College & Education in Rhode Island

12 verified resources.

About College & Education for Fathers

Education resources for fathers include financial aid, adult education, workforce training, and college programs with on-site childcare. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and state aid. Pell Grants provide up to approximately $7,000 per year to low-income students and don't require repayment. GED and HiSET programs operate in every state through adult education providers, often free. Community colleges offer lower-cost two-year degrees and certificate programs in high-demand trades. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds training for eligible adults and dislocated workers. For fathers returning to school, on-campus childcare (often subsidized through the CCAMPIS grant), emergency aid funds, and single-parent scholarships make enrollment feasible. This directory covers state FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education programs, and single-dad scholarships.

College & Education in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Family Court is a statewide system handling all divorce, custody, paternity, and child support cases. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DHS. Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket are the largest cities. Rhode Island Legal Services is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

12 Resources

1. RI Office of Postsecondary Commissioner — Free

State agency coordinating financial aid, scholarships, and college planning resources for Rhode Island students and families from its Warwick office on Jefferson Boulevard. Fathers returning to school and parents guiding college-bound teens can access planning tools, RI Promise details, and FAFSA help. Call or visit the website for guides and events. Bring photo ID, tax returns, and student transcripts when meeting with an advisor.

401-736-1100 · 560 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, RI 02886 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. FAFSA – Federal Student Aid — Free

Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the single application used for federal Pell Grants, student loans, and work-study, plus most state and college aid in Rhode Island. Fathers returning to school and those helping a dependent student can file online any time. Have your Social Security number, FSA ID, tax returns, income records, and a list of schools ready before starting; call the hotline for help during business hours.

800-433-3243 · 24/7 online · Visit Website

3. RI Promise Scholarship — Free

State scholarship covering tuition and fees at the Community College of Rhode Island for eligible recent Rhode Island high school graduates attending full time. Fathers who are recent graduates or family members guiding a teen through the process can apply online after submitting the FAFSA. Call CCRI for program details and deadlines. Bring photo ID, high school transcript, FAFSA confirmation, and proof of RI residency when enrolling.

401-825-1000 · 24/7 online · Visit Website

4. Rhode Island College — Paid

Affordable four-year public college in Providence on Mount Pleasant Avenue offering bachelor's and graduate degrees in teaching, nursing, social work, business, and liberal arts. Fathers returning to school full or part time can access veterans benefits, evening courses, and financial aid. Call admissions or visit the website to start an application. Bring photo ID, transcripts, FAFSA confirmation, and any veteran or transfer paperwork to your advising appointment.

401-456-8000 · 600 Mt Pleasant Ave, Providence, RI 02908 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. URI – University of Rhode Island — Paid

Public research university in Kingston offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees across many fields plus extensive financial aid. Fathers returning to school can explore online programs, part-time study, and veterans services. Call admissions or visit the main campus on Upper College Road for tours and advising. Bring photo ID, transcripts, FAFSA confirmation, and DD-214 if you are a veteran seeking education benefits.

401-874-1000 · 45 Upper College Rd, Kingston, RI 02881 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. New England Institute of Technology — Paid

Career-focused private university in East Greenwich offering associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in technology, business, health, and trades. NEIT supports fathers returning to school with day, evening, and online options plus veterans benefits and financial aid. Call admissions or visit the New England Tech Boulevard campus for a tour. Bring photo ID, transcripts, FAFSA confirmation, and DD-214 if using veterans education benefits.

401-467-7744 · 1 New England Tech Blvd, East Greenwich, RI 02818 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. CCRI – Newport Campus — Paid

Community college campus serving Newport County at the John H. Chafee Boulevard location, offering associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training. Fathers returning to school can access RI Promise, financial aid, veterans services, and flexible schedules. Call or visit for advising and enrollment help. Bring photo ID, high school or prior college transcripts, FAFSA confirmation, and any military paperwork when applying for benefits.

401-851-1600 · 1 John H Chafee Blvd, Newport, RI 02840 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Roger Williams University — Paid

Private university in Bristol on Old Ferry Road offering undergraduate and graduate programs plus need-based and merit financial aid. Fathers returning to school may explore part-time, online, and adult learner options, and veterans benefits are accepted. Call admissions to schedule a tour or advising appointment. Bring photo ID, transcripts, FAFSA confirmation, and DD-214 if you are using veterans education benefits at enrollment.

401-253-1040 · 1 Old Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI 02809 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

9. Brown University – Continuing Education — Paid

Professional development and continuing education courses at Brown University in Providence, including pre-college, summer, and online programs. Fathers seeking career advancement, new credentials, or enrichment can explore certificates and individual courses. Call or visit the Prospect Street main campus for information. Bring photo ID and prior academic records if applying to a credit program; most non-credit courses use a simple online registration.

401-863-1000 · 1 Prospect St, Providence, RI 02912 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Providence Literacy Programs — Free

Free literacy and English as a Second Language classes for adults in Providence, including fathers working to improve reading, writing, or English skills for work, school, or parenting. Classes are offered at community sites with daytime and evening options. Call the Broad Street office to enroll. Bring photo ID and basic personal information for registration; no prior education records are required to begin literacy classes.

401-490-9860 · 40 Broad St, Providence, RI 02903 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

11. Woonsocket Adult Learning Center — Free

Free GED preparation, English as a Second Language, and adult education classes in Woonsocket coordinated through the Rhode Island Department of Education. Fathers can enroll to earn a high school equivalency, improve English, or prepare for college and job training. Call for intake hours and orientation schedules. Bring photo ID, any prior school transcripts or credentials, and a list of your learning goals to your first session.

401-767-4660 · Woonsocket, RI 02895 · Mon-Fri varies · Visit Website

12. RI Workforce Development – Training Grants — Free

State-funded training vouchers and grants for Rhode Island residents pursuing in-demand careers, administered by the Department of Labor and Training from the Pontiac Avenue office in Cranston. Fathers can use netWORKri career centers to apply for training in healthcare, trades, IT, and more. Call or visit during business hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, proof of residency, and employment history to your intake appointment.

401-462-8000 · 1511 Pontiac Ave, Cranston, RI 02920 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

College & Education — Common Questions

What do I do first if I want to go back to school?: Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It's free and takes about 30 minutes. Results determine eligibility for Pell Grants (up to ~$7,000/year), Direct Loans, and state grants. Apply even if you think you won't qualify — results often surprise.
Is there childcare on college campuses?: Many community colleges and some universities operate on-campus childcare, often subsidized through the CCAMPIS federal grant for low-income student parents. Financial aid can sometimes cover childcare as a cost of attendance.
Can I get a GED online?: Yes. The official GED test is offered online (with in-home proctoring) and at testing centers. HiSET (used in some states instead of GED) is similar. Free prep through state adult education providers and through Khan Academy's free GED prep.
What is WIOA training?: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds short-term training for eligible adults, often up to
0,000 or more for in-demand occupations. Apply through your local American Job Center. Programs cover CDL, welding, nursing, IT, HVAC, and many others.