Military Resource Center

Consider the Center as your one stop shop for learning the ins and outs of your GI Bill® Benefits, navigating systems of higher education, and finding community as your earn your degree.

We want you to walk away knowing all the programs and services available to you, and feel affirmed of your service. Stop by the Military Resource Center early and often, we're here to serve YOU. 

Application 

Application Form

As a prospective Military Student or Military-Affiliated Students, we recommend that you submit an application form to our Military Resource Center. Completing this form will automatically take you to the Common App website, where you can begin applying for admission to Rhode Island College. Click the “Application Form” link above to send your Application for Military Students. Completing this form will automatically take you to the Common App website, where you can begin applying for admission to Rhode Island College.

Complete the Application for Military Students or Military-Affiliated Students and we will contact you to assist with:

• Waiving the $50 Application Fee
• Connecting you to Veteran Services on Campus
• Information about orientation including how to schedule and prepare for orientation (First Time Student/Transfer Student)
• Covering the $200 enrollment fee if you are using Ch. 33 or Ch. 31 VA Education Benefits, (If you are using 1606, Ch. 30, Ch. 35, STAP, or DAV waivers, you will be responsible for paying the enrollment deposit to the Bursar)

Getting Started

Student veterans are encouraged to make an appointment or come by the Veteran Resource Center offices to ensure a smooth transition into the College. 

Step 1: Activate Benefits & Apply for Admission

• Apply for VA Education Benefits by completing the online application 
• First time students or Transfer Students can apply for admission to Rhode Island College through Common App
• Send officials transcripts to the RIC Admissions office 

Step 2: Enrollment & Certification of Benefits

• Once enrolled, performance-based applicants will be assigned to an advisor found in the Oasis Office whom they should contact to complete their writing and math placements. Performance-based applicants (PBA) are students who are at least 20 years of age, have no more than 12 attempted college credits, or have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. For more information, please visit the admissions page.
• Submit a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to the RIC VA Certifying Official. You can obtain a copy of your COE on the VA’s eBenefits website.
• Once accepted, meet with your assigned academic advisor to enroll in courses by logging in to Starfish through your MyRIC online account. Priority registration is offered to students using their military education benefits.

Step 3: Financial Aid

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Step 4: Maintain Verification

• Submit Rhode Island College’s online Certification Worksheet at least 30 days prior to the start of each semester once you have completed your schedule and enrolled in courses. If it is your first time submitting this form and you are a newly enrolled RIC student, submit the First-Time Student Certification Worksheet to ebright@ric.edu.
• If the number of credits you are enrolled in changes, you must contact the RIC VA Certifying Official immediately (includes adding, dropping, or withdrawing from any courses or receiving incomplete grades). The VA Certifying Official is in the Records Office and can be reached by email at ebright@ric.edu.
• Students using Ch. 30, 1606, and 1607 benefits are required to verify attendance each month over the phone (877) 823-2378 or online.
• If you are a National Guard or Reserve Member using a STAP waiver, you must submit your STAP waiver to the Office of the Bursar. For more information about the STAP waiver, visit the Military Resource Center’s online FAQ.

Faculty Resources

If faculty or staff members have additional questions or need additional support for their veteran students, please contact our office. 

• Advising Support
• VA Campus Toolkit
• Military to Civilian Transition 
• Accommodating Student Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury or PTSD
• Serving Veterans: A Resource Guide