KINGSTON, R.I. — Feb. 18, 2025 — The University of Rhode Island will provide a historic level of financial aid support in the 2025-26 academic year. At a regular meeting on Feb. 13, the University’s Board of Trustees approved the annual tuition, fees, and financial aid plan.

“We are dedicated to offering a high-quality education and robust student experience,” said Margo Cook, chair of the Board of Trustees. “We continue to make strategic investments in the physical environment, academic programs, and student services that have set our university apart, while also managing the financial realities faced by our students and their families.”

The board approved a 3.5% tuition increase for both in-state and out-of-state students, and a 0.7% increase in undergraduate mandatory fees. These adjustments are necessary to maintain the University’s commitment to delivering top-tier educational opportunities.

In September, the University was ranked the No. 1 public university in New England, and among the best nationally, by The Wall Street Journal. The ranking criteria focused on how well colleges prepare students for career and financial success, as well as overall student satisfaction. And earlier this week, URI ascended to the highest level of research universities in the United States by earning R1 designation in the latest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. As an R1 institution, URI joins a selection of U.S. universities noted for research excellence and now ranks among the top 4.8% of degree-granting postsecondary institutions nationally.

Acknowledging the economic pressures on families, URI will increase its financial aid budget to more than $156 million—marking another all-time high. This funding will continue to support both undergraduate and graduate students, with more than 90% of URI students receiving some form of financial aid.

In November, the University introduced the Schilling Scholars Program. The endowed scholarship will provide up to $20,000 per year for four years to high-achieving undergraduate students. The program adds to URI’s full range of merit scholarship awards, including Presidential Scholarships, University Scholarships, and the Ryan Scholars and Verrecchia Business Scholars programs.

URI continues to ensure strong post-graduation outcomes, with 90% of recent alumni securing employment or continuing their education within six months of graduation.

Founded in 1892, and enrolling more than 17,000 students, URI is Rhode Island’s flagship public research institution and a major economic and innovation driver for the state. Some 200 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs inspire students and spark their creativity, including 4+1 accelerated bachelor’s to master’s degree programs in more than 30 majors, flexible online options, and robust study abroad opportunities.

###