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Rhode Island Tax Credits for Contributions to Scholarship Organizations

Tax-credit scholarship. About $3,245 on average (2024).

85 private schools listed in Rhode Island

Income limitsHow to applyTuition calculator

How RI scholarship tax credit works

What you getAbout $3,245 on average (2024). Each scholarship organization sets the amount. The average is from EdChoice.
Who qualifiesRhode Island school-age students registered at a qualified school whose household income is no more than 250% of the federal poverty guidelines.
How full it is428 students in 2024, according to EdChoice. State law caps credits at $1.6 million a year, and only $298,750 was left for the July 2026 round, which went to a drawing.
When to applyApply to a qualified scholarship organization. The Division of Taxation lists them.
How the money movesThe scholarship organization awards the money. Ask it how the award is paid to the school.
What it coversTuition assistance to attend a qualified Rhode Island nonpublic school.
Federal tax credit, 2027Rhode Island was not on the IRS opt-in list for the federal scholarship tax credit as of September 14, 2026.

Worth knowing: One of the smallest programs in the country. Business donations are capped and oversubscribed.

We read this on from: Rhode Island Division of Taxation, scholarship organization credits; R.I. Gen. Laws 44-62-3, credit cap; EdChoice, Rhode Island tax credit scholarships; R.I. Gen. Laws 44-62-2, definitions (tuition assistance grants). Rules change when the legislature meets, so check the official program site before you count on a number.

Related programs

Is there an income limit for RI scholarship tax credit?

250% of the federal poverty guidelines, set in state law; uses the current HHS poverty guidelines. A student qualifies if household income is no more than 250% of the federal poverty guidelines published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The law states only the percentage, so no official dollar table exists. Household income is federal adjusted gross income plus nontaxable income such as Social Security, child support and cash public assistance, for the calendar year. Source.

How to apply for RI scholarship tax credit

  1. Check that your household income is no more than 250% of the federal poverty guidelines.
  2. Choose a nonpublic elementary or secondary school in Rhode Island and register your child there.
  3. Find out which qualified scholarship organization works with the school. The Division of Taxation publishes the list of qualified organizations each year.
  4. Apply for the scholarship as that organization directs. For example, the Children's Tuition Fund of Rhode Island tells parents to apply directly with the school.
  5. The organization reviews applications and awards tuition assistance grants only to eligible students.

Go to the official application

Steps and limits read on from: Rhode Island Division of Taxation, scholarship organization credits; R.I. Gen. Laws 44-62-2, eligible student and scholarship program; R.I. Gen. Laws 44-62-3, credit cap; R.I. Gen. Laws 44-62-7, lists and annual reports; Rhode Island Division of Taxation, qualified scholarship organization list (updated for 2025); Rhode Island Division of Taxation, Foundation for Rhode Island Day Schools 2025 scholarship report; Rhode Island Division of Taxation, ACSI (Children's Tuition Fund of RI) 2025 scholarship report; Rhode Island Division of Taxation, Star Scholars Opportunity Program 2025 scholarship report; Children's Tuition Fund, Rhode Island. Limits change each year with the federal poverty guidelines, so confirm on the official site before you apply.

Run your own numbers

What would you pay?

We could not confirm this year’s RI scholarship tax credit amount, so type in the figure from your award letter. An award can never be more than the school actually charges. This is arithmetic, not a quote.

Which schools take it

The Division of Taxation posts a PDF list of qualified scholarship organizations (updated for 2025), not a list of schools. Ask the school which organization it works with.

Browse private schools in Rhode Island The state’s own list

Get one email when applications open

Most programs open once a year, and several ran out of money or seats in 2026. Pick your state and we will email you the day the next window opens, with the official link. That is the only email you get.

One email per application window. No calls, no sharing your details.

Questions parents ask

How much does RI scholarship tax credit pay in Rhode Island?

About $3,245 on average (2024). Each scholarship organization sets the amount. The average is from EdChoice.

Who is eligible?

Rhode Island school-age students registered at a qualified school whose household income is no more than 250% of the federal poverty guidelines.

Does it cover the full cost of private school?

Not always. The award is a set amount and every school sets its own price. Ask each school for tuition plus fees, then subtract the award. The calculator on this page does the sum for you.

How do I know a school accepts RI scholarship tax credit?

The Division of Taxation posts a PDF list of qualified scholarship organizations (updated for 2025), not a list of schools. Ask the school which organization it works with.

When do I apply?

Apply to a qualified scholarship organization. The Division of Taxation lists them.

Is there a state application?

No. Families apply to a qualified scholarship organization, and the Division of Taxation publishes the list of qualified organizations. The 2025 list names seven: ACCESS, Children's Tuition Fund of Rhode Island, F.A.C.E. of Rhode Island, STEPS, Star Scholars Opportunity Program, Teach Initiative and The Foundation for Rhode Island Day Schools.

Which schools can I use it at?

A nonpublic elementary or secondary school located in Rhode Island that meets state requirements for nonpublic schools, and that the scholarship organization represents. An organization may not limit its awards to students of only one school.

Does it cover pre-K?

No. The law covers school-age students, starting at the earliest admission age for a school's kindergarten and running through high school graduation or age 21.

How much is a scholarship?

Each organization sets its own amounts and reports them to the Division of Taxation every year. For example, The Foundation for Rhode Island Day Schools reported 37 scholarships of $16,324.32 each in 2025.

Why might an eligible family not get a scholarship?

The money comes from business donations, and state law caps the tax credits at $1.6 million a year, given out first come, first served. Each organization can fund only as many students as its donations allow.

Other states

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