Rochester Institute of Technology
PA-7: Affordability and Access

The New York State Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) provides up to 10 semesters of financial support per student. The Rochester City Scholars (RCS) Program provides an unlimited number of academically qualified and financially eligible incoming freshmen with a tuition-gap scholarship for their time at RIT. RCS has a limited number of supplemental scholarships and funds that cover everything from books to housing and even study abroad. Additionally, the following programs provide high-need students with assistance in acquiring textbooks: RCS Textbook Scholarship Program, MCAS Textbook Lending Program, and the Collegiate Science and Technology Program (CSTEP).

RIT Diversity Theater presents interactive learning workshops using theater and theatrical techniques to engage participants in meaningful experiences within the context of diversity and inclusion education. Rochester Institute of Technology is one of 24 institutions nation-wide funded through the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) to conduct a 5-year project to increase diversity and inclusivity among undergraduate science majors, which includes developing a strategy for supporting their success. The project is intended to increase infrastructure, resources and expertise to strengthen inclusion in STEM education by embracing perspectives, strengths and insight from a multicultural base of faculty, staff and students in the natural sciences. Through the Multicultural Center for Academic Success (MCAS), the MCAS Advocates Program is intended to educate strategic partners on the issues and needs of underrepresented and low-income students.

The Multicultural Center for Academic Success (MCAS) is committed to maximizing the academic potential and holistic development of students by creating an inclusive, student-centered environment. There are numerous ways for any student to participate and engage with MCAS including personal advising, leadership development opportunities, cultural diversity education, and cultural programming. MCAS Summer Bridge Program is a 4-week intensive, fully residential program that provides incoming students with two credit-bearing courses, Academic Support workshops, an introduction to Research, and a chance to get acclimated to all things RIT. The cohort of students receives extended support and coaching throughout their first year, and is connected to their Summer Bridge group as well as the entire MCAS family and network of students. MCAS Pre-Orientation Program is designed for Rochester City Scholars who are unable to attend Summer Bridge, as well as students who aren’t accepted into Summer Bridge. The 3-day program introduces students to RIT, MCAS, and further connects them to the people and programs that will aid them in their success. The New York State Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) is sponsored jointly through a grant from New York State Education Department and RIT. HEOP is committed to the recruitment and academic success of students with strong academic potential and personal initiative who would otherwise be excluded from higher education due to academic and economic disadvantage. The program provides academic support, financial assistance, and advocacy for eligible students in an effort to maximize their success. Through the HEOP Summer Program, all incoming HEOP freshmen must successfully complete a 4-week pre-freshmen preparation program. Students live on campus while taking two 3-credit courses and one non-credit course in study skills. Students attend mandatory study hours in the evenings where they have access to a computer lab and tutors. In addition, students participate in cultural and social activities sponsored by RIT. HEOP counselors meet regularly with each student. Summer tuition, room, board, and other costs are provided at no charge to the student. Rochester City Scholars Program is designed for high achieving Rochester City students, who are selected based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and desire to make a difference in the RIT and surrounding community. In addition to funding, the students receive one-on-one coaching and preferred access to the offerings and pipelines of the Multicultural Center for Academic Success. RIT’s Upward Bound Classic program supports and challenges high school students in their efforts to apply and gain admission to college. The program is designed to help first-generation and/or low-income students who are enrolled in the Rochester City School District (RCSD) and other participating school districts.

The Rochester City Scholars (RCS) program is targeted towards graduates from approved RCSD schools. The Rochester City Scholars Program takes students whose family income is less than $66,000 and provides them with a full-tuition (tuition gap) scholarship. In addition to funding, the students receive one-on-one coaching and preferred access to the offerings and pipelines of the Multicultural Center for Academic Success. The New York State Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) provides up to 10 semesters of financial support per student.

Staff members from the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), in collaboration with admissions, visit high schools and participate in college recruitment fairs. HEOP staff also present to high school students who visit the university. Through the Rochester City Scholars (RCS) Program, outreach efforts include presentations at local churches, visits to high schools, and coverage of Admissions fairs and special events for RCSD schools. RIT’s Upward Bound Classic program supports and challenges high school students in their efforts to apply and gain admission to college. The program is designed to help first-generation and/or low-income students who are enrolled in the Rochester City School District (RCSD) and other participating school districts.

The Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) is an access program specifically geared towards low income New York State students. The program provides up to 10 semesters of financial support per student. The Rochester City Scholars (RCS) Program provides an unlimited number of academically qualified and financially eligible incoming freshmen with a tuition-gap scholarship for their time at RIT. RCS has a limited number of supplemental scholarships and funds that cover everything from books to housing and even study abroad. Additionally, the following programs provide high-need students with assistance in acquiring textbooks: RCS Textbook Scholarship Program, MCAS Textbook Lending Program, and the Collegiate Science and Technology Program (CSTEP).

Part-time students apply for financial aid programs in the same manner as traditional full-time students. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at RIT administers federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. RIT Part-time Studies Grants and Graduate Scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate students respectively.

Margaret's House Child Care Center at RIT strives to support families with young children in the RIT community so that students can study, faculty can teach, and staff can work, knowing that their children are learning and growing in a happy and safe environment.

RIT’s Professional Re-employment Education Program (PREP) is a grant-sponsored program that gives qualified individuals 60% of their tuition costs for up to one year. https://www.rit.edu/emcs/ptgrad/parttime_financial.php The Office of Part-Time and Graduate Enrollment offers Adult & Continuing education programs to support non-traditional students. Additionally, RIT provides a tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and eligible family members.