Performance-Based Admission (PBA)
You may be eligible for URI’s PBA program if you have limited or no prior college experience, your last full-time formal education was three or more years ago, and you have graduated from high school or earned a G.E.D. Performance Based Admission is the perfect way to get a fresh start if you have struggled academically in the past.
Who are PBA Students?
Whether you served in the military, worked in your field, or spent time exploring your next steps, you are welcome at URI. As a PBA student, your lived experience brings valuable perspective to classroom discussions and enriches our URI community. We’re excited for you to share your voice, connect with others, and begin the next chapter of your story.
PBA Overview
Through the PBA program, students may take 15 credits as “conditionally accepted” students in URI’s University College for Academic Success. After completing these 15 credits, passing UCS/SPC 305*, and earning a 2.0 overall GPA or higher, PBA students will be fully matriculated at URI.
*UCS/SPC 305: Learning and Career Principles for Adult Students is a required course that supports your transition back to school. You will connect with like-minded peers, build a mentoring network, and discover the many resources available to help you thrive at URI—both academically and professionally.
| PBA Deadlines | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Admission | July 31 | |
| Spring Admission | December 15 | |
| Pharmacy* | June 1 | |
*Fall semester only. Transcripts are due no later than 10 days after the application deadline. Please note: This program does not follow the traditional freshman application deadline.
Application Process
Please submit the following:
- Completed application with $65 fee*
- Official high school transcript, unless you have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree with coursework similar in content to what is offered at URI.
- If applicable, official electronic or official printed transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, regardless of whether you desire or expect to receive credit for such work. Electronic transcripts should be emailed to: transferadmission@uri.edu. **
- Resume
- Letter of recommendation
- An interview is required for PBA applicants (either virtually or in person)
*Please consult with an admission officer to determine which application to use.
**The Office of Admission does not evaluate credit. Credit evaluations are completed by the academic colleges within 21 days of acceptance.
Transfer Admission Restrictions
If you have prior college experience, please note that some majors at URI have restrictions and/or special requirements for transfer admission. These include nursing, pharmacy, kinesiology, and engineering. Visit our transfer website for more information.
Conditional Admission
As a PBA student, you will benefit from close communication with a team of professionals and your academic advisor. After your admission to University College for Academic Success (UCAS), you will follow a detailed academic plan for your first 15 probationary credits, and you will be required to maintain a 2.0 grade point average. Each semester your academic achievement will be reviewed by a UCAS advisor until you reach 15 credits.
Once you have successfully completed the probationary requirements, you will automatically be eligible to start a degree program.
Questions?
To learn more about PBA, contact an admission counselor.
PBA Fact Sheet (pdf)