Financial Aid for New Incoming Students

Two students at the Learning for Life Financial Aid session

Our Office of Financial Aid administers an extensive program of scholarships, grants, loans, and work study to help students successfully manage education costs. Let us help you get your degree.

Contact the Office of Financial Aid

Aid Based on Need

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Most of the financial aid available at Rhode Island College is based on financial need, although some scholarships are given each year in recognition of superior academic achievement or special talent. Financial need is simply the difference between your cost of attending RIC and the amount that you and your family are expected to contribute toward that cost.

Submit Your FAFSA Form

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Federal Student Aid [FSA] is education funding from the federal government (Department of Education). Federal student aid funds may cover tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. Types of federal student aid include grants, work-study and direct loans.

Complete the 2024–2025 FAFSA for Free

Hope Scholarship at Rhode Island College logo

Have You Heard about the Hope Scholarship?

The Rhode Island College Hope Scholarship is a pilot program that provides last-dollar tuition and mandatory fee payments to in-state RIC students for their junior and senior years, if they meet certain criteria.

More on the Hope Scholarship

Understand Hope Scholarship Eligibility

Financial Aid Eligibility and Application Information

Additional information on financial aid eligibility and how to apply:

Applicants should be aware that virtually all financial aid awarded by Rhode Island College is limited to students who are:

  • Accepted into a program that will lead to a degree
  • U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens
  • Enrolled at the College at least half-time (6-8 credits for undergraduates; 4.5 or more credits for graduate students). Limited Federal Pell Grants are available to some students studying less than half-time.
  • Maintaining Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress

For financial aid purposes, student status is typically verified after the end of the Add Period (the first two weeks of the semester). Students should expect that the amount of their award(s) might be reduced proportionately and/or cancelled if their status at the end of the Add Period is less than full time.

Rhode Island College has begun awarding eligible new students Financial Aid for 2024–25. Students will be emailed when their financial aid award is available in the MyRIC Student Center

If you have not done so already, we strongly encourage you to complete the 2024–2025 FAFSA for free as soon as possible.

  • RIC's Federal School Code is 003407
  • Applicants should fill out all forms completely and accurately in order to avoid delays in processing and possible loss of financial aid

Understanding the 2024-25 FAFSA Filing Updates

No FSA ID?

For parents or students without an FSA ID, you will be prompted to apply for one when you complete the 2024–2025 FAFSA for free. The FSA ID will help you (student or parent) electronically sign the FAFSA.

Please Note: Rhode Island College reserves the right to require verification of income data submitted by any and all applicants for financial assistance. Awards for those who are asked for such verification will be made conditional upon receipt of the requested information/documentation. Forms of documentation or verification that may be requested include, but are not limited to, transcripts of federal income tax returns and copies of authorization letters for untaxed income. Any discrepancy in reported figures may result in adjustment or cancellation of the financial aid award and may be reported to the federal government for further review and possible legal action.

All awards made by or through the College are conditional and are based upon information available to College officials at the time the award is made. All awards are, therefore, subject to change and/or cancellation, should the College become aware of facts, conditions, and/or circumstances that differ from those upon which the award(s) was (were) based. Similarly, all awards are contingent upon the receipt by the College of sufficient funding from state, federal, or other funding sources and/or donors to cover award offers.

The priority filing deadline for the 2024-25 FAFSA is April 15, 2024, with rolling consideration thereafter. 

Financial aid awards are not automatically renewable unless specified otherwise in your award letter. Almost all student aid at the College must be reapplied for each year by completing a new FAFSA by the posted priority filing deadline.​​​​​​ 

Let's Make it Happen!

+70%
of RIC students receive financial aid
#1
Rhode Island College is #1 for social mobility among public regional universities in New England, according to the 2022 U.S. News and World Reports rankings
45%
of RIC students are first generation college students
Rhode Island College entrance

We're Here to Help

Office of Financial Aid

The mission of the Office of Student Financial Aid is to assist students and their families in funding educational costs at Rhode Island College.