Alternative Admissions Programs

  1. Admissions & Financial Aid
  2. Undergraduate Admissions
  3. Alternative Admissions Programs
PEP Students
Alternative Admissions Programs at Rhode Island College include the Preparatory Enrollment Program (PEP), Performance-Based Admission (PBA), and Project ExCEL (Excellence in College for English Learners).

Alternative Admissions Programs

Preparatory Enrollment Program (PEP)

The Preparatory Enrollment Program (PEP) supports the academic and personal development of first-generation college students, beginning with their transition to Rhode Island College. The program places a strong emphasis on first year support services to lay the foundation for student success. PEP students engage in a summer transition program, individual advising, and weekly programming in an affirming environment that values the diversity of individual experiences and honors the legacy of first-generation students.

Learn more about PEP

 

Admitted PEP Students

If you've already been selected as a member of PEP, please accept your place in the class. 

Next

Performance-Based Admission Program (PBA)

The Performance-Based Admission (PBA) Program at Rhode Island College is designed for adult students who have minimal or no previous college work and do not have traditional freshman admissions credentials (such as SAT scores or a full college preparatory program from high school).

Eligibility Guidelines for PBA Applicants

  • at least 20 years of age
  • no more than 12 attempted college credits
  • possess a high school diploma or the GED equivalent
  • candidates whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English by successfully completing Intermediate ESL or Rhode Island College's ESL Placement Examination.

Upon acceptance to the PBA Program, students are considered degree candidates and are required to:

  • complete the college's writing and mathematics requirements
  • meet regularly with the assigned PBA Advisor
  • successfully complete 6 college courses (18 credits) which must include CC 125 (College Learning Strategies)
  • maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA
  • begin the General Education program and do remedial coursework if prescribed by the PBA advisor

Academic Advising & Counseling for PBA Students

Enrolled students are required to work with an advisor from the Office of Academic Advising through their first six college courses. Upon successful completion of six courses with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA within one year, the student will be "released" from Performance-Based Admission and is considered a regular degree candidate at Rhode Island College. They will then be assigned an advisor from the department of their major.

Next

Project ExCEL (Excellence in College for English Learners)​

Project ExCEL is an academic initiative at Rhode Island College aiming to expand college access for talented bilingual students. In close partnership with their high school counselors, Project ExCEL enrolls bilingual students with established academic success, and provides them with the opportunity to pursue a Rhode Island College degree.

Admissions Requirements

  • successful completion of high school ESL courses
  • 3 units of mathematics
  • 2 units of laboratory science
  • 2 units of social science
  • 2 units of foreign language (may be waived if a student exhibits proficiency in multiple languages)
  • 5 additional units of diversified study​​​​​

Learn more about how Project ExCEL students are supported throughout their academic career.

Rhode Island College entrance

Contact Us

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

If you need information about the application process, scholarships and financial aid, transfer credits, and more, our dedicated team of admissions counselors are here to guide and support you from your first campus visit to your first day of classes.