Rhode Island Scholarships

Rhode Island is located in the New England region of America which is in the northeastern side of the States. The state of Rhode Island has a lot to offer to its residents and students like sandy shores and seaside Colonial towns. There are many large cities located there and some great educational opportunities are available for students pursuing higher education within the state. Rhode Island ranks #36 in education overall and #45 in higher education. Brown University is one of the best universities offered by the state.

Rhode Island has more than 75,000 higher education students enrolled within the state. However, many students are studying there with the help of loans as the average cost of college there is approximately 46% higher than the national average and many students are unable to afford it without any financial aid. The cost of living in Rhode Island is also around 13% higher than the country’s average which adds to the total cost of education and makes the overall even higher. To acquire a decent education in a more affordable way, students can get help from the various Rhode Island scholarships available to them.

Scholarships and grants should be the first preference for any student for financial aid. This is because they are better than loans as they do not put students in debt or require repayment. They are money gifts offered by various organizations to help students pursue their educational dreams. Many universities also offer multiple scholarships to their enrolled students. We have listed more than 35 Rhode Island scholarships for students to consider this year. There is also a guide on how to apply for scholarships and some tips and tricks to win one successfully.

There are around 22 colleges and universities in Rhode Island and most of them, around 19, are private schools. The top two national universities in the state are Brown University and the University of Rhode Island. Brown University is actually one of the top universities in the country and is ranked at #9 by the U.S. News. There are also some good options for regional universities like Providence College which is ranked #1 on the list of the best Regional Universities North published by U.S. News. Bryant University is another option for a top-ranked regional university in the area.

Brown University is located in the city of Providence. It has around 7,639 undergraduate enrolments and a total enrolment of more than 11,000 students. It has a low acceptance rate of 5%, and being a private institution, tuition here is costly and hard to afford without financial aid like scholarships. The tuition and fees at the Brown cost around $68,230 and the room and board is $16,598 for the current year.

The University of Rhode Island is one of the few public institutions in the state which is located in Kingston, RI. It has a much higher acceptance rate of 76% and has a total enrollment of around 16,632, out of which around 84% are undergraduates. Tuition and fees here equals around $16,408 for in-state students but those from out-of-state pay around $35,804.

Providence College, another private institution, is quite popular for its Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services majors. It has an acceptance rate of 53% and an undergraduate enrollment of around 4,279 students. It is another expensive institution within the state as tuition and fees here cost around $60,848. The room and board are also on the higher end as they charge $17,150 for it at the moment. Most of the graduating students here, 72% approximately, have borrowed some form of loan to complete their education at this institution. This particular college is dominated by a white student population as 78% of the total enrollment consists of white students.

Bryant University is also a private university but it charges slightly lower tuition and fees than the previous options. The cost of tuition and the associated fees here equals $51,169 and room and board is worth $17,258 for the year ending 2024. Since, it is comparatively cheaper than other private options, around 65% of the graduating students borrowed a loan type to complete their studies. It is another university that is quite popular for its Business, Marketing, and Management majors – 82% of the graduates have majored in these subject areas only.

Most colleges in Rhode Island have average accepted GPAs of more than 3.0. It may be hard to get into one with low GPA scores; however, some universities take a holistic approach to admissions and may grant enrollment even with average GPAs.

One of the options available to students with a 3.0 GPA is the Rhode Island College. It is a public university and is located in the Providence city. The acceptance rate here is quite high, being 88%, and the average GPA of those accepted at the college is around 3.08. The tuition and fees here are around $10,986 for in-state students and there is also an option for living on campus. Those looking for housing on campus have to pay $13,718 for room and board for the academic year ending 2024. Submitting SATs/ACTs is not mandatory at this college but the scores are considered if submitted. There is also an application fee of $50.

Rhode Island’s average cost of in-state tuition is around $13,697 which is much higher than the national average of $9,349. In terms of average tuition costs, this state comes in the top 10 most expensive ones. This may be because most of the higher education institutions in Rhode Island are private schools charging much higher tuition than public which brings up the average. Moreover, the cost of living is also around 13% higher than the average in the country. This makes education costs rise even further and students find it hard to pay for their educational expenses on their own.

The best colleges in the state like Brown University and Providence College both charge tuition and fees above $60,000. Brown University is actually the most expensive institution in Rhode Island charging $68,230 for tuition and fees. These are both private universities which explains their high tuition. However, even the best public universities are also quite expensive here compared to the rest of the country. The University of Rhode Island, the best public institution in Rhode Island, charges $16,408 from in-state students and $35,804 from out-of-state students. The cheapest in-state tuition students can find in this state is $10,986 offered by Rhode Island College; however, this is still higher than the national average in-state tuition cost.

Therefore, scholarships and grants are a need in the state for students to be able to afford education here more easily. Some of the best Rhode Island scholarships that can help cover the full cost of tuition include the Martin Luther King Scholarship, the Black Philanthropy Bannister Scholarship, and the Rhode Island PBS Scholarship.

Rhode Island is home to roughly 75,952 higher education students. Out of these almost 85% are undergraduates and 58% are women.

The student population of Rhode Island is dominated majorly by the white population. There are around 43,370 white students which represents 57% of the total student population that is pursuing higher education in the state. Hispanics make up the next biggest proportion of the total contributing 11,197 students. Following are Black/African American students and Asian, each contributing roughly 5,999 and 4,104 to the total. Native Hawaiians or Other Pacific Islanders have the smallest student population in Rhode Island – they barely even make 1% of the total enrollment.

Rhode Island contributes around $4.6 billion to the total student debt of the United States. This debt is spread over more than 143,000 student borrowers and out of all the borrowers around 60% of these are still quite young and under the age of 35. On average, a student within the state owes $32,056, which exceeds the national average of around $28,950. Among the state’s borrowers around 17.0% owe less than $5,000 and roughly 22.9% are indebted with $20,000 to $40,000.

This debt creates a huge burden on a student’s financial future and their spending and they have to cut back their other more important expenses to pay back the student debt. Therefore, college loans should be any student’s last resort and they should try to finance their education using other means like scholarships.

How To Apply

The following are the main steps to following when applying for any scholarship:

1. Check Eligibility:

Scholarship websites are the easiest place to find most scholarship opportunities as they list all the available options under one roof. They also list scholarships according to state, college major, demographic, and grade level. You can also filter them according to the parameters provided to narrow down the list. This makes it easier to find scholarships that are best suited to you. Go through the eligibility requirements of the scholarships thoroughly to ensure that you qualify to save time. Some scholarships may be need-based and are awarded based on the financial need of the student, while others may be based on merit.

2. Understand the Application Requirements:

It is important to understand what the scholarship demands for submitting a strong application.

Scholarship applications may require some or all of the following:

• Scholarship Application Form: Scholarship application is unique for each scholarship and is a must to be considered as an applicant. It usually asks for general information about the application like their name, date of birth, education, address, and so on. It may also contain a few short answer questions relevant to the scholarship.
• Essay: Many scholarships require an essay along with the application form. Applicants can make themselves stand out via their essays. Therefore, you should take the proper time and put in good effort when writing one. It’s important that your essay is original, and represents your personality and opinions.
• Letters of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation can be written by your personal or professional references. Some scholarships specifically demand letters of recommendation from teachers. The letter contains reasons for why the applicant is a deserving one. It assesses the applicant’s qualities, characteristics, strengths, capabilities, and academic performance, which kind of acts as a character certificate when applying for scholarships.
• Grade Transcripts: Many Rhode Island scholarships, whether merit-based or need-based, usually require school transcripts that show an individual’s academic performance. You can get a copy through your school’s website or the office and attach it to the application form.
• Resume: A resume is where an applicant can highlight their skills and accomplishments. It does not have to have work experiences only but can also include mentions of any societies or extra-curricular activities that you have been a part of, and any special courses that you have completed that equipped you with a certain skill.
• Financial Information: Many need-based scholarships may ask you to provide financial information that may include information about your family income and any financial aid that you may have received.
• FAFSA: Some scholarships require applicants to apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for them. These are mainly need-based scholarships.
• Portfolio or Video Submission: There are a few scholarships that ask for video or portfolio submissions. This usually applies to art major scholarships as videos and portfolios are how an applicant can show their skills. Some scholarships do not have other requirements and are like contests where participants have to make a project and provide a picture or video of it to enter and win.
• School Verification: A school verification letter verifies which school the candidate is attending or has attended, the dates when they started and finished a program, and also includes a list of any certificates or degrees earned.
• Standardized Test Scores: Occasionally, you may need to provide a copy of your SAT or ACT scores. These are standardized test scores that most colleges and universities require for admission.

3. Order Scholarships According to Submission Deadlines:

It is important to arrange the scholarships according to the deadlines to ensure you take advantage of every opportunity. Timing is very important and the earlier you apply the better it is. It is always wise to start early too because it may take time to complete all the submission requirements like writing essays and getting letters of recommendation in hand. Time should, especially, be invested in scholarships that require an essay as it takes a lot of time, planning, and effort to write a good one.

4. Proofread:

Once you have completed your application and the associated requirements, make sure to go through them all thoroughly at least once. You can also get a friend or family member to help you proofread for mistakes and errors.

5. Submit your application:

After you have taken your time filling out the application form, writing the essay, collecting all the required documents, and proofreading – it is time to submit. Most applications now require online submissions and may take a few minutes only if you have everything ready to upload. Keep track of the status of your application process and mind that it may take some time to receive an answer. You may put in a follow-up email if you haven’t received any reply for some time.

Tips For Applying

• Start looking early: Don’t wait until the last minute to look for scholarships in Rhode Island. Many organizations have deadlines that are months before the school year even starts, so it pays to begin your search as soon as possible. Make sure you research, apply, and submit all necessary documents on time to maximize your chances of winning scholarships.
• Network: Many of the scholarship opportunities come through networking and contacts, so make sure you take full advantage of your connections. Utilize family members, friends, contacts from any organizations or clubs you are part of, and even faculty members at your school to learn about different scholarship options in the area.
• Seek out local scholarships: Many organizations in Rhode Island offer scholarships specifically for local students. Look up businesses and community groups in the area, as they often have scholarship programs available. You can also check with your school’s guidance office or college counseling department to see if they know of any opportunities.
• Read the requirements carefully: Once you have a narrowed-down list of scholarships, make sure to read the requirements carefully so you fully understand what is required.
• Do not rush when applying: Take your time and apply early. This allows sufficient time to gather all the required documents and also write a great essay if needed.
• Brainstorm for an essay and outline: If an essay is required, always start with brainstorming, then arrange your ideas and make an outline to follow. Unique, personalized, and lively essays have a better chance of qualifying than general and dull ones. Make sure that you understand the topic before starting.
• Customize application: Some students submit the same application, essays, and letters of recommendation to all organizations. It is better to thoroughly research the organization and what they are actually looking for before and customize your application and essays accordingly. You can also mention what the organization is looking for to people who are writing your recommendation letters so they can make it more relevant rather than general. However, it is important to be honest and avoid including things just for the sake of qualifying and getting a scholarship.
• Check and Proofread: You may be surprised at the number of grammatical mistakes and other errors that you may come across when rereading your application and essays. Those applicants who submit applications full of errors appear irresponsible and undetermined to scholarship providers.

NERC College/Graduate Scholarship is a scholarship that awards up to $5,000 to Korean-American students and high school juniors are also eligible to apply. It requires the applicants to be of Korean heritage with at least one Korean parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent. This scholarship also requires a GPA of 3.0 at least for eligibility. High school juniors and seniors may apply for this scholarship based on achievement but those from higher levels need to demonstrate financial need.

High school seniors can apply for the following scholarship options in the state:

1. Carter Roger Williams Scholarship
2. Rhode Island Association of Former Legislators Scholarship
3. Robert G. and Joyce Andrew Scholarship Fund
4. RDW Group Communications Scholarship for People of Color
5. Rhode Island PBS Scholarship

Out of the total tertiary student population of Rhode Island, around 85% are undergraduates. Many of these undergrads have trouble paying for their degrees due to the high cost of tuition and also living in the state. The following scholarships can help undergraduates across all year levels to pay for tuition and complete their degrees successfully without having to take on high amounts of student debt.

1. Michael P. Metcalf Memorial Fund and Christine T. Grinavic Adventurer’s Fund
2. Elson T. Killam Memorial Scholarship
3. George E. Watters Memorial Scholarship
4. James J. Burns and C. A. Haynes Textile Scholarship
5. Marilynne Graboys Wool Scholarship
6. ASHRAE Region I Setty Family Foundation Scholarship
7. John J. O’Connor Jr. Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund
8. Beatrice S. Demers Foreign Language Fellows

The following graduate scholarships in Rhode Island can help take some of the financial burden off from students.

1. Stanley R. Arnold Scholarship
2. Antonio Cirino Memorial Scholarship
3. NEWWA Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship
4. Edward J. and Virginia M. Routhier Nursing Scholarship

There are no scholarships in Rhode Island that are specifically for students pursuing teaching degrees. Nevertheless, teaching students can apply for all those scholarships that are not limited by a specific major. The following are some options to consider:

1. NERC College/Graduate Scholarship
2. Michael P. Metcalf Memorial Fund and Christine T. Grinavic Adventurer’s Fund
3. United Italian American Inc. Scholarship
4. Rhode Island Commission on Women/Freda H. Goldman Education Award
5. Robert G. and Joyce Andrew Scholarship Fund

Nursing degrees can be expensive and the following are some of the best nursing scholarships available in the state of Rhode Island.

1. Albert E. and Florence W. Newton Nursing Scholarship
2. Edward J. and Virginia M. Routhier Nursing Scholarship
3. John J. O’Connor Jr. Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund
4. Willard and Marjorie Scheibe Nursing Scholarship

There are many Rhode Island scholarships available that are targeted towards women. These scholarships help women from different backgrounds to pursue their educational dreams in an affordable way.

1. Paula M. Rivard Memorial Scholarship
2. Rhode Island Commission on Women/Freda H. Goldman Education Award
3. Marilynne Graboys Wool Scholarship

Many universities and colleges in Rhode Island offer merit-based scholarships to their students. Students can contact the financial aid office of their institute to find out about the relevant opportunities available to them. Some examples of universities that offer scholarships for academic performance include The University of Rhode Island, Providence College, and Salve Regina University.

The University of Rhode Island (URI) offers Presidential Scholarships and also full-ride Ryan and Verrecchia scholarships to students who have performed well in their high school academics. All the merit scholarships in this university require a GPA of at least 3.2 for eligibility. The URI Presidential Scholarship awards up to a maximum of $15,000 annually which is renewable for four years.

Providence College is another well-known institution within the state that awards merit-based scholarships ranging from approximately $23,000 to $38,000 per year. They do not require a separate application for their merit scholarships and freshmen are considered automatically if they meet the eligibility requirements for these scholarships. The Academic Tuition Scholarships are awarded to approximately 30% of admitted students and only to those who have an A grade on average or a 3.8 GPA at least. They also have a scholarship called the Roddy Scholarship which covers up to tuition, fees, housing, and food costs, and the selection for this award is also based on the high school academic performance of the student.

Salve Regina University also considers its eligible new admissions automatically upon admission for its merit-based scholarships. These scholarships are based on a review of high school transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, and class rank. The course selection and overall GPA are weighed heavily in the decision-making process. The award amounts vary according to the residency status of the enrolled undergraduate.

The Rhode Island Foundation is one of the biggest organizations, with more than 100 years of experience, that offers multiple scholarships to students undertaking higher education within the state. By providing funding opportunities, they aim to improve the economic, educational, and health outcomes for Rhode Island citizens. Their website contains a plethora of scholarships for students across all levels of high school and higher education. To name a few, they offer the Patty & Melvin Alperin First Generation Scholarship, Robert G. and Joyce Andrew Scholarship Fund, and Carter Roger Williams Scholarship.

New England Water Works Association, or NEWWA, is another organization that awards scholarships to students within the New England region of America including the state of Rhode Island. It was founded in 1882 and is a regional, independent, not-for-profit member organization. Its mission is to promote public health and improve knowledge through education, advocacy, and research relating to public drinking water supply. They offer various scholarships with a deadline that is usually around July 1 each year. Some of their scholarships include the George E. Watters Memorial Scholarship which offers up to $5,000 in awards, Francis X. Crowley Scholarship with a $3,000 award, the $1,500 Elson T. Killam Memorial Scholarship, and Joseph Murphy Scholarship which also provides students with $1,500 for their tuition.

Another good organization for scholarships in Rhode Island includes the RIScholarships which offers scholarships up to $2,000. Students can also look for government-offered scholarships on the State of Rhode Island Department of Education website.

There are various websites that list different scholarships from various organizations under one roof. Students can get help from these websites too and use the filters provided to narrow down the search according to preference. We have listed more than 35 Rhode Island scholarships on Scholaroo from various sources and for students from different backgrounds. Students can also contact their educational institutions to find out about in-house scholarship options or contact their local churches and regional organizations to see if they have anything in store.

Grants are usually mostly based on financial need. Therefore, most state-provided grants require students to submit FAFSA that determines the need and grant amount they are eligible for.

There are other independent organizations too in Rhode Island that offer college grants and the Rhode Island Foundation is one of the most prominent ones working to benefit the state residents. Some of their grants include the Clean Competition Fund Grants, 1829 Legacy Fund Grants, Arts in Academics Grants, and Strategic Initiative Grants. All their grants serve different purposes and have varying application requirements and deadlines.