Rhode Island § 16-56-6 - Postsecondary Student Financial Assistance
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 16-56-6 — Postsecondary Student Financial Assistance, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-56-6. Postsecondary Student Financial Assistance
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-56-6
§ 16-56-6. Need-based grants.
(a) Amount of funds allocated. The commissioner of postsecondary education shall allocate annually the appropriation for need-based scholarships and grants. Of the total amount appropriated for need-based scholarship and grants, the lesser of twenty percent (20%) or one million eight hundred thousand dollars ($1,800,000) shall be distributed to qualified students attending participating, independent, nonprofit, higher education institutions in Rhode Island. The remainder of funds shall be limited to public higher education institutions in Rhode Island including payments made pursuant to § 16-100-3(c). As part of the annual budget submission, the office of postsecondary commissioner shall include a plan of how the need-based scholarship and grant funds will be allocated to each public institution receiving funds pursuant to this chapter and how the funds will be distributed to students attending independent, nonprofit institutions.
(b) Eligibility of individuals. Eligibility for need-based grants and scholarships shall be determined by the office of the postsecondary commissioner.
(c) Number and terms of awards. The number of awards to be granted in any one fiscal year shall be contingent upon the funds allocated to this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 238, § 3; P.L. 1988, ch. 425, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 499, § 1; P.L. 2015,
ch. 141, art. 7, § 4; P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 9, § 13; P.L. 2023, ch. 79, art. 8,
§ 3, effective June 16, 2023.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 16-56-6
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 16-56-6 cover?
Section 16-56-6 ("Postsecondary Student Financial Assistance") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 16-56-6?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 16-56-6" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 16-56-6 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.