Unemployment Tuition Waiver Program

Individuals receiving unemployment benefits from the State of Rhode Island may be eligible for a tuition waiver for courses taken at Rhode Island College. To qualify, students must have an active, open unemployment claim with the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (RI DLT).

Required Documentation

Applicants must submit all of the following documentation:

• DLT Certification of UI Eligibility Form (DLT-467).The form must be dated after November 2, 2026 and before January 19, 2026
• RI Public Higher Education Unemployment MEANS Test (see below)
• Signed copy of your 2025 federal form 1040
• Copies of all W2 Forms for the unemployed individual
• Copy of a RI Driver’s License or RI State-issued ID
• Payment of all required fees not covered by the waiver
• Completed 2026/2027 FAFSA

Important Dates

• Waiver Registration Period Begins: Friday, January 15, 2027. Registration prior to this date will not be eligible for the tuition waiver. 
  
  • Waiver approval is based on space availability. Waiver may not be used for specific courses that reserve places for students upon acceptance into a program. Certain classes are not eligible for the tuition waiver – student teaching, practicum, applied music, clinical nursing & independent study are some examples. Please contact the Bursar’s Office if you have questions regarding course eligibility.

• Deadline to Submit Documentation: Wednesday, January 27, 2027.
  • Tuition waiver requests will not be processed if forms are incomplete, documentation is missing, or if payment for required fees is not presented. Waivers cannot be used for non-credit courses, program fees, or audit fees. 

Important Financial Aid Notice:

Waiver recipients enrolled in a degree program (matriculated students) are required to apply for Financial Aid by filing the 2026/2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA, and any verification documentation requested by the Financial Aid Office, at Rhode Island College, will be used to determine Financial Aid eligibility. Any scholarship or grant aid awarded will be applied toward your tuition in lieu of your waiver, and the amount of your waiver will be reduced accordingly. Waiver applications will be returned or denied if the FAFSA is not completed. If you are considered a dependent student for financial aid purposes, you are not eligible for an unemployment waiver.

RI Public Higher Education Unemployment Means Test

1) $47,820
2) $60,660
3) $74,850
4) $96,390
5) $114,330
6) $132,390
7) $146,910
8) $164,220

For family units with more than eight members, add $15,940 for each additional family member.

If the amount in Item 7 is more than the amount in Item 6, you qualify for the waiver.

Upload the following:

• DLT Certification of UI Eligibility Form (DLT-467)
• Signed copy of your 2025 Federal Form 1040
• Copies of all W2 Forms for the unemployed individual
• Copy of RI Driver’s License or RI State-Issued ID
• Completed 2026/2027 FAFSA

I declare that the above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

Payment of Required Fees

Sometimes, waivers are granted for certain classes, but not others. This means a student may still be responsible for part of the tuition and fees even if the waiver is approved. After your request is reviewed, you’ll be informed of any remaining balance if applicable.