Williams University
Psychology BA
57.5 Comparison ScoreDirect research experience and a guaranteed internship come with every psychology degree here, and the required courses are built around both. After Introduction to Psychology you take Quantitative Analysis, Research Methods and Experimental Psychology with Laboratory, then a seminar and an Applied Practicum in Psychology. A research practicum or senior thesis can substitute for one of the later courses. You also pick a course in each of five content areas and add six more psychology credits, with three courses at the 300 or 400 level. A math course at the MATH 124 level and a speech course are required. Students have interned at Butler Hospital and Newport Mental Health, and 85 percent graduate with more than one major.
- Required Sequence
- Quantitative Analysis, Research Methods, Experimental Psychology with Laboratory, a seminar and an Applied Practicum.
- Thesis Option
- A research practicum or senior thesis can replace one required course.
- Content Areas
- One course from each of five areas, including clinical and psychopathology.
- Internship
- A guaranteed internship, with support before, during and after.
Program Sources: Psychology, Major, Undergraduate Program, Roger Williams UniversityPsychology, Major, Undergraduate Program, Roger Williams University
- Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- 62 Psychology, 2023–24
- School Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 69% 1,040 first-time, full-time students
- Median Graduate Earnings
- $57,212 Psychology bachelor’s graduates, College Scorecard
- In-State Tuition + Fees
- $45,197 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees
- $45,197 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- 6
Bryant University
Psychology BS
46.5 Comparison ScoreBehavioral science and core business courses come together in this psychology BS, because a business administration minor is part of the degree. The major has two research methods courses, the second including statistics, and a capstone in either a Senior Research Seminar or a Senior Internship Seminar. You take at least one course from each of five perspectives: developmental, social and cultural, cognition and learning, biological and clinical. Electives range from forensic psychology and positive psychology to exercise and sport psychology, the design thinking process and industrial and organizational psychology. At least three of the perspective and elective courses must be advanced 400-level ones. The major requires a minimum of 36 credits.
- Business Minor
- A minor in business administration is part of the degree.
- Research Methods
- Research Methods in Psychology and Research Methods in Psychology II: Psychological Research and Statistics.
- Capstone Choice
- A Senior Research Seminar or a Senior Internship Seminar.
- Five Perspectives
- Developmental, social and cultural, cognition and learning, biological, and clinical, one course each.
Program Sources: Bachelor of Science with a Major in Psychology | Bryant University Academic CatalogPsychology | Bryant University
- Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- 16 Psychology, 2023–24
- School Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 80% 864 first-time, full-time students
- In-State Tuition + Fees
- $52,677 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees
- $52,677 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- 7
Johnson & Wales University-Providence
Psychology BS
41.8 Comparison ScoreYou can take the psychology BS at JWU Providence with general major electives or switch to a 24-credit Counseling Psychology specialization, offered on the Providence campus, that puts you in supervised clinical settings. The shared major covers abnormal, developmental, social, personality, cultural and neuropsychology, a professional issues and ethics course, a social research skills workshop and a research seminar in psychology. General-track students choose six credits of internship, undergraduate research or study abroad and six electives from areas such as health psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, criminology and counseling. The specialization includes a counseling internship, crisis intervention, group counseling and case management.
- Counseling Specialization
- Twenty-four credits including counseling theories, case management, crisis intervention, group counseling and a six-credit internship.
- Research Courses
- A social research skills workshop and a Research Seminar in Psychology.
- Experiential Choices
- Internship, undergraduate research experience, honors directed study or study abroad.
- Electives
- Six from health, industrial/organizational, cognitive and motivation courses, criminology, and counseling.
Program Sources: Psychology - B.S. < | Johnson & Wales UniversityPsychology B.S. | Johnson & Wales University
- Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded
- 41 Psychology, 2023–24
- School Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 50% 1,320 first-time, full-time students
- In-State Tuition + Fees
- $41,982 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees
- $41,982 Undergraduate, schoolwide, 2024–25
Psychology Programs in Rhode Island at a Glance
- Ranked Schools
- 7 2 public, 5 private
- Bachelor’s Programs
- 7 601 degrees in 2023–24
- Lowest In-State Tuition
- $11,300 Bachelor’s list, schoolwide, 2024–25
How We Rank Psychology Programs in Rhode Island
Each program gets the same comparison score it earns in our national psychology model, calculated against the nationwide group that meets the numeric and directory criteria. We then order Rhode Island’s eligible programs by that score within each degree level. We feature up to 10 programs, taking the next highest-ranked program from each degree-level list in turn. Scores are compared only within the same degree level. Bachelor’s lists weigh graduation rate (20%), published tuition (20%), graduate earnings (20%), program reputation (25%), and degrees awarded (15%). How these scores work.
Best Psychology Schools in Rhode Island by Goal
These picks compare only the programs featured in the lists above.
Most Psychology Bachelor’s Graduates
264 psychology bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2023–24, the most of any school on this list.
Highest Schoolwide Graduation Rate
86% of first-time, full-time students at the school finished a bachelor’s within six years. This is a schoolwide rate, not a psychology-only rate.
Top-Scoring Private College
The highest-scoring private school on the bachelor’s list (No. 2 overall), with a comparison score of 72.8.
How Psychology Programs in Rhode Island Stack Up for Students
URI stands apart on this list with a score of 78.0 and 264 bachelor’s graduates. Its resident tuition is $16,942 and its schoolwide graduation rate is 72%. Providence College ranks second at 72.8 and Rhode Island College fourth at 62.0. Providence College has an 86% graduation rate at $63,550. Rhode Island College charges $11,300 and has a 48% rate.
Private options fill the middle. Salve Regina University in Newport awarded 52 degrees, and Roger Williams University in Bristol awarded 62. Bryant University in Smithfield is smaller at 16.
Psychology Licensure in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Board of Psychology licenses psychologists in Rhode Island. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology does not by itself qualify you to practice as a psychologist.
Licensed Psychologist
- Degree
- Doctoral degree in psychology from a regionally accredited college or university whose program was APA-accredited when the degree was received, or an equivalent doctorate (including a doctorate in an allied field that meets the board’s equivalency requirements)
- Exam
- Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) from ASPPB, passing score set at ASPPB’s recommended score
- Supervised Experience
- At least two years of supervised experience totaling a minimum of 3,000 hours, with one year (1,500 hours) post-doctoral, plus a 1,500-hour supervised internship completed after the equivalent of two years of full-time graduate study. Supervision must be by a licensed psychologist, with at least 1 hour of one-to-one supervision per week.
- Practice
- Independent. Licensees must limit practice to demonstrated areas of competence (R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-44-14).
The Rhode Island psychology board does not issue a separate master’s-level psychology credential. Master’s graduates who want to provide therapy usually pursue a counseling or marriage and family therapy license from a different board.
Rhode Island’s Board of Psychology licenses only doctoral-level psychologists; there is no master’s-level psychological associate or examiner credential. Rhode Island joined PSYPACT, and as of July 1, 2023 qualifying RI-licensed psychologists can apply to practice telepsychology or temporary in-person practice in other PSYPACT states.
Requirements summarized from the board’s official pages. Confirm the current rules with the board before you choose a graduate program.
Psychologist Salaries in Rhode Island
These are BLS median annual wages for Rhode Island and the United States from the May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. A median is the midpoint among workers in the occupation, from new hires to senior staff, so it is not a starting salary for a new graduate. The 10th–90th percentile range shows what the middle 80% of workers earn in the state.
| Occupation | Rhode Island Median | Rhode Island 10th–90th Percentile | U.S. Median | Rhode Island Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychologist Pay in Rhode Island BLS: Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $107,490 | $54,500–$144,700 | $100,580 | 420 |
| Psychologist Wages in Rhode Island BLS: School Psychologists | $94,900 | $59,640–$107,360 | $95,990 | 210 |
| Psychologist Pay in Rhode Island BLS: Psychologists, All Other | $130,960 | $32,250–$170,250 | $110,840 | 90 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Wage data does not enter the program scores.
Psychology Programs in Rhode Island: Common Questions
How Many Schools in Rhode Island Appear in These Psychology Rankings?
7 schools in Rhode Island appear in the lists shown here (7 bachelor’s programs). A school can appear at more than one degree level. The degree counts come from federal IPEDS completions for 2023–24.
Which Psychology Bachelor’s Program in Rhode Island Has the Lowest Tuition?
Rhode Island College lists $11,300 in annual undergraduate tuition and required fees for state residents in 2024–25, the lowest among the bachelor’s programs shown here. That is a schoolwide figure before aid, so check the program’s own costs and any fees for fieldwork or labs.
Which Rhode Island School Awards the Most Psychology Degrees?
The University of Rhode Island awarded 264 psychology bachelor’s degrees in 2023–24, the most in the state, and ranks first on this list.
Which Ranked Psychology Bachelor’s Program Has the Lowest Resident Tuition in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island College in Providence has the lowest resident tuition and required fees among the ranked psychology bachelor’s programs: $11,300 for 2024–25. The nonresident figure is $27,299. Those are schoolwide undergraduate charges. Compare your aid offer and housing costs before deciding which school fits your budget.
Sources
- IPEDS C2024_A completions: first-major degrees awarded by field and level, 2023–24.
- IPEDS COST1_2024: tuition and required fees, 2024–25.
- IPEDS DRVGR2024: schoolwide graduation rates.
- Carnegie 2025 Research Activity Designations.
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 state estimates.
- Rhode Island Board of Psychology.
- SocialSciences.org ranking methodology.
