The Community College of Rhode Island announced on April 1 that it has earned the 2026-2027 Military Friendly Schools designation, receiving recognition as a Silver School.
This designation is given to institutions that demonstrate strong support for military-connected students. The evaluation process used both public data and responses from a proprietary survey, with more than 3,200 organizations participating in the assessment. Methodology and criteria were determined by Military Friendly in consultation with its advisory council.
At CCRI, the Veteran Services Office assists student veterans with admissions, benefit applications, academic advising, and counseling. The college also supports a Student Veterans Organization that brings together student veterans through social events and fundraising efforts. “Supporting our veterans and active military students means ensuring they have clear pathways from service to education and into strong, family-sustaining careers,” said Rosemary A. Costigan, Ph.D., RN, president of CCRI. “We are proud to provide the programs and community to ensure they feel supported, valued, and equipped to succeed every step of the way.”
Kayla Lopez, Vice President of Memberships at Military Friendly said: “Earning the Military Friendly designation is more than a badge of honor; it is a reflection of an institution’s deep-rooted values and strategic commitment to those who served. These schools don’t just open doors for veterans and military spouses, they build sustainable pathways for academic success and long-term impact. Their support is transformative, proving that investing in military-connected students is both a moral imperative and a standard for educational excellence.”
CCRI will be featured in the upcoming Guide to Military Friendly Schools published by G.I. Jobs magazine as well as on MilitaryFriendly.com.
Rosemary A. Costigan became the first alumna to serve as president of CCRI according to the official website. The college maintains campuses in Warwick, Lincoln, Providence and Newport along with education centers in Westerly and Woonsocket according to its official website. CCRI offers more than 200 degree and certificate programs according to its official website.
The college supports community development through initiatives such as free tuition for recent high school graduates under the Rhode Island Promise program according to its official website. Agreements with over 120 universities help facilitate transfers for students seeking further education according to its official website.
According to its official site the Community College of Rhode Island aims to deliver accessible higher education opportunities while supporting career training throughout Rhode Island.
