Veteran Tuition Assistance and Waivers

The Rhode Island National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (STAP) provides tuition waivers for active National Guard members attending Rhode Island public colleges/universities.

RI Army National Guard Members

Please complete this process to apply for a tuition waiver through the STAP program:

1. Register for your classes.
2. Complete the STAP Waiver form (within the Resources area of RI National Guard Education/Benefits, ensuring all sections are completed (including your student ID).
3. Submit the completed form to the RI ANG Education Liaison. (Email the liason at ng.ri.riarng.mbx.stap-waiver@army.mil)
4. The Education liaison signs the form and sends it to RIC's Bursar’s Office.
5. The student should follow up with the Bursar’s Office or Military Resource Center to ensure the waiver has been received.

RI Air National Guard Members

Contact your units Schools NCO or Office for the appropriate form and point of contact.

Rhode Island residents with a Department of Veterans Affairs service-connected disability of at least 10 percent may apply for a Disabled Veterans Tuition Waiver. Disabled Veterans Tuition Waiver requests, along with the appropriate documentation, should be submitted to the Bursar’s Office.

Submit a Disabled Veterans Tuition Waiver

Please Note: The Disabled Veterans Tuition Waiver applies to tuition only. Approved students are still responsible for the fees associated with the cost of attendance. Students are required to apply for Financial Aid. Last dollar award only applies to remaining costs after financial aid, scholarships, or grants are applied.

While the Military Resource Center can answer basic questions, more specific questions should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid. This is especially true as it pertains to eligibility, award limits/specifics, impact from withdrawals, and financial aid debts.

Rhode Island College will return any TA Program funds directly to the Military Service, not to the Service member. Up to the start date, Rhode Island College will return all (100 percent) TA funds to the appropriate Military Service when the Service member does not: (i) Begin attendance at the College; or (ii) Start a course, regardless of whether the student starts other courses.

Rhode Island College will return any TA funds paid for a course that is cancelled by the College.

Rhode Island College will return any unearned TA funds on a proportional basis through at least the 60 percent portion of the period for which the funds were provided. TA funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stops attending. In instances when a Service member stops attending due to a military service obligation, Rhode Island College will work with the affected Service member to identify solutions that will not result in a student debt for the returned portion.

Tuition charged to a Service member will in no case exceed the rate charged to nonmilitary students, unless agreed upon in writing by both the College and the Service.