>70%
of RIC students receive financial aid, w/ generous opportunities for scholarships, grants & work-study.
First-Generation Mobility
Rhode Island College offers a variety of dedicated resources to help first-generation students succeed on their path to being the first in their family to earn a college degree.
12+
More than a dozen offices provide supports to students, including those w/ disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ+, low-income & first-gen students.
Programs That Help You Get Accepted to RIC
Quickly understand these programs and how to participate in them. Get started today!
Preparatory Enrollment Program
The Preparatory Enrollment Program is a bridge program for Rhode Island first-generation high school students – supporting their admission to RIC and their development as a RIC student. First-generation high school seniors can apply to the program via RIC's Common Application. The deadline to apply is February 1 of senior year.
Project ExCEL
Project ExCEL is an academic initiative at RIC to expand college access for talented bilingual students. In close partnership with high school counselors, Project ExCEL enrolls bilingual students with established academic success, and provides them with the support needed to pursue and achieve a RIC degree.
Programs that Support You Before, During, and After College
These programs help ensure first-generation student success beyond high school.
Upward Bound Program
The Rhode Island College Upward Bound Program serves low-income, first-generation high school students - assisting them in graduating from high school and completing a college degree.
Student Support Services
The primary goal of RIC's Student Support Services is to assist first-generation RIC students in completing their Rhode Island College degree. Student Support Services offerings are broad - guiding students as whole individuals and meeting their varied needs.
McNair Scholars Program
The McNair Scholars Program provides guidance, resources and support to first-generation junior year RIC students who want to pursue a graduate or PhD program. McNair Scholars also pursue an individual research project, and often an accompanying internship, under the guidance of a faculty member.
First-Generation Students Moving Forward
RIC’s PEP Program provided a solid college foundation for Jinnette Santana.
Psychology major, Jeremi Evangelista researched stereotypes among members of the LGBT community around masculinity and femininity.