The University of Rhode Island has been recognized as a
Top 10 Military Friendly University, and we proudly welcome veterans and military-connected students to join our URI community. Whether you’re advancing your military career, transitioning to civilian life, or supporting your dependent’s education, URI is honored to assist you every step of the way.
Your Next Mission: Education, Opportunity, and Growth
Veterans and military-connected students at URI benefit from affordable tuition, extensive academic opportunities, an active Student Veteran Organization, and a full range of academic and social support programs and services.
Admission Overview
Before you apply, review the following information to determine your application type and deadlines.
- First-Year Student: Earned no college credit after graduating from high school.
- Transfer Student: Earned college credit after graduating from high school.
- Performance-Based Admission Student: No, or limited, prior college attendance, and the applicant’s last formal, full-time educational experience occurred at least three years ago.
Questions?
Work directly with an admission counselor dedicated to veterans and military-connected students. >>Reach out
Important Deadlines
| Application | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Veterans, Active Duty, Military-Connected, and Transfer Students - Fall | July 31 |
| Veterans, Active Duty, Military-Connected, and Transfer Students - Spring | December 15 |
| FAFSA* | March 1 |
How to Apply
Please submit the following:
- Completed online application*
- Official high school transcript or official copies of G.E.D. scores, unless you have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree with coursework similar in content to what is offered at URI.
- Official electronic or official printed transcripts from your military training (courses and occupation) as well as all post-secondary institutions attended (if applicable), regardless of whether you desire or expect to receive credit for such work.
- Resume
- Letter of recommendation
- An interview (in-person or online) is required for PBA applicants.
* Consult with an admission counselor to determine which application to use.
Your Real-World Experience Counts: Performance-Based Admission
URI’s Performance-Based Admission Program (PBA) is available to applicants with no (or limited) prior college attendance whose last formal, full-time educational experience occurred three or more years ago, and who have graduated from high school or earned a general equivalency diploma (G.E.D.). PBA students bring unique perspectives and skills that enrich the classroom and positively impact the URI community. Learn more about this program.
Transfer Academic Credit
The University accepts transfer credit similar in content and scope to what is offered here. You will need to earn a grade of “C” or better in order for a class to be considered for transfer. If a course was already evaluated by a department, the URI course equivalent will be listed on the Transferology website. The University of Rhode Island has officially partnered with Transferology to show students how our institution will award credits for transferable courses. Create a free account to add courses and view your results.
Credit for Prior Learning: Military Coursework
A list of previously accepted military coursework and occupations can be found in the Transfer Evaluation System (TES) by searching:
- American Council on Education(U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, and U.S. Coast Guard)
- Community College of the Air Force(U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force)
The University of Rhode Island is constantly adding to this database, so if your coursework/occupation is not listed there, our academic faculty will review them upon your acceptance to the University and receipt of your military transcript. In order to be awarded credit for your military service, an official Joint Services Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript must be on file.
Students can also earn credit for Defense Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) and College Level Examination Program Exams (CLEP) in addition to their military service credit.
Interested in learning more about Credit for Prior Learning? Connect with Zakary Pereira, Coordinator for Prior Learning & Career Advancement for more information at zakary_pereira@uri.edu.
Transfer Military Credit
Army, Navy, Marine Corps Transcripts
The Joint Service Transcript (JST) is a uniform transcript of all military training and experience for service members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Army. It provides documented evidence to URI of professional military education, training, and occupation experiences achieved by service members and veterans. JSTs are sent electronically upon request.
Official electronic transcripts may be sent to admission@uri.edu.
Request your JSTAir Force Transcripts
The Air Force has its own regionally accredited transcript known as that Community College of the Air Force. This new electronic transcript service includes Officer and Warrant Officer training, joint military training conducted by other services, and Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) funded test scores.
Request them to be sent by conventional mail to the address below and plan on 1–2 weeks delivery time.
Office of Admission
Newman Hall
14 Upper College Road
Kingston, RI 02881
Educational Benefits and Financial Aid
The University accepts all VA Benefits including Chapter 30, Chapter 31, Chapter 33, Chapter 35, as well as the State tuition Waiver (STAP) for our RI National Guard, and the Disabled American Veterans Tuition Waiver (DAV).
URI provides full tuition coverage for Post-9/11 GI Bill recipients, making it an outstanding choice for military-connected students. While URI is not officially a Yellow Ribbon School, our commitment to veterans is just as strong. As a state flagship and land-grant university, URI ensures that veterans and their families receive the financial support they need to pursue higher education without the burden of additional tuition costs. With dedicated resources through the Center for Military and Veteran Education (MAVE), URI offers a supportive environment where veterans can excel academically and transition seamlessly into civilian careers.
Residency Requirements
Students are categorized as either instate or out-of-state with the corresponding tuition code. Your initial tuition classification is based on information you supply on your application for admission. Those eligible to use VA benefits may be considered instate for tuition purposes. If you have any questions, please contact: vabenefits-group@uri.edu.
Benefits Contacts
- VA benefits (like the GI Bill):
vabenefits-group@uri.edu - The National Guard state tuition waiver:
nationalguard-group@uri.edu - The Disabled American Veterans Tuition Waiver: psimonin@uri.edu
- Benefits FAQ
All students applying for VA Benefits for the first time should visit va.gov/education/.
Questions?
To learn more about admission for veterans and military-connected students, contact an admission counselor.