Rhode Island Promise is the Community College of Rhode Island’s last-dollar program for students moving from high school or a GED into an associate-degree program. “Last dollar” means CCRI first applies Pell, SEOG, institutional aid, and other scholarships; Promise covers the remaining tuition and mandatory fees, not textbooks.
Students need Rhode Island residency for in-state tuition, a high-school diploma/GED, and enrollment at CCRI in the immediate next term. Graduates aged 19, 20, or 21 may need an appeal. Some students who attended another institution for only one semester may transfer directly to CCRI and qualify; verify that exception. CCRI’s policy allows some noncitizens who meet its residency rules.
Guaranteed coverage is for fall and spring over two years, subject to continued eligibility; summer support depends on funds and is not guaranteed. Renewal requires an updated FAFSA, a 2.5 cumulative GPA, at least 24 earned credits in the first year, and continuous enrollment. CCRI recommends 30 credits to stay on schedule for a two-year degree.
Apply to CCRI, submit the FAFSA using school code 004916, send an official final high-school/GED transcript, and complete the RI Promise form in MyCCRI. The college recommends finishing the financial-aid file by April 1, while its FAQ clarifies that this is not a universal hard program deadline. Check alerts in RI Promise Status Check; certificates, books, and programs outside eligible associate degrees are not covered.
Before accepting an aid package, compare your individual notice with the bill and ask what happens if you change enrollment, major, or campus. Read the program profile and consult the administering agency; your institution’s financial-aid office confirms your individual determination.
Rhode Island Promise — Community College of Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Promise FAQs — Community College of Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Promise Status Check — Community College of Rhode Island.
Information checked on October 12, 2026 against official sources. Deadlines for the 2026–27 cycle have passed for several programs; they are identified as past dates where relevant. Eligibility does not guarantee funding: confirm the academic year, your file, and net cost with the program and your campus financial-aid office.
“Free” refers to remaining tuition and mandatory fees, not the full cost of attendance, and depends on credits, GPA, and other aid.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Rhode Island Promise
Remaining tuition and mandatory fees after gift aid; fall and spring for up to two years, with a 2.5 GPA and at least 24 first-year credits.
State student financial-aid program
Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), One Stop Student Services
The college confirms residency, admission, eligible associate program, credits, GPA, and remaining balance after other grants.
Public student financial-aid agency
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Community College of Rhode Island · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Community College of Rhode Island · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Community College of Rhode Island · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Community College of Rhode Island · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Rhode Island Promise ↗
Primary source
Community College of Rhode Island · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Community College of Rhode Island · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), One Stop Student Services ↗
Primary source
Community College of Rhode Island · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.