RIC to offer Hope Scholarships for Fall semester

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island College announced Friday that it will begin offering the Hope Scholarship for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Communication Director John Taraborelli said the scholarships will make the final two years of a four-year bachelor’s degree at the college tuition–free for Rhode Island residents who meet the criteria.

The pilot program that funds the scholarship was part of the state budget signed into law by Gov. Dan McKee.

Taraborelli said the scholarship will be available to current and new RIC students.

Eligibility requirements include being a Rhode Island resident who qualifies for in-state tuition, being enrolled on a full-time basis, having declared a major, maintained a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5, and earned a minimum of 60 credits towards an eligible program of study.

They must also commit to live, work or continue their education in Rhode Island after graduation. 

“The Hope Scholarship will be an important tool in building the highly educated workforce to drive Rhode Island’s economic future,” RIC President Jack Warner said.