Rhode Island consistently ranks #2 in the nation for LPN pay, with a median salary around $72,000/year. Only California pays more — but California has state income tax at 6%+ and a cost of living that's dramatically higher. Rhode Island is also tiny, which means you're never far from a hospital, clinical site, or employer. The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) offers the primary affordable pathway into the profession, and Rhode Island is now an NLC compact state, meaning your license works across state lines.
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That's a $12,000+ premium over the national median — enough to cover the cost of your entire LPN education at CCRI in about 3 months of the salary difference alone.
Warwick / Lincoln / Providence / Newport
~$5,000–$9,000 in-state
Rhode Island's primary LPN pathway. 4 campuses across the state. Practical nursing certificate with clinical rotations at Lifespan (Rhode Island Hospital, Miriam Hospital), Care New England, and CharterCARE Health Partners. Pell Grant eligible — at this tuition, Pell covers everything.
Federal Pell Grant — Up to $7,395. Covers full CCRI tuition.
Rhode Island Promise Scholarship — Free CCRI tuition for recent high school graduates for first 2 years.
RI State Grant — Need-based state aid. Apply via FAFSA.
Lifespan / Care New England Tuition Assistance — If you work in the RI hospital system, employer tuition benefits may apply.
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Passing the NCLEX-PN is your final step to becoming licensed in Rhode Island. 50 free questions with full answer explanations.
Take 50 Free NCLEX-PN Practice Questions →Enter your zip code to see accredited programs near you.
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