Rhode Island College
Founded in 1854, Rhode Island College is the state’s first public institution of higher education. We serve over 6,500 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students across five schools, offering in-demand programs that lead to career success. Our dedicated professors provide personalized instruction and support.
Located on a beautiful 180-acre campus in Providence’s Mt. Pleasant neighborhood, RIC fosters a welcoming, diverse, and supportive community. We are widely recognized throughout the Northeast for our high-quality academic programs, hands-on experiential learning opportunities, small class sizes, and exceptional value. At Rhode Island College, students receive a strong return on investment and a future-ready education.
Located on a beautiful 180-acre campus in Providence’s Mt. Pleasant neighborhood, RIC fosters a welcoming, diverse, and supportive community. We are widely recognized throughout the Northeast for our high-quality academic programs, hands-on experiential learning opportunities, small class sizes, and exceptional value. At Rhode Island College, students receive a strong return on investment and a future-ready education.
Accepts first-year applicationsNew EnglandPublicSuburbanMedium (2,001 to 14,999)Co-Ed
Academic programs
- Liberal Arts
- Business
- Education
- Nursing
- Communication
- Music
- Art & Design
- Economics
- Finance/Accounting
- Government/Political Science
- Health Science
- Performing Arts
- Visual Arts
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- Public health
Student experience
- Athletics
- Disability Services
- Greek Life
- Intramural/Club Sports
- LGBTQIA Services
- Military/Veteran Services
- On-Campus Housing
- ROTC Program
- Study Abroad
Application information
First-year
Deadlines and Requirements
Apply Early Action by December 15. Our regular rolling-admissions decision deadline for first-year applicants is March 15. Submit your completed Common Application, $50 nonrefundable fee, and official high school transcript.
Rhode Island College requires at least 18 college preparatory units:
4 units of English, 3 units of Mathematics (Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry), 2 units of History or Social Science, 2 units of Laboratory Science, 2 units of the same Foreign Language, and 5 additional college preparatory units.
Apply Early Action by December 15. Our regular rolling-admissions decision deadline for first-year applicants is March 15. Submit your completed Common Application, $50 nonrefundable fee, and official high school transcript.
Rhode Island College requires at least 18 college preparatory units:
4 units of English, 3 units of Mathematics (Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry), 2 units of History or Social Science, 2 units of Laboratory Science, 2 units of the same Foreign Language, and 5 additional college preparatory units.
Transfer
We Welcome Transfer Students
Rhode Island College proudly welcomes transfer students for both the Fall and Spring semesters. See our website www.ric.edu for further information.
Rhode Island College proudly welcomes transfer students for both the Fall and Spring semesters. See our website www.ric.edu for further information.
Image gallery
Additional information
Scholarship and Financial Aid Opportunities
Hope Scholarship
Rhode Island residents may qualify for the Hope Scholarship, allowing them to complete their junior and senior years tuition-free at RIC. This program offers a path to a 4-year degree with 2 years tuition-free, easing the financial burden and making college more accessible.
Northeast Neighbors (NEN) Program
Students from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, and Pike County, PA are eligible for RIC's Northeast Neighbors program. This initiative provides a 40% tuition discount, saving students over $10,000 in out-of-state-tuition and fees.
Financial Aid
To be considered for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using RIC's school code: 003407
FAFSA Deadlines
March 15: First-year applicants
Hope Scholarship
Rhode Island residents may qualify for the Hope Scholarship, allowing them to complete their junior and senior years tuition-free at RIC. This program offers a path to a 4-year degree with 2 years tuition-free, easing the financial burden and making college more accessible.
Northeast Neighbors (NEN) Program
Students from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, and Pike County, PA are eligible for RIC's Northeast Neighbors program. This initiative provides a 40% tuition discount, saving students over $10,000 in out-of-state-tuition and fees.
Financial Aid
To be considered for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using RIC's school code: 003407
FAFSA Deadlines
March 15: First-year applicants
Visit us
About Campus Visits
Discover what Rhode Island College has to offer by joining us for an in-person campus visit. You'll learn about our academic programs, student life, and the admissions process through an information session with an Admissions Counselor, followed by a guided campus tour led by an Admissions Ambassador. We also offer select Saturday, group, and virtual tour options to fit your schedule.
https://engage.ric.edu/portal/visit
Discover what Rhode Island College has to offer by joining us for an in-person campus visit. You'll learn about our academic programs, student life, and the admissions process through an information session with an Admissions Counselor, followed by a guided campus tour led by an Admissions Ambassador. We also offer select Saturday, group, and virtual tour options to fit your schedule.
https://engage.ric.edu/portal/visit