Rhode Island Scholarships & Grants for 2025 - 2026

Overview of Rhode Island Scholarships & Grants

Rhode Island offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for both in-state and out-of-state students. This guide covers automatic merit scholarships from major universities, full-ride opportunities, statewide grants, and private-school awards. Whether you’re a high school senior, current college student, or parent planning ahead, you’ll find reliable information to help make higher education in Rhode Island more affordable.

Rhode Island Promise offers free CCRI tuition for eligible recent grads.

How Do You Qualify for Free Tuition in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island offers tuition-free college through the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship. This program covers full tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students attending the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). To qualify, students must:

• Be a Rhode Island resident and U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
• Enroll full-time at CCRI immediately after graduating from a Rhode Island high school or completing a GED.
• Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and make satisfactory academic progress.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The Rhode Island Promise Scholarship provides two years of tuition-free education at CCRI, making it an ideal option for recent graduates seeking affordable pathways to a degree or career training.

What Is the Last Dollar Scholarship and Grant in Rhode Island?

The Last Dollar Scholarship is a need-based funding program designed to cover any remaining tuition and fee costs after all other grants and scholarships have been applied. It’s often linked to the Rhode Island Promise Program or specific institutional initiatives. These scholarships ensure that eligible low- and moderate-income students can attend college without taking on additional debt, helping bridge the gap between financial aid and actual costs.

What Are RI Foundation Scholarships?

The Rhode Island Foundation administers more than 150 individual scholarship funds that support local students pursuing higher education. Notable examples include the Carter Roger Williams Scholarship, which recognizes civic engagement and academic achievement, and the Albert E. and Florence W. Newton Scholarship, which provides need-based financial support. Awards range from several hundred dollars to full tuition, and students can apply for multiple programs through a single application on the Rhode Island Foundation website.

What Scholarships Are Available for High School Seniors in Rhode Island?

High school seniors in Rhode Island can apply for both statewide and local scholarship programs. Key opportunities include:

• Rhode Island Promise Scholarship: Provides free tuition at CCRI for recent graduates meeting academic and residency requirements.
• Carter Roger Williams Scholarship: Recognizes students who demonstrate a commitment to public service and leadership.
• Local Community Scholarships: Offered by civic groups, credit unions, and local businesses across Rhode Island.

Many Rhode Island high schools also coordinate their own merit- and need-based scholarships for graduating seniors, so students should work closely with their guidance counselors to identify available opportunities.

What Are Rhode Island Scholarships for 2025?

Rhode Island scholarship programs for 2025 include continuing awards like the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship, Rhode Island Foundation Scholarships, and institutional scholarships at URI, RIC, and CCRI. The state is also expanding funding for workforce-focused grants in high-demand fields such as healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades. Many of these programs are supported through the Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner (OPC) and local employer partnerships aimed at improving career readiness.

Do Utility Companies in Rhode Island Offer Scholarships?

Yes. Rhode Island’s major energy providers, including National Grid and Rhode Island Energy, occasionally offer scholarships for students pursuing degrees in engineering, energy systems, or environmental science. These scholarships often target students enrolled in technical or STEM programs that align with the state’s clean energy and infrastructure goals. Awards vary by year and may include internship opportunities or employment pipelines after graduation.

What Grants Are Available for College in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island students can access several grant programs that make higher education more affordable. These include:

• Rhode Island State Grant Program: Provides need-based financial aid to residents enrolled at eligible in-state or out-of-state colleges.
• Federal Pell Grant: Federal aid awarded to undergraduate students demonstrating exceptional financial need.
• Last Dollar Scholarship: Covers remaining tuition costs after other grants and scholarships have been applied.

Institutional grants are also available at Rhode Island’s major public colleges, including URI, RIC, and CCRI, helping to further reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

What Scholarships Are Available for International Students at the University of Rhode Island?

The University of Rhode Island (URI) offers competitive scholarships for international students who demonstrate academic excellence. Awards include:

• International Merit Scholarship: Recognizes high-achieving international students with partial tuition coverage.
• Centennial Scholarship: Awarded to students with outstanding academic and extracurricular records.

These scholarships help make URI more accessible to talented students from around the world. Eligible applicants are automatically considered during the admission process based on their academic credentials.

Are There RI Grants for Individuals?

Yes. In addition to education-based grants, Rhode Island offers funding opportunities for individuals through organizations such as the Rhode Island Foundation and local nonprofit agencies. Educational grants include the Rhode Island State Grant and Federal Pell Grant, while other individual grants support entrepreneurship, research, and community-based projects that contribute to the state’s economic and social development.

What Scholarships Are Available for Graduate Students in Rhode Island?

Graduate students in Rhode Island have access to a variety of funding sources. The Rhode Island Foundation Graduate Scholarships support advanced study in diverse fields, while the Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program helps nurses who work in underserved areas repay student loans. Graduate students at the University of Rhode Island (URI) and Rhode Island College (RIC) can also apply for institutional fellowships, research assistantships, and professional association awards in fields such as education, healthcare, and engineering.