Rhode Island Employment and Education

The job market remains strong in Rhode Island. Between 2003 and 2004, there were 7 thousand jobs created. Earnings for the same time period were up 1.4%. Unemployment fro the year 2005 was at 5%. It has increased to 5.6% for July of 2006, and remains above the national average.

There are 342 schools statewide. They each spend $11,090 per student annually. Their NAEP score for 2003 showed 72% of 4th graders passed the math basic requirements. The number improved to 76% for 2005. For 8th graders, 63% passed the basic requirements for both years. The graduation rate is 78% across the state.