Accredited Online Colleges in Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island, which is also the smallest state in the country in terms of area, is a state located in the New England region of the U.S. With an unemployment rate of 11.5%, the economy of the city rests heavily on its biggest industries which include healthcare, tourism, and manufacturing. The state is home to several Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies such as CVS Caremark, Textron, Amica Mutual Insurance, and FM Global. Rhode Island is also home to several tourists attractions such as beaches, parks, and landmarks for residents and visitors to enjoy year-round. The median household income in Rhode Island was $54,119 in 2009.

The best cities for employment in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, and Cranston. Providence was one of the first cities to industrialize in the U.S. and is home to eight hospitals and seven higher learning institutions, with its economy relying heavily on healthcare and education. Warwick, the second largest city in the state, is home to numerous business centers and industrial parks and the largest employers of the city include Kent Hospital, Metropolitan Life Insurance, and the United Parcel Service. Cranston is home to many of the state's department headquarters and is also home to one of the largest outdoor swimming pools in the country.

The fastest growing and largest industries in Rhode Island include healthcare, tourism, and construction. The state is already home to numerous hospitals and medical centers and has many health care and insurance companies headquartered in the state, providing plenty of jobs for Rhode Island residents. Tourism is a large factor in the economy of Rhode Island and provides many jobs for residents in the state. Construction is also a fast growing industry as it is expected to grow by 13% over the next several years. Students already living or looking to live in Rhode Island should study and earn degrees in healthcare, hospitality and services, or construction and construction management to have the best job opportunities.

The state of Rhode Island has numerous higher learning institutions spread throughout the state including universities, associates colleges, and specific-focus institutions. The state is home to Brown University, an Ivy League school and the oldest school in the state, and has been awarded and recognized numerous times for its educational achievements through both its staff and its students. Additionally, the state is home to public universities the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College. Community College of Rhode Island is also located in the state and the school offers students degrees at six different locations.