East Bay Media May 28, 2026

To the editor:

This month, the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA) celebrates 45 years of service to Rhode Island students and families. As a non-profit organization established by the State of Rhode Island in 1981, our mission drives our work. At RISLA, we take pride in and celebrate our history of helping to make higher education more accessible to students and families in Rhode Island by providing free college planning services and offering best-in-class customer service on affordable, low-cost student loans.

Each year, our team at RISLA and the College Planning Center:
Originates over 3,400 low-interest student loans to RI students and families totaling approximately $68 million.

Counsels and responds to over 30,000 customer requests with a real-life Rhode Island neighbor who cares about your financial health and decision-making.

Conducts over 5,000 one-on-one college planning appointments and workshops at high schools and community centers throughout the state.

Assists students and parents throughout the college planning, application, and financial decision-making process through over 100 seminars and assists in the completion of over 2,000 financial aid forms.

As costs continue to rise and affordability is top of mind for Rhode Islanders, our staff at RISLA continues to innovate and respond to ensure higher education does not become out of reach. The One Big Beautiful Bill made dramatic changes to the federal student loan program, making it more difficult for parents to pay for college and graduate students to be trained in high-need healthcare occupations in RI. For that reason, this year, we committed over $4 million dollars to make our student loans more accessible to students and families, given the reductions and changes in the federal student loan program. To learn more about available new resources in the wake of the federal government borrowing changes, visit www.risla.com.

At the RISLA College Planning Center in Cranston, our counselors are pivoting to assist families in comparing financial aid award packages from different schools, helping them understand each student's long-term financial commitments before deciding where to attend. You can make an appointment for all of our free counseling services online or just walk in with your questions. One recent parent texted me after her appointment with her son over spring break, noting, “We are so happy with our experience…more people really need to use this service.”

Personally, as the new executive director at RISLA and a parent to middle school-aged girls, my goal is to make that happen.

Our commitment at RISLA has remained the same for the last 45 years, opening doors for RI students and families to a brighter future through higher education. Our caring and dedicated Rhode Island-based staff look forward to continuing to innovate and improve our services to better support students and families for many more years to come.

Cheers to 45 years!

Christine Barlow

Warwick, Rhode Island, April 2, 2026:

The Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA) today announced new expanded programs to increase educational access to help families in need of additional financing options due to reduced federal student loan monies brought on by the Trump Administration's One Big Beautiful Bill.

According to Christine Barlow, Executive Director of RISLA, the newly expanded access programs are specifically geared to students and families who traditionally may not qualify for non-federal loans but would have otherwise qualified for a Federal Parent PLUS Loan, which now has annual and aggregate loan limits, or a Graduate Plus Loan, which are no longer available to new borrowers with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, effective July 1, 2026.

“At the root of RISLA’s mission is providing families with responsible, affordable borrowing options to attain their higher education,” said Ms. Barlow. “Sadly, these significant changes to federal student lending will leave a large percentage of families with limited options to pay for their education. In light of that, our team at RISLA is increasing access to existing RISLA programs for undergraduate and graduate students to pay for their college education for the 2026-2027 school year.”

For students wondering if their borrowing will be impacted, highlights of the federal changes include:

For new Federal Parent Loan (PLUS) borrowers, the annual loan limit will be set at $20,000 per student, with an aggregate loan limit of $65,000. This means that even though $20,000 per year multiplied by four years exceeds the total cap, the $65,000 aggregate limit for PLUS borrowers remains in place. The average parent PLUS loan at Rhode Island colleges and universities exceeds the new $20,000 loan limit, and the average parent PLUS loan at RI schools last year was $26,195, according to data from studentaid.gov.

Barlow continued, “Approximately 4,300 Parents borrowed an average of over $26,000 at Rhode Island colleges and universities in 2024/25. With the new annual cap of $20,000 and an aggregate limit of $65,000 per student, many families are going to need additional sources of financial aid to cover tuition bills.”

The Graduate PLUS loan program will be eliminated for new borrowers, with current borrowers grandfathered in to complete their program of study. Over 1,000 Graduate PLUS loans were taken out by RI graduate students each year, and many exceeded the new maximum federal loan limits that will take effect on July 1. The law caps the annual graduate loan limits at $20,500 for graduate students and $50,000 for professional students. The aggregate limit is capped at $100,000 for graduate students and $200,000 for professional students.

In response to the elimination of the Graduate PLUS program and changes to the Parent PLUS loan programs, RISLA will expand its existing affordable loan program to help more Rhode Islanders cover the cost of attending school and importantly, RISLA has streamlined the application process with a goal of 80% of borrowers receiving full loan approval in 5 minutes or less.

Through its College Planning Center, RISLA is expanding its outreach to inform and assist families of these changes with webinars, information nights at Rhode Island High Schools, Open Houses, and virtual workshops.

“I commend RISLA and their continued efforts to quickly and adeptly respond to the needs of students and parents alike to provide additional and responsible financing options for families trying to pave a path that includes higher education for a successful future,” noted Senator Jack Reed. “I strongly believe that every student with the drive to attend college should have the opportunity to go, and availing students of important resources and options is critical.”

About RISLA

Since 1981, the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA) has been a dedicated partner in your educational journey. As a non-profit quasi-state organization, we proudly provide affordable education loans, free college admissions, financial aid support through the College Planning Center, and valuable financial literacy training in high schools and colleges.

The College Planning Center has been a free service provided by the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority since 1998. The CPC assists students with every step of their college journey—from walking students and parents through the college planning process to educating families on obtaining financial aid and providing tools that help families make informed and responsible college borrowing choices. Our services are free to Rhode Island students and parents who are preparing, planning, and paying for college.

Media Contact: Patti Doyle, 401-374-2553; patti.doyle@gmail.com.

RISLA honors Charles P. Kelley for his years of service.

RISLA | Warwick, Rhode Island | January 23, 2026

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RISLA Welcomes New Executive Director Christine Barlow.

RISLA | Warwick, Rhode Island | January 06, 2026

GOLOCAL - The Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA) Board of Directors has named Christine Rose Barlow, a federal executive and attorney with more than 20 years of experience in education finance, government operations, and regulatory compliance, as its new Executive Director.

A native of Rhode Island, Ms. Barlow has served for 29 years with the United States Department of Education, a federal agency with over 4,000 employees responsible for administering more than $50 billion in grant funding annually to states, school districts, institutions of higher education, and non-profit partners to support K-12 and postsecondary education. She most recently served as Assistant General Counsel, leading a division of 17 attorneys to provide legal counsel on education grants and financial programs.

The RISLA board is delighted to welcome Christine Barlow as our new executive director,” said Robert Delaney, Chairman of the RISLA Board of Directors. “She brings a strong track record of policy implementation and fiscal management in the higher education sector and is keenly adept at navigating federal and state lending programs. We are confident she possesses the necessary vision and leadership skills to guide RISLA into its next chapter. She will lead an experienced team with deep knowledge and expertise in student loan Finance and Administration.”

Barlow replaces Charles Kelley, who recently announced his retirement after 34 years of service with RISLA.

She is a 2003 Cum Laude graduate of American University Washington College of Law in Washington, DC, where she earned her Juris Doctor (JD). She received her B.A. in Political Science and Community and Public Service Studies from Providence College, graduating Magna Cum Laude, in 2000. She and her family reside in Warren, Rhode Island.

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Charles Kelley to Retire from RISLA.

RISLA | Warwick, Rhode Island | November 25, 2025

GOLOCAL - The Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA) Board of Directors announced on Tuesday that its longest-serving executive director, Charles Kelley, will retire effective January 2026. A national search will commence for his replacement.

According to Robert Delaney, Chairman of the RISLA Board of Directors, under Kelley’s three decades of leadership, RISLA has transformed into one of the country’s premier non-federal college lending institutions and a technology-driven, vertically integrated organization that has provided college planning and financial aid services to tens of thousands of high school students.

“Charlie’s impact on the student loan industry, not just in Rhode Island but across the country, is profound,” said Delaney. “He has worked tirelessly to expand the variety of programs and services available to students and their families at all income levels, and he has catapulted the College Planning Center into the State’s most effective college planning agency, helping students and their parents navigate the often-overwhelming task of paying for a college education. He will be profoundly missed, and we thank him for his service to Rhode Island.”

“It’s been the privilege of a lifetime to serve at the helm of RISLA for these past three decades,” said Kelley. “It would not have been possible without the highly dedicated staff that has helped make the dream of paying for a college education a reality for so many Rhode Island families, and beyond. Additionally, we have greatly benefited from the vision and steady leadership of the RISLA board, which, combined, leaves me with great confidence in the future of RISLA.”

“Charlie has dedicated his entire career to helping Rhode Islanders access and afford college. Countless students and families are better off today because of Charlie’s work,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed. “Charlie has been a steadfast partner in putting on my annual financial aid workshop and was the driving force in establishing the College Planning Center. From making assistance more accessible for students to creating a team at RISLA that goes above and beyond to support families on their higher education journey, Charlie’s work will continue to have a positive impact on Rhode Islanders for years to come. I wish him well in retirement.”

Kelley joined the Authority in April 1991 as Deputy Director and was shortly appointed Executive Director in 1993. He served on the Board of the Education Finance Council from 1996 to 2002, including a two-year term as Chairman. A graduate of Harvard University with a master’s in public administration with a concentration in public finance. He received his bachelor’s in accounting and business administration from the University of Rhode Island. He is a Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Financial Analyst.

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RISLA to RI Advantage Program that Offers Lower Refinancing Interest Rates.

RISLA | Warwick, Rhode Island | March 31, 2025

GOLOCAL - There is not much news about inflation and high interest rates, but Rhode Islanders in college can take advantage of a new break. 

The Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA), via its “RI Advantage” program, can now offer significant savings through a new, lower-interest-rate student loan refinance program.

For over 30 years, RISLA has issued tax-exempt bonds to fund low-cost education loans for Rhode Island residents and students attending school in Rhode Island. Year in and year out, these loans from RISLA have been among the lowest-interest-rate loans available in the country.

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RISLA to Offer Lower Refinancing Interest Rates Due to Successful Bond Issuance

RISLA | Warwick, Rhode Island | February 03, 2024

As a result of a recent successful $50 million tax-exempt bond issue, RISLA will offer the RI Advantage Refinancing Loan, which could dramatically reduce the interest rate for eligible borrowers refinancing higher-interest-rate education loans. 

According to Charles Kelley, Executive Director, while RISLA has been using tax-exempt bond financing to fund education loans for students since 1981, it wasn't until this year, when the tax code was clarified, that tax-exempt bond proceeds could be used to refinance existing education loans. "Using tax-exempt bond proceeds should significantly lower the interest rates for refinancing student loans by 1.25% to 1.75%. RISLA’s lowest interest rate is expected to be 3.99% APR. This means substantial savings for the average refinancing borrower and Rhode Island student." 

He continued, "For example, RISLA's most popular repayment term is 15 years, and the average amount refinanced for these borrowers is $58,000. A 1.5% interest rate reduction for these borrowers will yield savings of approximately $8,500, an incredible 24% reduction in their interest cost." 

In 2014, RISLA became the first non-profit in the country to offer student loan refinancing. Since then, RISLA has helped students and families refinance more than $445 million in education loans. 

Rhode Island General Treasurer James Diossa, a RISLA board member, praised the initiative. “This is a great opportunity for Rhode Island families carrying student loan debt to benefit from significant savings. I hope everyone who qualifies can take advantage of RISLA’s program.” 

Another key benefit of RISLA’s RI Advantage Refinancing Program is that it allows families to refinance their education loans even when the student is still in school—most other programs do not allow refinancing until the student is out of school. RISLA’s in-school refinancing helps students and families if interest rates decline or the borrower determines they took out a too-expensive loan. Even the federal PLUS loan for parents carries a fixed interest rate of 9.08%, and many large for-profit student lenders charge interest rates as high as 15%. 

To be eligible for the RISLA RI Advantage Refinancing Loan, the student must currently be a Rhode Island resident, or the loans they seek to refinance must have been taken out for attendance at a Rhode Island institution of higher education. Approval is subject to normal credit underwriting standards.  

RISLA’s bonds are not an obligation of the state of Rhode Island. RISLA will begin accepting applications starting Monday, February 1, 2025. 

RISLA College Planning Center Kicks off FAFSA Season with an Open House & Free Counseling Sessions

RISLA | Cranston, Rhode Island | DECEMBER 05, 2024

The Rhode Island Student Loan Association (RISLA) will officially kick off the FAFSA season with their College Planning Center hosting a FAFSA Open House event with free in-house counseling sessions in a brief ceremony with Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, General Treasurer James Diossa, and Congressman Gabe Amo on Monday, December 9th at 10:00 am at the College Planning Center, Chapel View, Cranston.  

According to Charles Kelley, Executive Director of RISLA, “the federal FAFSA, the essential tool to unlock financial aid for college-bound students and their families, was released by the US government on December 1st for the 2025/2026 academic year. RISLA and its College Planning Center staff will provide free in-person or phone assistance to increase completion rates in Rhode Island. Although last year's changes were problematic, families should not hesitate to submit their FAFSA this year.  Federal Student Aid has made both corrections and improvements to this year's form, and the College Planning Center team is here and ready to help!" 

WHAT: Open House to Kick-off FAFSA Season  

WHO: US Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, General Treasurer James Diossa, and Congressman Gabe Amo join Charles Kelley and Noel Simpson of RISLA     

WHEN: Monday, December 9th, at 10:00 a.m. Open House with free counseling sessions continuing until 3:30 p.m. 

WHERE: The College Planning Center at Chapel View, Cranston, RI 

Media Contact: Patti Doyle, 401-374-2553; patti.doyle@gmail.com 

RISLA Receives a Federal Grant to Promote FAFSA

RISLA | Warwick, Rhode Island | JUNE 24, 2024

The Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA) is one of 65 organizations nationwide to receive a grant from the ECMC Foundation, a nationwide charitable foundation that provides millions of dollars in educational scholarships, to educate about the importance of completing the FAFSA – the primary tool used to unlock financial aid for college.

According to Charles Kelley, executive director of RISLA, the authority received $250,000 to continue its education and outreach efforts to high school students and their parents to increase the completion rate of this important financial aid tool. “Due to complications with the federal rollout of the FAFSA, completion rates nationwide are low compared to previous years, and Rhode Island is no exception,” said Mr. Kelley. “This grant funding will help us reach even more students through a variety of channels to provide students with the necessary support to get to the FAFSA finish line to receive financial aid for college.”

According to the United States Department of Education, approximately 9.4% fewer student applications have been received this year compared to the same time last year. More than 10.8 million 2024–25 FAFSA forms have now been submitted, and they are consistently processed within one to three days of submission.

“I applaud RISLA’s continued efforts to streamline the FAFSA completion process for students and parents alike and embrace its role as a free resource to Rhode Island students planning for their future,” noted Senator Jack Reed. “I strongly believe that every student with the drive to attend college should have the opportunity to go, and availing students of important tools like the FAFSA is one simple yet profound way to ease the burden of college tuition.”

RISLA’s College Planning Center has created a summer-long schedule of free events and counseling sessions to assist students one-on-one, virtually, and in group settings. The complete calendar can be found at collegeplaningcenter.org.

About ECMC

ECMC Foundation is the charitable arm of ECMC Group, which has provided millions of dollars in educational scholarships nationwide for over ten years. Recently, the Foundation has become more strategic in its grantmaking, focusing on postsecondary education, particularly in College Success and Career Readiness.

About RISLA

Since 1981, RISLA has been providing affordable education solutions to students. We offer low-cost education loans and various other services to help students achieve their higher education goals. From start to finish, RISLA is with you every step of the way, guiding you through the college planning process, educating families about financial aid, and providing tools to help you make informed borrowing decisions.

College Planning Center

RISLA’s College Planning Center (CPC) is a free service dedicated to helping students gain access to higher education. Each year, the CPC allows thousands of students and families to plan for attending and paying for college. The Center is located at Chapel View, Cranston, Rhode Island.

The College Planning Center has a New Home at Chapel View.

RISLA COLLEGE PLANNING CENTER | CRANSTON, RI | JULY 17, 2023 | PATTI DOYLE

RISLA today opened its new College Planning Center located in Chapel View Lifestyle Center, Cranston, and in so doing, reestablished an important resource for students and their families planning for college.

RISLA officials were joined in the official ribbon-cutting ceremony by U.S. Senator Jack Reed, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Congressman Seth Magaziner, and other dignitaries. RISLA Board Chairman Robert Delaney provided welcome remarks, and Charles Kelley, CPA, CFA, RISLA Executive Director, served as Master of Ceremonies.

According to Mr. Kelley, RISLA’s College Planning Center (CPC) is a free service dedicated to helping students gain equal access to higher education. “Each year, the CPC helps thousands of students and families plan for attending and paying for college,” he noted. “We provide such essential services as hands-on assistance with applying for financial aid, help with resumes and college essays, and tips on completing the all-important FAFSA application, which unlocks federal aid.” 

 “I strongly believe that every student with the drive to attend college should have the opportunity to go,” said Senator Reed. “The CPC is an invaluable resource to help college-bound students and their families understand all available options. That’s also why we annually host a free College Financial Aid Workshop, which provides an overview of federal and state aid programs and explains ways to apply for them.”

Senator Reed wrote the law streamlining the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to ensure more students could complete the form and get financial aid, supporting further improvements to the application process. He also introduced the Pell Grant Preservation & Expansion Act to expand and permanently safeguard the Pell Grant program, helping millions of low-income students offset the rising costs of college.  

The CPC staff provides both in-person and virtual assistance. The College Planning Center, previously located in the Warwick Mall, is open year-round by appointment. Services are offered in English and Spanish.

 “The College Planning Center has long been an important resource for Rhode Islanders pursuing higher education,” said Senator Whitehouse.  “I’m pleased to celebrate this new location, which will help students plan for a smooth transition to college.  I am continuing the fight to make college more affordable and to reduce the student loan burden that holds back too many young people from achieving the goals higher education was supposed to bring within reach.”

Congressman Magaziner said, “Students and their families can oftentimes be overwhelmed when applying to and figuring out how to pay for college, so I applaud RISLA and its new, easily accessible College Planning Center with knowledgeable counselors who provide one-on-one assistance to help families understand all of their options from start to finish.”

Stacy Crooks, Director of the College Planning Center, concluded, “It is critically important for the RISLA College Planning Center to find new ways to make college planning easier and more accessible. Therefore, we have a full spectrum of products and services available online at collegeplanningcenter.org. However, they are not intended to replace any services offered at the College Planning Center, including free one-on-one FAFSA completion appointments.”

About RISLA

The College Planning Center has been a free service provided by the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority since 1998. The CPC assists students at every step of their college journey—from walking students and parents through the college planning process to educating families on obtaining financial aid, providing tools to help families make informed, responsible college borrowing choices, and assisting students in jumping-starting their careers. Our services are free to Rhode Island students and parents who are preparing, planning, and paying for college.

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New College Planning Tool to Assist High School Students and School Counselors

RISLA COLLEGE PLANNING CENTER | Warwick, RI | MARCH 14, 2023 | PATTI DOYLE

Today, the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA) unveiled an online tool designed to promote greater completion of the FAFSA, the first step in applying for financial aid and scholarships. This tool will serve as a valuable resource for high school counselors who help students prepare for college.

According to Charles Kelley, Executive Director of RISLA, its College Planning Center has created a financial aid portal for high school counselors to easily forward to their students and families to help guide them in college planning. “This new tool provides step-by-step assistance on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, popularly known as the FAFSA, lists scholarship opportunities, and is a convenient way to book a free counseling session with the financial aid professionals at the RISLA College Planning Center,” said Mr. Kelley. Additionally, the new tool offers a portal developed specifically for school counselors and may be accessed by counselors at the  FAFSA TOOLKIT FOR COUNSELORS

Stacy Crooks, Director of the College Planning Center, stressed, "It is critically important for the RISLA College Planning Center to find new ways to make FAFSA completion easier to understand for students and families. We are confident that these new tools on our website will do just that.” She continued, “Rhode Island has a good FAFSA completion rate compared to other states, but there is always room for improvement, particularly with students from disadvantaged and inner-city communities. These handy online tools should further increase our state’s FAFSA completion rate and provide additional options for students and families. However, they are not intended to replace any existing services offered at the College Planning Center, including free one-on-one FAFSA completion appointments, which are still available.”

Kelley noted that, according to NCAN, eligible students in Rhode Island left more than 8 million dollars in Pell Grants on the table during the 2020-2021 academic year simply because they did not complete the FAFSA. Submitting a FAFSA is all that a student needs to determine their eligibility for up to $7395 in Pell Grants for the upcoming academic year.

The new RISLA website tool debuted at this morning’s School Counselors’ Breakfast, where more than 100 counselors were in attendance to learn how they can help their students complete their FAFSA and prepare for college. General Treasurer James A. Diossa provided the keynote address.

“For more than 40 years, RISLA has been a community leader in easing the college planning process for Rhode Island students and their families,” said General Treasurer James A. Diossa. RISLA’s contributions are especially valuable in first-generation households and low-income communities where families may not always have access to the tools needed for educational success. I value RISLA’s results-driven efforts, which is exactly the kind of support that our future leaders need for the best chance at success.”

About RISLA’s College Planning Center

RISLA is a non-profit, quasi-state authority that has been providing affordable education solutions since 1981.

The College Planning Center assists students at every step of their college journey—from walking students and parents through the college planning process to educating families on how to obtain financial aid, providing tools to help families make informed, responsible borrowing choices for college, and assisting students in jumping-starting their careers. Our services are free to Rhode Island students and parents who are preparing, planning, and paying for college.

How RI Families Can Get Help Managing the Cost of College

RISLA COLLEGE PLANNING CENTER | Warwick, RI | January 09, 2023

GoLocal to discuss some of the strategies and resources RISLA College Planning Center offers to destress and close the college financing gap for college.

Scammer Targeting Students Seeking Loan Forgiveness

RISLA | Warwick, Rhode Island | OCTOBER 27, 2022

Noel Simpson from the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA) spoke with WPRI.com about scams and loan forgiveness programs. Learn tips to keep your information safe.

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary

RISLA | Warwick, Rhode Island | September 6, 2022

RISLA was proud to co-lead this event to recognize and celebrate the direct benefits that Pell Grants offer students who need financial assistance to pursue higher education.  A great highlight included the following statistic shared by Senator Reed’s office.

“Last year, 23,752 Rhode Island students received more than $96.9 million in Pell Grants, and nationwide over 6.35 million American students utilized $26.45 billion in Pell Grant funding to help pay for college.”

Navigating the College Financing Process

RISLA | Warwick, Rhode Island | JUNE 6, 2022

Join The Rhode Show and Chad Pastorius from RISLA to discuss navigating the college financing process and not borrowing more than you need.

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Find Out What RISLA is Saying About Student Loans & More!

GOLOCAL | RISLA | Warwick, Rhode Island | JUNE 7, 2022

Charles Kelley from RISLA joins the GOLOCAL team to offer advice about student lending and how RISLA can help students and families plan, prepare, and pay for college.

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