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Rhode Island College credits Hope scholarship, student services for recent enrollment gains; student tells committee scholarship was life changing
Summary
Rhode Island College President reported enrollment increases for fall and spring, attributed in part to the Hope scholarship and new student supports and facilities; a graduating nursing student testified the scholarship eased financial pressure
Rhode Island College President testified to the Senate Finance Committee on March 25 that the college recorded its first enrollment increases in 15 years and credited the state—s HOPE scholarship and expanded student supports for part of that growth.
President outlined a 390‑student increase in fall enrollment over the previous fall and a 550‑student increase in spring, saying the spring gains largely reflected improved retention from fall to spring. He told senators that the Hope scholarship accounted for much of the in‑state enrollment growth and that the scholarship and related supports had helped students remain on track to graduate.
"We're very pleased about the fact that, that we are able now to even free up resources to make investments in our students' success," President said, and later singled out the Hope scholarship for driving much of the recent gains. He described investments in advising, career counseling, revamped general education, and capital projects including the Clark Science building and planned Whipple Hall renovation.
A graduating nursing student, Victoria Dujampi, testified about the personal impact of the Hope scholarship. "Receiving the HOPE scholarship was life changing," Dujampi said, explaining that it relieved financial stress, allowed her to focus on clinical training and classwork, and made graduate school feel attainable.
Faculty union leadership also testified. Mikaela Arthur, president of the Rhode Island College AFT and a sociology professor, told the committee that faculty and staff are working to support students but asked the committee to fund adequate compensation and resources so the college can retain and recruit instructors and professional staff. Arthur noted federal funding uncertainties and urged state support to ensure stability.
Why it matters: Enrollment and retention affect institutional finances and student success. Legislators asked about transfer, affordability, and workforce ties as they consider FY26 appropriations and scholarship programs.
