The University of Rhode Island is requesting a $40.9 million increase in state funding for the upcoming fiscal year; currently the governor’s budget dedicates $4.5 million to the university.
URI’s recommended budget for 2026 in the “URI Education and General” category is over $805 million, according to the state’s higher education budget request.
When undergoing the budget allocation process, URI proposes a budget to the state, according to Abby Benson, the vice president for Administration and Finance at URI. From there, the state takes the proposal and compares it with other government agencies. Then, the state creates the governor’s recommended budget, usually released in January every year.
The Rhode Island General Assembly will vote and make their own adjustments to the recommended budget, according to Benson, with the final appropriation coming out in late June to July.
URI’s funding request aims to address the university’s operating budget shortfall, maintain current service levels and develop research and education goals, according to Benson.
URI is asking for $5.7 million for the operating budget deficit, $2 million for student advisors and $5 million for life sciences faculty, according to Benson. The university is also proposing a 3.6% tuition increase for students on average, according to an article in the Rhode Island Current.
URI is constantly reassessing its budget to handle most of the operational expenses and salaries, both of which tuition is used toward, according to Benson.
The state’s general appropriation is also an important part of URI’s budget, as it makes up more than 10%, according to Benson.
“It’s a critical portion of our budget that, combined with tuition and fees, gives us flexibility in allocating resources,” Benson said.
University officials are actively advocating for additional funding as the RI General Assembly reviews the state budget, according to Benson.
“We’re constantly evaluating our budget,” Benson said. “We have university reserves, and we’re looking at reallocating resources internally. Our new budget model is aimed at allocating revenue more closely to where activity is happening.”
Since URI relies “heavily” on federal funding for financial aid and research, the university created a leadership team for federal action to address potential funding disruptions, according to Benson.
“Ideally, we’d receive the full $40.9 million increase for our operating budget needs,” Benson said. “It’s crucial to maintain and increase financial aid funding to support student access.”
An increased budget would show the state is investing in URI’s economic development and workforce training, according to Benson.
“We believe an investment in URI is an investment in Rhode Island.” Benson said.
