Rhode Island College will waive its $50 application fee for all Rhode Island students on Friday, November 15th, making it free to apply for both undergraduate and graduate programs for both the Fall and Spring 2025 semesters. The initiative, called Apply to RIC for Free Day, aims to increase access to higher education for state residents.
This year marks the third annual Apply to RIC for Free Day. Last year, the event saw a 20% increase in applications compared to the first year, with over 970 students taking advantage of the waived fee.
“Our mission is to make a high-quality four-year degree accessible to more Rhode Islanders and Apply to RIC for Free Day is a way to remove one more barrier to entry,” said Dr. Jack R. Warner, RIC president. He added that the college’s in-demand programs, including nursing, computer science, and biotechnology, along with the opportunity to receive the final two years free under the Hope Scholarship, are attracting more students to RIC.
During Apply to RIC for Free Day, admissions staff will be available to assist students and families with the Common Application and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students can expect to receive a decision on their application within two weeks.
Interested students can apply online through the Common Application at ric.edu/applyfree. Applications can be started in advance and saved, then formally submitted on November 15th. For questions, students can contact admissions@ric.edu.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
