Yeah, University of Rhode Island does provide scholarships based on merit. Here are some of them:

Centennial Scholarship
Total Worth: $1,000-$13,014
Eligibility: $1,000-$13,014
Minimum Criteria: based upon academic achievement and standardized test scores
Requirement for maintenance: minimum 3.0 GPA each semester and continuous full-time enrollment
Application deadline: December 15

University of Rhode Island provides aids at an average of 17526 per student meeting 65% of students need. 98% of students with need receive financial aid at an average of 10304 need-based grant. They also provide other scholarships including Gregory & Anna Demetrakas Scholarship and A. Ralph Thompson Award in Chemical Engineering.