Not sure where to begin? View the first-year admissions process to understand every step required to apply. If you're ready for the Common App, you can apply right now. Already been accepted? Congratulations! Complete our accepted student next steps!
One Day Only! Join students from across Rhode Island on November 16 and apply free to Rhode Island College! Take advantage of Apply to RIC for Free Day and we'll waive your $50 application fee. Open to those applying to undergraduate, transfer, graduate, or degree completion (BPS) programs.
On November 7, from 12:30–4 pm, come see all that Rhode Island College has to offer. Discover how we prepare students for success through in-demand academic programs, hands-on learning and state-of-the-art facilities. Tour our beautiful campus and connect with the faculty, staff and students who make RIC a welcoming community.
View our first-year student admissions process to see how everything will go. If you need quick answers, our undergraduate admissions FAQs or DACA/undocumented FAQs may help. We'd also like to show you our beautiful campus.
See our beautiful 180-acre campus first-hand and experience what it means to be an Anchor! Can't make it to campus? Explore Rhode Island College from anywhere with our self-guided virtual tour.
Apply Now (by completing the Common App and including the $50 nonrefundable application fee). Select "apply for first-year" if you are applying to RIC after graduating high school.
Please Note: If you have previously attended another college or university, you will not use the Common App and will want to view our transfer admissions requirements and apply through our transfer application.
RIC requires at least 18 college preparatory units including:
Rhode Island College requires two units of the same world language for admission. Students may meet this requirement in several ways.
Students who qualify for an exception because their high school does not offer world language coursework must have two additional college-preparatory units in place of the world language requirement. If you have questions about whether your coursework satisfies the world language requirement, email the Admissions Office at admissions@ric.edu.
Check out our Major-Specific Requirements.
Some Rhode Island College programs have additional admission requirements beyond the general requirements for first-year applicants. These requirements vary by program and may include an audition, specific high school coursework, academic qualifications, or additional application materials.
Applicants to RIC's Music, Theatre, and Dance programs are required to complete an audition. If you are admitted to RIC before completing your audition, your admission to the Music, Theatre, or Dance major is contingent upon a successful audition. After you submit an audition request, the academic department will contact you with your audition time and additional information. Learn more about RIC's Music B.A. B.M., Theatre B.A., and Dance Performance B.A.
RIC offers a competitive Direct Admit Nursing pathway for first-year applicants, in addition to the traditional two-step nursing admission process.
For Fall 2027, RIC's Direct Admit Nursing program will have 30 available seats. To be considered, applicants must:
Eligible applicants will first be reviewed through RIC's standard admission process. Admitted students who meet the GPA threshold will receive additional review for Direct Admit Nursing. The secondary review considers cumulative GPA, science GPA, math GPA, and other factors using a nursing-specific review rubric.
Direct Admit Nursing offers are expected to be released in December. Students who receive a Direct Admit Nursing offer must enroll by May 1 or forfeit their Direct Admit seat.
Please Note: Students admitted through the Direct Admit Nursing pathway may not defer their admission to a future semester.
Applicants who are not selected for the Direct Admit Nursing program may still be considered for RIC's traditional two-step, non-direct admission nursing process.
Candidates to RIC's teacher education programs in the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development must submit standardized test scores for consideration. RIC's SAT code is 3724 and RIC's ACT code is 3810. Be sure to review the requirements for your intended major before applying, as program-specific requirements may vary.
In addition to the Common App, $50 nonrefundable application fee, and official high school transcript, you may choose to submit these optional materials for consideration:
Students who participated in dual enrollment in high school or with coursework from a regionally accredited institution could be eligible for transfer credit with a grade of “C” or higher.
AP exams with a score of 3 or greater and CLEP scores with a 50 or greater are also eligible for transfer credit. Official transcripts and test scores should be sent to the admissions office for review.
Candidates who have completed International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level (HL) subjects and have received a score of at least 4 on the diploma program examinations may be granted college credit. Students should have their scores sent directly to the Office of Admissions from IBO or have them printed on their official secondary school transcript.
More on AP Exams and their RIC Equivalents
If the Seal of Biliteracy is on your high school transcript, you will receive college credit at Rhode Island College!
You will receive credit for a relevant 113-level language course (4 credits), which will satisfy the college’s language/literature general education requirement. ($418 per credit = a savings of approximately $1,672)
You will receive credit for a relevant 113 and 114-level language course (totaling 8 credits), which will satisfy the college’s language/literature general education requirement. ($418 per credit = a savings of approximately $3,344)
Please Note: If you satisfy the requirements but the Seal of Biliteracy isn’t on your transcript, please have your school counselor email us with your name and the level you’ve achieved. If your state does not award Gold/Silver levels, score reports from official testing agencies that show Advanced-Low/Intermediate-Mid may be used to determine the Seal level from your state.
Homeschool applicants must adhere to the same admissions requirements as traditional students. There are several ways to represent the required coursework:
As a military-friendly school, we are proud to offer these benefits:
Military & Veteran Dependent Admission
We're excited that you're interested in joining our community. We want to point you to a specific application process that's tailored to your needs.
Over 75% of RIC undergraduates receive financial aid.
Federal Student Aid (FSA) is education funding from the federal government (Department of Education). Federal student aid funds may cover tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. Types of federal aid include grants, work study, and direct loans.
Rhode Island College's Federal School Code is 003407.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)
Rhode Island College recognizes superior academic achievement through the awarding of scholarships. All candidates are reviewed for merit scholarships at the time of application for admission.
There are several merit-based scholarship programs available to students at the College. These programs fall into three general categories:
Admissions decisions are based primarily on an applicant's academic record, including completion of required high school coursework, grades, and class rank/GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 50 percent of their graduating class and have at least B/B- average.
Applications are reviewed once all required materials are received. Admissions decisions are released on a rolling basis. The sooner you apply, the earlier you will receive a decision.
Congratulations to those who have recently been accepted to RIC! Get started now and mark orientation on your calendar!
Next, follow these accepted student next steps to pay your enrollment deposit to secure your place at RIC and register for your orientation session.
We have important information just for you!
Hear from ten of our inspiring students and discover the passion, resilience, and drive that define our community. Get to know RIC through the voices and experiences of our students in this episode of The College Tour on Amazon Prime.
More About Our Episode
The Hope Scholarship at Rhode Island College provides eligible RI students with a four-year degree, two years tuition-free. No scholarship application is required — we’ll automatically review your academic records before your junior year at RIC. Get a high-quality bachelor’s degree for less than $25,000.
With our Northeast Neighbors discount, applicants from MA, CT, ME, NH, VT, NY, NJ and parts of PA can attend RIC at a 40% discount.
We are committed to creating pathways that help motivated first-generation students gain admission, build confidence, and succeed. Our programs provide the support and resources you need to join our community, excel and feel connected from your very first day.
At Rhode Island College this is possible and it's referred to as prior learning assessment, or PLA. Find out about the many ways you can earn college credit for learning gained outside the traditional classroom.
Our undergraduate tuition and fees and housing and dining costs are some of the most affordable around, but we know that securing funding is still a necessity for most students - and we're here to help with that.
We assist students and their families in funding educational costs at RIC. Get the information and help you need to get started.
Our scholarship offerings change the lives of our students and make their college degree aspirations a reality. Start exploring today!
If you need any assistance as you apply, our admissions counselors are here to help!
We provide prospective students with information and assistance on the application process, scholarships, financial aid, transfer credits, and more.