Rhode Island State Grant (need-based state scholarship and grant program)
Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner (OPC); awarded by participating Rhode Island colleges
Rhode Island's need-based state grant for residents with financial need at Rhode Island public colleges and participating independent nonprofit colleges, awarded by your college from your FAFSA.
- How much
- Varies by college and by the year's appropriation; no statewide amount is published
- Who qualifies
- Rhode Island resident with financial need, attending a Rhode Island public college or a participating independent nonprofit Rhode Island college. College-specific rules apply (e.g., CCRI: Pell Grant recipient enrolled at least 6 credits).
- For students starting college, undergrads, adults going back to school, transfer students
- Eligible to file the FAFSA (OPC also accepts an alternative aid form for some residents who cannot file a FAFSA)
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Apply any time FAFSA-driven; no statewide deadline. Each college sets its own priority date and funds are limited, so file the FAFSA as soon as it opens (October 1).
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA every year (listing Rhode Island as your state of residence) and complete your college's financial aid file
- Your college decides the award and includes it in your aid package
- There is no separate state application
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (riopc.edu), page 2, page 3 and page 4
The details
Under RIGL 16-56-6 and Council on Postsecondary Education policy S-20, OPC allocates the state's need-based scholarship and grant money each year to Rhode Island public colleges (CCRI, RIC, URI) and, for the lesser of 20% or $1.8 million, to students at participating independent nonprofit Rhode Island colleges. The goal is to help needy Rhode Island students attending Rhode Island institutions enroll, stay and finish. There is no statewide application: each college awards its share from the FAFSA under eligibility rules set by OPC, and colleges may brand it differently. Example: at CCRI it is called the 'Rhode Island Supplemental Grant (formerly RI State Grant)' and goes to Pell Grant recipients who are Rhode Island residents, enrolled at least half time (6 credits), who need more free aid to pay tuition and fees; the award can be prorated for enrollment and reflects all other free aid and waivers received. The number and size of awards depend on each year's appropriation.
More money from Rhode Island
- Rhode Island Hope Scholarship (Rhode Island College)Full remaining tuition and mandatory fees for junior and senior years at RIC (after other aid)
- Rhode Island Promise ScholarshipRemaining tuition and mandatory fees at CCRI for two years, after other grants and scholarships
- Rhode Island Tuition Waiver for Residents 60 and OlderFull tuition, space-available (fees and books not covered)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Connecticut, Massachusetts
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.