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Scholarships
Rhode Island scholarships: Find free money for students
Here's a scholarship you can apply for in minutes.
Scholarships for Rhode Island
6 days left!
Apply now
Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship
Due: 3/31/26
$2,000
6 days left!
Apply now
Thomas F. Black, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Due: 3/31/26
|No min. GPA Required
$25,000
The Rhode Island Bar Foundation's Thomas F. Black, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1989 to support and foster high legal practice standards by assisting Rhode Island residents who show promise that they will become outstanding lawyers and who need financial assistance to study law. The Scholarship is in honor of the late Thomas F. Black, Jr., a person known for his impressive ability as a lawyer and banker, his deeply rooted legal scholarship and his notable participation in civic and charitable causes. The Bar Foundation intends to award scholarships to students who will be entering their first year of law school in September 2025. The scholarship is for the first year of law school only. Two letters of recommendation are required. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Constant Memorial Scholarship
Due: 4/14/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$5,000
The Constant Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to college students who are Aquidneck Island residents. Past recipients are eligible to reapply. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Rhode Island Foundation for more information.
Rhode Island Association of Former Legislators Scholarship
Due: 4/14/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$1,500
The Rhode Island Association of Former Legislators Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school senior. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding community service. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Rhode Island Foundation for more information.
Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship
Due: 4/14/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$2,000
The Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship will be awarded to students in college-level or certificate-level. Applicants must be single parents. Preference will be given to parents currently or previously receiving state aid or those who have been previously incarcerated. Past recipients are eligible to reapply. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Rhode Island Foundation for more information.
RDW Group Communications Scholarship for People of Color
Due: 4/14/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$3,500
The RDW Group Communications Scholarship for People of Color will be awarded to students who are people of color, studying communications. Past recipients are eligible to reapply. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Rhode Island Foundation for more information.
Aldo Freda Legislative Pages Scholarship
Due: 4/14/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$1,500
The Aldo Freda Legislative Pages Scholarship will be awarded to students accepted or enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or accredited Rhode Island certificate program who are currently serving as a Rhode Island Legislative Page. Past recipients are eligible to reapply. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Rhode Island Foundation for more information.
Rhode Island PBS Scholarship
Due: 4/14/26
|No essay
|No min. GPA Required
$15,000
In 2017, Rhode Island PBS established the Rhode Island PBS Scholarship. The scholarship offers awards to residents of the station's demographic market area who demonstrate promise of a successful career in the fields of broadcasting, communications, and/or journalism. Applicants must be a graduating high school senior planning to attend an accredited 4-year post-secondary institution, or must be currently enrolled in an accredited 4-year post-secondary institution. Applicants will be asked to provide a recommendation letter from a teacher or professional who can attest to the applicant's merit towards a successful career in the noted fields. Past recipients are eligible to reapply as the scholarship is renewable for an additional three years. Current employees of Rhode Island-PBS and their children and other immediate family members are not eligible to apply. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Rhode Island Foundation for more information.
United Italian American Inc. Scholarship
Due: 4/14/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$1,000
The United Italian American Inc. Scholarship will be awarded to college students attending two- or four-year colleges or universities. Applicants must demonstrate superior academic achievement, financial need, and leadership in school and/or community. Past recipients are eligible to reapply. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Rhode Island Foundation for more information.
Marilynne Graboys Wool Scholarship
Due: 4/14/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$2,000
The Marilynne Graboys Wool Scholarship will be awarded to graduate students who to attend graduate school to obtain a law degree at an accredited institution. Past recipients are eligible to reapply. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Rhode Island Foundation for more information.
Key takeaways about Rhode Island scholarships
- Rhode Island scholarships are free money for school. They help Rhode Island students pay for tuition, books, and other school costs—and you don’t have to pay the money back.
- Scholarships aren’t just for freshmen. There are Rhode Island scholarships for current college students, transfer students, grad students, and adults returning to school.
- You can usually stack more than one scholarship. State programs, school scholarships, and private awards can often be combined to lower your total school costs.
- GPA isn’t everything. Many scholarships care about leadership, community involvement, work experience, creativity, or your future goals.
- Consistency goes a long way. Applying to a few scholarships each month can really add up and make a big dent in your college bills.
College can be expensive, so it's important to go after scholarships and grants—they're free money which you don't need to repay. If you live in Rhode Island, you can tap into scholarships created specifically to support students in your state.
That effort can truly pay off. In fact, Sallie Mae's How America Pays for College 2025 shows 75% of students who received a scholarship said it made college possible. Whether you’re a high school student planning ahead, a current college or graduate student trying to cut costs, or an adult returning to school, applying for Rhode Island scholarships can significantly reduce what you’ll need to borrow.
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What are Rhode Island scholarships?
Rhode Island scholarships are financial aid awards created to help students pay for college, grad school, or career training. These scholarships come from a mix of sources, including the state government, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, employers, and local community groups.
Unlike loans, scholarships don’t need to be repaid. Some are awarded based on academic performance, but many focus on who you are and what you’ve done, such as:
- Financial need
- Community service or leadership
- Field of study or career goals
- Rhode Island residency or town of residence
- Military service or family military connection
- Artistic, athletic, or technical skills
Because the criteria vary so widely, students with all kinds of backgrounds can find scholarships.
What scholarships are available for Rhode Island students?
Most students have the best results when they apply to several types of scholarships at the same time. Rhode Island scholarships generally fall into three main categories: state programs, local and community awards, and scholarships offered directly by colleges.
Use tools like Scholly Scholarships to find opportunities in Rhode Island and beyond that fit your background, interests, field of study, and more.
State and statewide scholarship programs
Rhode Island Promise (Community College of Rhode Island)
Rhode Island Promise is a tuition assistance program connected to the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). It’s designed to help eligible students complete an associate degree by covering tuition costs for up to two academic years (fall and spring). Summer coverage may be available depending on funding and eligibility.
Rhode Island College Hope Scholarship
The Hope Scholarship at Rhode Island College (RIC) can cover tuition and mandatory fees for eligible Rhode Island residents during their junior and senior years. This program is often used by students transferring from CCRI to RIC, but eligibility requirements may vary.
Local and community scholarships in Rhode Island
Local scholarships are often overlooked, which means they can be less competitive. These awards are usually created to support students from specific Rhode Island communities.
Local scholarships may come from:
- Community foundations
- City or town organizations
- Cultural or heritage groups
- Labor unions and trade organizations
- Local businesses and employers
Rhode Island Foundation scholarships
The Rhode Island Foundation administers multiple scholarship funds for Rhode Island students. Many awards are tied to specific towns, academic majors, or personal backgrounds.
Institutional scholarships from Rhode Island colleges
Many colleges automatically consider students for scholarships when they apply for admission, while others require a separate application. These scholarships are often based on academic achievement, chosen major, or enrollment status.
Examples include:
- University of Rhode Island (URI): Merit and departmental scholarships
- Rhode Island College (RIC): Institutional awards in addition to the Hope Scholarship
- Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI): Scholarships that can supplement Rhode Island Promise
- Private colleges: Merit scholarships that may significantly reduce tuition
Still looking at schools? Compare programs, costs, average aid awards, and more with Scout College Search.
Additional financial aid resources in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island State Tuition Assistance Program (STAP) provides a tuition waiver for eligible Rhode Island National Guard members attending Rhode Island public colleges and universities. The program does not cover additional costs like books and fees.
Scholly Scholarships
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Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.
How to apply for Rhode Island scholarships
Applying for scholarships is easier when you break it into steps and stay organized.
- Gather your transcript, resume, activity list, and personal statement early.
- Use Rhode Island–specific search terms, including your town or school.
- Apply to a few scholarships at a time to avoid burnout.
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to qualify for need-based scholarships.
- Track deadlines using a calendar or spreadsheet
- Follow all instructions carefully before submitting
Want to save time applying for scholarships? With Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships, you can apply to several scholarships at once, with one quick application.
Eligibility requirements for Rhode Island scholarships
Each scholarship is different, but common requirements include:
- Proof of Rhode Island residency
- Enrollment at a Rhode Island college or university
- Minimum GPA or academic progress standards
- Declared major or career pathway
- Demonstrated financial need
- Community service or leadership experience
- Military or National Guard affiliation
Tips to improve your chances of winning scholarships
- Apply to both large and small scholarships.
Smaller awards often have fewer applicants, and multiple wins can add up fast. - Customize essays to match each scholarship’s focus.
A few targeted edits can make your application feel more relevant and personal. - Ask for recommendations early.
Giving recommenders time helps them write stronger, more thoughtful letters. - Highlight local involvement and community impact.
Rhode Island scholarships often favor students who are active in their communities. - File the FAFSA® as early as possible.
Some state and school-based financial aid may be awarded first come, first served. If you need filing help, follow our step-by-step FAFSA® guide.
Additional scholarship resources
Rhode Island students can use the resources below to find scholarships that match their major, skills, background, and goals.
- Scholarships by major
Browse scholarships tailored to your specific field of study. - Scholarships for high school seniors
Perfect if you’re starting your higher ed journey. Start looking the summer before your senior year to maximize opportunities. - Scholarships for college students
Scholarships don’t stop after high school. Apply for opportunities for currently enrolled college students. - Scholarships for first-generation students
First in your family to attend college? These scholarships are designed to support you. - Scholarships for adults and returning learners
Find opportunities that help adult and nontraditional students continue their education. - Scholarships for women
Scholarships supporting women across majors, education levels, and career paths. - LGBTQ+ scholarships
Check out scholarships that support students navigating LGBTQ+ identities. - STEM scholarships
These help students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or math pay for school. - Scholarships for graduate students
Learn about scholarships that can help lower the cost of your master’s, PhD, or professional degree program. - Scholarships for minority students
Discover scholarships for students from underrepresented backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities. - Scholarships for Native American students
Opportunities for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students.
Your next steps
Rhode Island scholarships can make college much more affordable when used strategically. By applying to a mix of state programs, local awards, and institutional scholarships—and applying consistently—you can reduce your reliance on student loans and focus more on your education.
Check out monthly opportunities like Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships, our $2,000 No Essay Scholarship, and $5,000 No Essay Grad School Scholarship These low-effort scholarships make it easy to get started—no long applications required.
And to discover scholarships based on your state, background and interests, search with Scholly Scholarships.
FAQs about Rhode Island scholarships
What scholarships are available for Rhode Island students?
Rhode Island students can find scholarships through state programs, colleges, local foundations, employers, and community organizations.
What is the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship?
Rhode Island Promise is a CCRI program that can help cover tuition for eligible students for up to two academic years, typically fall and spring.
What is the Rhode Island College Hope Scholarship?
The Hope Scholarship at Rhode Island College can cover tuition and mandatory fees for eligible Rhode Island residents during their junior and senior years.
What is the STAP Tuition Waiver?
STAP is a tuition waiver for eligible Rhode Island National Guard members attending Rhode Island public colleges and universities.
Are there scholarships for students studying performing arts?
Yes. Performing arts students can find scholarships through local arts organizations, community foundations, and college departments.
What deadlines do most Rhode Island scholarships follow?
Many deadlines fall between late winter and early spring, but scholarships are available year-round.
Are there STEM scholarships for Rhode Island students?
Yes. STEM scholarships support students studying science, technology, engineering, math, healthcare, and skilled trades.
Do Rhode Island universities offer their own scholarships?
Yes. Many colleges offer merit-based, need-based, and departmental scholarships, some awarded automatically.
Are there easy scholarships Rhode Island students can apply for?
Yes. Some scholarships have simple applications and may not require essays, making them easy to apply for.
Need more money for college?
Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.
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