Frequently Asked Questions

Who are non-traditional students?
No single characteristic defines a non-traditional student. At URI non-traditional students are those who are considering pursuing their bachelor’s degree three or more years after graduating high school.

I have little (or no) college experience and my prior grades do not reflect who I am today.
What should I do? 
Eligible adult learners can be considered for admission under Performance-Based Admission (PBA). Learn more.

Can I get financial aid?
Many of our students qualify for financial aid, even after a long break in their higher education. When you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), we’ll consider you for grants, loans, and scholarships. Learn more.

What if I have an outstanding URI bill?
If you have outstanding debt from a prior enrollment at URI, financial assistance may be available to you through a new grant available to returning students. Contact an admission officer for more information.

Can I just take a course to try it out?
If you would like to give URI a try, you can complete a Non-Degree Application and register as a non-matriculated student—one who is enrolled in course(s) for credit, but is not formally admitted into a degree program or seeking a degree.

Does URI offer online courses?
Yes! URI offers more than one-hundred online courses, with new courses added every semester. After meeting with an advisor and determining what you need to complete your degree, you will be able to see which courses you can complete online and which courses you will need to take on campus in Kingston. Learn more about URI Online.

My credits are more than 8 years old. Are they transferable?
Due to accreditation issues, certain programs cannot guarantee that credits eight years old or older are still transferable. Academic deans and department chairs will make decisions on an individual basis regarding the admissibility of credits.