Rhode Island's signature programs make in-state public college more affordable. Rhode Island Promise is a last-dollar scholarship that covers tuition and mandatory fees for two years at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) for recent high school graduates, and the RIC Hope Scholarship helps cover the final two years at Rhode Island College for eligible students. You apply by filing the FAFSA and enrolling at the participating college right after high school.
If your student plans to attend a Rhode Island public college, these programs can sharply cut the cost. Here is how they work for 2026-27.
What state financial aid does Rhode Island offer?
Rhode Island's main programs are Rhode Island Promise, which covers community college tuition, and the RIC Hope Scholarship at Rhode Island College, both overseen by the Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner. Together they create a low-cost path through public higher education in the state.
These work alongside federal aid like the Pell Grant. For how the federal pieces fit together, see our complete 2026-27 financial aid guide.
What is Rhode Island Promise?
Rhode Island Promise is a last-dollar scholarship that covers tuition and mandatory fees at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) for up to two years, after your other financial aid is applied. It is open to Rhode Island residents who graduate from high school (or earn a GED) and are generally 18 or younger in their graduation year, with an appeal process for students who are 19 to 21.
You must enroll at CCRI in an associate degree program in the term right after high school, maintain at least a 2.5 GPA, and earn at least 24 credits a year. Because it is last-dollar, it covers what remains after grants like Pell.
What is the RIC Hope Scholarship?
The RIC Hope Scholarship helps eligible Rhode Island students cover the cost of their junior and senior years at Rhode Island College, supporting on-time completion of a bachelor's degree. Like Rhode Island Promise, it is aimed at residents who enroll and progress on schedule, and specific requirements are set by Rhode Island College.
Together with Rhode Island Promise at CCRI, the RIC Hope Scholarship can create an affordable two-plus-two or four-year path. For how scholarships fit a full plan, see our guide to paying for college.
How do you apply for Rhode Island state aid?
You apply by filing the FAFSA and completing any required financial aid forms at your college, then enrolling at CCRI or Rhode Island College. Submit your final high school or GED transcript, and meet the enrollment timing rules. File early to be considered for all available aid.
Your step-by-step path:
- File the FAFSA and any required college aid forms.
- Enroll at CCRI (for Rhode Island Promise) or Rhode Island College right after high school.
- Confirm your Rhode Island residency and rules at CCRI's Rhode Island Promise page.
- Track your college's own aid deadlines.
Your next step
Rhode Island Promise covers community college tuition, and the RIC Hope Scholarship helps at Rhode Island College, so enrolling on time and keeping your grades up are the keys. File the FAFSA, enroll right after high school, and maintain the required GPA and credits. Read our complete 2026-27 financial aid guide for the federal side, then create your free CollegeLens plan to see your real cost at each Rhode Island school.
You're doing the hard, smart work of claiming every program your state offers. That is how Rhode Island families make college more affordable.
-- Sravani at CollegeLens