Family Resources

A group of people are working on a group craft at one of RISD's families weekend events.

We’re here to help you and your student seek, obtain and make the best use of all resources available to help finance the costs of attending RISD. 

Making payments

Students can follow these steps to grant you third-party access to their RISD student account. This will enable you to make payments and view their account information, depending on the level of access they grant you. 

Visit our payment page for guidance on setting up your account, choosing your payment plan and making a payment. 

Learn how to make a payment

Submitting your FAFSA

Each year, domestic students are required to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for financial assistance from the US federal government. (This only applies to domestic applicants; you can review international financial aid opportunities here.)

If you are filling out the FAFSA on your student’s behalf, please list RISD’s federal code 003409 so that we also receive your information. Please note you cannot complete your FAFSA application prior to October 1 for the following academic year. As part of your FAFSA application, you may be required to submit one or more of the following verification forms:

If you are the parent of a dependent undergraduate student, you can also apply for a federal direct parent PLUS loan. These loans may be used to replace all or part of the calculated family contribution for students who have completed a FAFSA. They are not based on demonstrated need. Apply for the PLUS loan by July 15 before each academic year. If denied, please contact us for counsel. 

For details about all federal programs, view and download this 2025–26 federal student aid program summary from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

Start your 2025–26 FAFSA application

Tuition insurance

For students who suffer illnesses or accidents requiring them to leave RISD before the end of a semester, this can mean not only the loss of time invested in studies, but also the loss of the semester’s costs.

We have partnered with GradGuard Tuition Insurance to offer an optional tuition protection plan. This plan can protect up to 100% of your education investment if you can't complete an academic term due to an unforeseen covered accident, injury, chronic illness or mental health condition.

This coverage strengthens and broadens the scope of our existing refund policy by ensuring reimbursement for tuition and on-campus room and board if you withdraw for a covered medical reason at any time during the semester.

The application must be completed prior to the first day of classes. For more information or to view the policy coverage, please visit GradGuard, or contact 866 724-4384 or customerservice@gradguard.com. 

Enroll with GradGuard

1098-T tax form

A 1098-T is a US tax form that lists the amount of payments toward qualified tuition and related expenses (QTRE), as well as any scholarships and grants posted to your student account during the calendar year (January through December). This form is used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to help determine your eligibility for the American Opportunity Tax Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit educational tax credits.

We partner with Heartland ECSI to print and mail the 1098-T to domestic students who receive enrollment credit and have reportable GTRE transactions to file.

While we are unable to provide tax advice, you can find answers to common questions through our guide below.

1098-T information and FAQ

Contact us

If you’re looking for additional information or support, the Student Financial Services (SFS) team is here for you. Learn more about us and get in touch.

Contact SFS

Financial planning resources

Federal student aid

The US Federal Student Aid office offers information, resources and assistance for domestic students and families preparing to finance a college education.

FINAID

FinAid is a nonprofit that provides a variety of resources for locating and applying for financial aid opportunities.

Internal revenue service (IRS)

The IRS offers information about credits, deductions and other topics related to taxes and financing a college education.

Financial aid recipient rights and responsibilities

This document outlines your student rights and obligations related to financial aid while enrolled at RISD.

RISD net price calculator

This tool helps you estimate the total cost of attending RISD and provides a preliminary assessment of your financial aid eligibility. 

MyMoney.gov

MyMoney.gov is a comprehensive financial education resource administered by the Federal Financial Literacy and Education Commission.

Explore more student resources

A goupr of RISD students are working on laptops at a white table.
Billing and payment

Understand the costs and fees that RISD bills directly, learn how to make payments to a student account, and find out how financial aid is disbursed. 

An undergraduate class of RISD students observe a piñata style artwork.
Undergraduate financial aid

Find the estimated cost of attending RISD, financial resources for undergraduate students and how to apply for various types of financial aid. 

Students and guests gather at outdoor event with collection of national flags hanging overhead
International financial aid

Explore various scholarships and loans available to international students, as well as resources to help you plan financially for college.