The University of Rhode Island’s top admission scholarships include two full-ride, highly selective opportunities: the Thomas M. Ryan Scholars Award, open to all majors, and the Alfred J. Verrecchia Business Scholars Award. Both scholarships cover tuition, fees, housing, meals, leadership development, a global J-Term travel stipend, and more.
Our new Schilling Scholars Award for STEM applicants increases individual merit scholarships by up to $20,000 annually! More information is provided below. A reminder, no additional application is required for URI merit scholarships.
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>>New! Schilling Award
>>Ryan Scholars
>>Verrecchia Business Scholars
>>Meet Top Scholars
Schilling Scholars
Overview
URI’s merit-based University and Presidential Scholarships range from $3,000 to $17,000 per year for all four years.* Our new Helen Izzi Schilling ’54 and Francis Schilling Scholars Award, based on each student’s credentials at the time of application, provides up to $20,000 annually on top of these amounts! It includes a $1,000 yearly book stipend, a $3,000 Winter J-Term or summer global travel award, mentors, advising, and leadership development.
The Schilling Scholars Award is specifically designed for high-achieving STEM students who have been admitted to one of the following 40+programs (view/download PDF).
*Students enrolled in the six-year Doctorate of Pharmacy program retain their scholarships for six years.
Thomas M. Ryan Scholars
Tom and Cathy Ryan with the recipients of the Ryan Scholarship.
Overview
The Thomas M. Ryan Scholars program provides a full scholarship (tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and one Global Winter Travel J-Term experience with faculty) for four years for selected students. It also offers access to the University’s Honors Program and Colloquium, Leadership Institute, special advising team, priority course registration, yearly donor retreat, and access to special University events. Candidates will be selected from their initial applications and then asked to participate in campus visits and interviews.
Alfred J. Verrecchia Business Scholars
Overview
The Alfred J. Verrecchia Business Scholars program provides a full scholarship (tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and one Global Winter Travel J-Term experience with faculty) for four years for selected students interested in majoring in business. It also offers access to the University’s Honors Program and Colloquium, Leadership Institute, an alumni business mentor, a personal career coach with internship mentoring and placement, a yearly donor retreat and roundtable CEO meeting, priority course registration, and access to special University events. Candidates will be selected from their initial applications and then asked to participate in campus visits and interviews.
Meet Some of Our Top Scholars
These exceptional students have been awarded URI’s prestigious full-ride admission scholarships, which cover tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, mentorship, and a global winter J-Term experience. Representing a rich diversity of backgrounds, interests, and expertise, they are united in their commitment to thinking big and making a positive impact on the world.
Ryan Scholars
CJ Hamilton ’25
Groton, CT
Major: Molecular Neuroscience (physician assistant career track)
I’ve had the opportunity to excel academically without the concerns of creating a financial burden for me and my family. The Ryan scholarship has also provided me with a community of other successful students with big ambitions.
Joceline Rodrigues ’25
Norwich, CT
Major: Biology and Sociology, Pre-Med
My standout experiences at URI have been studying abroad in India, South Africa, and Argentina, as well as getting involved on campus. I learned so much about public health, policy, and myself.
Javon Jennings ‘26
Huntsville, AL
Major: Computer Science and Political Science
There is no limit to what I've been able to accomplish. Things I never thought were possible, like being a double major or becoming the manager of a D1 volleyball team, I have been able to achieve by giving my best effort and believing in myself.
Angela Marses ‘26
Cranston, RI
Major: Molecular Neuroscience
The Ryan Scholarship completely altered my college experience in such a positive way. As a student pursuing the medical field, this scholarship provided me with the opportunity to start medical school debt-free.
Matthew Paolella ‘26
Malvern, PA
Major: Cell and Molecular Biology, Finance
I am extremely blessed to have the chance to obtain my undergraduate degree while simultaneously being able to save money for medical school. Also, URI has some of the most passionate professors I've ever met. It's awesome to attend classes where the professor is excited and eager to be there.
Cristian Varela ’26
Staten Island, NY
Major: Industrial and Systems Engineering and Chinese
I have been able to study, work, and take classes abroad in Colombia, Indonesia, and Nepal, which has been eye-opening, personally and professionally.
Eryn Wale ’27
Victoria, Canada
Major: Chemical Engineering
The Ryan scholarship allowed me to pursue an international education and save for grad school, which alleviates a lot of the pressure on my family.
Verrecchia Business Scholars
Jordan Furman ‘24
Lavallette, NJ
Major: Accounting and Communication Studies
When I was offered the Verrecchia Scholarship it was something I could not pass up. I had access to a personal career coach, internship mentoring and placement, and regular exposure to business leaders.
Ava Stanley ’25
Long Island, NY
Major: Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design
This scholarship has shown me that hard work does not go unnoticed. The Verrecchias have been huge role models for me. Their generosity and humility are inspiring, and I hope I can have an impact as great as theirs.
Owen Surette ’25
Wilmington, MA
Major: Finance and Supply Chain Management
URI offers so many opportunities for professional development and social engagement, that every day is filled with excitement. I never have a dull day here. One of my best experiences was participating in the Oozeball tournament, an amazing URI tradition. My team made it all the way to the finals.
Brandon Velasquez ’25
Shelter Island, NY
Major: Finance and Global Business Management
Applying to colleges in 2020 was tough. I am also a first generation college student born to immigrant parents, making the college application process harder to navigate. I was granted this opportunity which not only unburdened my family financially, but also propelled my career far beyond what I ever imagined.
Alexia Noel ’26
Lincoln, RI
Major: Finance and Accounting
Receiving a full ride to college has been a transformative opportunity, and my most impactful experiences have come from my involvement in clubs within the College of Business, like the Ram Fund, Financial Management Association, and Women in Finance.
Maximus Rodrigues ‘26
Cedar Grove, NJ
Major: Finance and Sports Media
In addition to my studies, I have sailed with the sailing club, raised over $100k for The Michael J. Fox Foundation, traveled New England playing club soccer, and helped clean the beautiful Rhode Island beaches. Everyone has been super supportive of my goals and journey as I go through these incredible 4 years.
Makayla Nelson ’27
Wantage, NJ
Major: Business Management and Spanish
I have been able to soak up every resource and opportunity here without the financial stress. Being able to take part in the international business program and coming up with a study abroad plan that fits into my other academic goals has been really rewarding.
Laila Baptiste ’28
North Falmouth, MA
Major: Global Business Management
I am a first generation student, and although my father couldn't afford college, he has worked so hard to help my sister and me get where we are today. With the help of this scholarship, I hope to make my dad and myself proud.