Introduction

The University of Rhode Island (URI), a top-tier public research institution in Kingston, Rhode Island, offers numerous scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students. These include several fully funded opportunities, such as full-ride merit scholarships for undergraduates and comprehensive graduate assistantships for advanced degrees in 2026.

Body: Key Details & Options

Undergraduate Fully Funded Scholarships

URI offers two distinguished full-ride scholarships for undergraduates—no separate application required; merit-based at the time of university admission:

• Thomas M. Ryan Scholars Award
  Fully covers tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, and includes one international Global Winter J-Term travel experience with faculty. Scholars also enjoy access to the Honors Program, Leadership Institute, special advising, priority registration, annual retreats, and exclusive events. web.uri.eduGlobal Scholarships

• Alfred J. Verrecchia Business Scholars Award
  Similar full-ride coverage tailored for business majors, including tuition, on-campus necessities (housing, dining, books), a Global Winter J-Term experience, plus mentorship, career coaching, alumni engagement, and elevated privileges in the business community. web.uri.eduGlobal Scholarships

Also noteworthy is the Schilling Scholars Program for high-achieving STEM undergraduates. While not full-ride, it offers up to an additional $20,000/year on top of merit scholarships, alongside book stipends, travel awards, mentoring, and leadership development. web.uri.edu

Graduate Fully Funded Scholarships

For graduate students (Master’s and PhD):

• Graduate Assistantships
  These fully funded positions cover:

  • 100% of tuition and health insurance, 25% dental insurance, 100% parking fees, and 20% of standard fees.

  • Annual stipend of up to $23,290 for full-time or $11,645 for half-time assistants. Global Scholarships+1

• Dean’s Tuition Scholarships
  Available through the Graduate School for selected applicants based on financial need; they may partially or fully cover tuition and some fees. web.uri.edu

• External Fellowships
  URI supports graduate students applying for external funding such as Fulbright, NASA Space Grant, and others. These are not guaranteed but represent rich supplementary sources. web.uri.edu

Importance

Securing one of URI’s fully funded scholarships can profoundly impact your academic journey:

• Undergraduates avoid debt entirely and focus wholly on learning, leadership development, and global exposure.

• Graduate Students gain financial stability through stipends and tuition waivers, freeing them to focus on research and academic growth.

• Both opportunities elevate students’ profiles and open doors to exclusive UR- and career-related networks.

About URI Scholarships

• URI awards over $125 million in undergraduate aid annually; 88% of undergrads receive scholarships or grants. web.uri.edu

• The Ryan and Verrecchia scholarships are among the most prestigious, offering full-ride awards without needing a separate application. web.uri.edu+1

• Graduate assistantships require affiliation with a department and acceptance, offering substantial financial support. Global Scholarshipsweb.uri.edu+1

Conclusion

In 2026, URI stands out as an institution where both undergraduate and graduate scholars can access substantial financial support:

• Undergraduates: Look out for the Ryan, Verrecchia, and Schilling scholarships (some fully funded, some generous).

• Graduate Students: Explore assistantships, Dean’s tuition scholarships, and external fellowships for full or partial funding.

This support not only alleviates financial burden but also enhances your academic and leadership trajectory.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are the Ryan and Verrecchia scholarships truly full rides?

Yes. They cover tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, and include enrichment experiences like the Global Winter J-Term. web.uri.eduGlobal Scholarships

2. What is the Schilling Scholars Program?

A merit-based STEM scholarship that adds up to $20,000/year on top of existing merit scholarships, plus travel, book stipends, and mentorship. web.uri.edu

3. How can I secure graduate funding?

• Graduate Assistantships: Offer robust financial support, including tuition coverage and stipends. Global Scholarships+1

• Dean’s Tuition Scholarships: Based on financial need, awarded through departmental nomination. web.uri.edu

• External Fellowships: URI supports applications to competitive external funding sources. web.uri.edu

4. Do I need a separate application for these scholarships?

• No extra application is needed for Ryan, Verrecchia, or Schilling scholarships—they are considered during admission. web.uri.edu+1

• Graduate assistantships and fellowships typically require departmental selection and external application processes.

5. What percentage of students receive aid?

Approximately 88% of undergraduate students receive some form of scholarship or grant from URI. web.uri.edu