Rhode Island Student Loans And Financial Aid Programs

Rhode Island has several private student loan and financial aid programs that can help you pay for college. If you're going to be attending college in Rhode Island, you need to be looking to take advantage of these programs.

These programs are designed to help make college more affordable - so that you can get the education you need. These programs can include scholarships, grants, and student loans.

Don't forget that there are Federal student loan programs available as well. You can find out more on how to get a Federal student loan here.

There is also a specific order of operations to pay for college that we recommend students follow. These programs specific to the State of Rhode Island can help you to avoid borrowing more money than you need to. 

Rhode Island Student Loan Programs

Rhode Island has a unique student loan program available to Rhode Island residents. The Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA) offers no upfront cost loans to students attending school in the state. You can learn more about the RISLA Student Loan here.

There are still Federal student loans available to students who attend college in Rhode Island as well. 

If you're just looking for private student loan options, we recommend:

• Credible - Like the Kayak of student loans, they help you shop around and compare options. Try Credible here.
• College Ave - One of the best private student loan lenders. Get A Quote At College Ave Here.

Check out our complete guide to finding the best student loans here.

Rhode Island Scholarship Programs

Rhode Island has several scholarships available to students who want to attend school in the state. However, they "hide" all their available scholarships on their website and require you to login. 

You can find the full list of Rhode Island state-sponsored scholarship programs here.

RISLA Knowledge For College Scholarship

If you are a student who is a Rhode Island resident or student from any state attending a college or university in Rhode Island; and is accepted for and provides validation of enrollment at nationally accredited 2-year or 4-year, university, or postsecondary proprietary school, you can win a $2,000 scholarship.

Learn more about the Knowledge For College Scholarship here.

Rhode Island Grant Programs

Rhode Island also has a grant program to provide need based financial aid to Rhode Island residents.

Grants are one of the best forms of financial aid because, in most circumstances, you don't have to pay the money back.

Rhode Island Promise Grant

For qualified students, the Rhode Island Promise scholarship covers tuition and fees for students who enroll full time.

It will allow for free community college in Rhode Island, as well as other aid to help with college.

You can learn more about the Rhode Island Promise Grant.

Other Options

If you already have student loans and are looking for options as a Rhode Island resident, check out our Rhode Island Student Loan Forgiveness Program page. That page has all the different options available to Rhode Island residents to potentially get some of your student loan debt forgiven.

You might also look at refinancing your student loans and saving money in interest while also potentially lowering your payment. Check out our guide on the Best Places To Refinance Your Student Loans.

If you're looking for ways to save for college in Rhode Island, check out the Rhode Island 529 Plan and College Savings Guide.

Finally, check out the other student loan and financial aid programs by state.