Major
Economics
Minor(s)
Business
Advisor
Devine, Theresa
Advisor Department
Economics
Date
4-2020
Keywords
Economics; Education; Public Policy; Government Subsidy; Rhode Island
Abstract
This paper examines the Rhode Island Promise scholarship initiative in its first two years. This program was created to help high school graduates obtain college degrees from the Community College of Rhode Island, so that they can be better qualified for jobs in the state’s evolving labor market. The paper first describes the structure of the Rhode Island Promise program and how it compares to other “free” college programs in the United States. Data on participation in Rhode Island Promise are then examined, including evidence on who has enrolled. Finally, the paper considers the potential effects of the Rhode Island Promise scholarship initiative on student enrollment at the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College. Enrollment data from before the start of the program in Fall 2017 through 2018-2019 are examined.