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    Roger Williams University

    Roger Williams University has verified and supplemented the information on this page.

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    Overview

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    From RWU

    Roger Williams is a comprehensive university with a coastal campus in Bristol, Rhode Island and an urban campus in the capital of Providence. We provide a real-world education focused on social and environmental justice that creates the changemakers and leaders the world needs. Our students have access to dynamic, hands-on learning and design powerful combinations of degrees and credentials, research, internships, and activities. With personal mentoring relationships with faculty and campuses that feel like family, our students dive deeper into solving global issues and taking on challenges. RWU gives students the tools and confidence to lead fulfilling careers and lives and make a positive impact in the world.

    Visit RWU
    Admission and Aid
    Academics

    Events & Resources

    In-Person Visit Experiences

    Information Session and Student-Led Tour: We offer weekday information sessions followed by campus tours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 2 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.. Weekend visits are also available on Saturdays (information session and campus tour) and Sunday (tour only). During popular vacation weeks, we offer expanded tours. Call 401-254-3500 or email [email protected] to request an alternative visit arrangement.

    Take a 360 Virtual Tour

    At RWU, location matters! Take a virtual tour of our beautiful waterfront campus and immerse yourself in the vibrant, diverse, and engaging environment from the comfort of your own home. Discover our academic buildings, student amenities, and iconic landmarks as you navigate through our virtual tour.

    Roger Williams University
    21 Suburb
    Suburban schools are a great option for students who want to take advantage of the amenities of the city while escaping the hustle and bustle. At a suburban school you’ll be within a stone’s throw of the city, but you will maintain a strong campus culture and remain grounded in your college’s community.

    Scholarships & Financial Aid

    Affordability Overview

    From RWU

    A Roger Williams University education can be more affordable than you think. We have been thoughtful and intentional about keeping our published costs low, while also increasing our investment in student financial aid. This includes awarding over $69 million in institutional grants and scholarships and by providing over 1,300 jobs on and off campus. Additionally, we provide peace of mind by guaranteeing that your awarded RWU financial aid (merit scholarships and grants) will not decline during your four years of full-time enrollment. We believe in working with families to plan for and feel confident about the entire investment in a degree versus just the first year of college.

    Our commitment is to work with you to develop a financial pathway to and through the university. At the end of the day we want to make sure that every family feels comfortable and confident in their higher education decision.

    Affordability Overview
    New Student Awards and Endowed Scholarships

    Scholarships Overview

    From RWU

    As part of our comprehensive financial aid packaging, Roger Williams University offers institutionally supported merit scholarships. All students are considered for merit-based scholarships, with no separate application required.

    Merit Scholarships

    Merit Scholarships offered at the time of admission recognize what students have accomplished in their learning prior to enrolling at Roger Williams. As part of our overall financial aid strategy, two recent changes were put in place (effective for new students beginning in fall 2019) to further enhance the value of your investment in an RWU education.

    Academic Excellence Award

    RWU students who achieve a minimum overall 3.6 GPA or higher at the end of the academic year will receive the Academic Excellence Award, providing an additional $1,000 towards the following year’s tuition. The Academic Excellence Award can be earned at the conclusion of each academic year in which a 3.6 GPA is earned.

    RWU Travel Grant

    Beyond tuition, room, and board, we know that many other factors impact the total cost of affording a college. For families from farther away, the purchase of flights to and from home over breaks will mean increased cost in choosing RWU. RWU is sensitive to the total cost of an education that families may face, including transportation, books, and other expenses. Therefore, to support our out-of-region enrolled students, we have created a special Travel Grant for students from states outside of New England, New York, and New Jersey. This $1500 grant is awarded to all qualified students in addition to merit scholarships awarded at time of admission (with the exception of full-tuition scholarship recipients). Students meeting the geographic criteria will automatically qualify for this award. *Effective for students enrolling beginning fall 2020

    RWU Visit Grant

    Roger Williams University proudly partners with NICHE select NICHE Admits could potentially be awarded a $1,500 annual scholarship. This scholarship is in addition to your Roger Williams awards in order to further reduce out-of-pocket expenses. This $1500 grant is awarded to qualified students in addition to merit scholarships awarded at time of admission (with the exception of full-tuition scholarship recipients). *Effective for students enrolling beginning fall 2025

    Show More

    $68,474

    Sticker Price
    Sticker Price

    $28,791

    Average Annual Aid
    Average Annual Aid

    $39,683

    Average Annual Cost
    Average Annual Cost

    Cost Breakdown

    Tuition & Fees
    $45,648
    Books & Supplies
    $1,600
    Room & Board
    $17,656
    Other
    $3,570

    Estimated Cost:

    $68,474

    NOTE: Roger Williams University charges different tuition rates at different schools within the university. Tuition rates for majors in the School of Engineering, Computing and Construction Management (SECCM) and School of Architecture are $47,568 and $51,000, respectively.

    It’s important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any changes in your financial situation, into account.

    College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Roger Williams would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.

    Roger Williams University Financial Aid

    To apply for financial aid at Roger Williams University, you’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).


    The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year. That means you can submit the form even if you or your parents haven’t filed last year’s taxes.


    The FAFSA code for Roger Williams University is 003410.


    If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out Scholarships360’s How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.

    Pell Grants at Roger Williams University

    19% of students at Roger Williams University receive Pell Grants.


    The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not be repaid. If you receive a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college you gain admission to. You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.

    Outside Scholarships

    Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package at Roger Williams. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from their college. To browse vetted, reliable outside scholarships, check out our popular lists:


    Admissions

    Admissions Overview

    From RWU

    We look for students from a variety of backgrounds, with diverse interests and involvements, who are excited about learning, and ready to discover their highest potential. We are here to support you through the admissions process.

    We care about the whole you. We look at each and every piece of information, accomplishments, and involvement – and always in the context of your personal, school, and local environment. RWU seeks students with a demonstrated capacity for academic achievement, participation in diverse activities, strength of character and a sense of social responsibility.

    RWU has been test-optional for 10+ years. This means that submission of standardized test scores is optional for admission, as well as for consideration for merit scholarship and the Honors Program.

    Admissions Overview
    Common Application

    91%

    Admission Rate

    Is Roger Williams test-optional?

    Roger Williams University is test-optional, which means that applicants are permitted, but not required, to submit their standardized test scores. If you choose not to submit your scores, admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurriculars, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you aren’t sure whether to submit your standardized test scores, Scholarships360’s guide on whether to submit your test scores to test-optional schools can help.

    What is the application deadline at Roger Williams?

    November
    15

    Early Action

    February
    1

    Regular Decision

    Academics

    Student/Faculty Ratio

    Student/Faculty Ratio 14:1

    Graduation Rate

    Graduation Rate 66%

    Popular Majors

    Percent of Students

    Business, Management, & Marketing

    21%

    21% of graduates

    Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting & Related Protective Services

    11%

    11% of graduates

    Legal Studies

    10%

    10% of graduates

    Biological & Biomedical Sciences

    8%

    8% of graduates

    Architecture

    7%

    7% of graduates

    Psychology

    6%

    6% of graduates

    Communications & Journalism

    5%

    5% of graduates

    Engineering

    5%

    5% of graduates

    Social Sciences

    5%

    5% of graduates

    Education

    5%

    5% of graduates

    Computer & Information Sciences

    4%

    4% of graduates

    Visual & Performing Arts

    3%

    3% of graduates

    Health Professions & Related Programs

    2%

    2% of graduates

    English Language & Literature

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Public Administration & Social Services

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Natural Resources & Conservation

    1%

    1% of graduates

    History

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Physical Sciences

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Liberal Arts & Humanities

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Show More

    Student Body

    Undergraduate Students

    Undergraduate Students 3,971

    Pell Grant 11%

    Undergrad Students Over 25 9%

    Part-Time Undergrad Students 7%

    Percent Male / Female 50% / 50%

    Ethnic Diversity at Roger Williams

    74% White

    10% Hispanic

    7% Unknown

    3% Black

    3% Multiracial

    2% Asian / Pacific Islander

    1% International / Non-Citizen

    Student Outcomes

    Student Outcomes Overview

    From RWU

    At RWU, your education is unique to the academic programs, student activities, life skills, and real-world experiences you combine to create your powerful combination that will land your dream job.

    100% of students have the opportunity to graduate with at least one major and minor.

    100% of classes are taught by professors and never teaching assistants, and 99% of classes have fewer than 40 students.

    100% of our students take part in internships, research programs, and hands-on specialty programs unique to each school.

    100% of General Education outcomes are connected to real-world skills

    96% of 2023 graduates got jobs or were admitted to graduate school within 6 months of graduation.

    Powerful Combinations

    Graduate Income

    Graduate Income $70,266

    Median Debt $26,940

    Debt 10 years after graduation $286

    Graduation Rate 66%

    What is the graduation rate at Roger Williams University?

    66% of students who start at Roger Williams University finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 8% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.

    How much do graduates of Roger Williams University go on to earn?

    The median income of students 10 years after starting at Roger Williams University is $70,266. This is $19,875 more than the national median.


    This data is from the College Scorecard, which only surveys students from Roger Williams University who received federal financial aid.


    Graduate earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Major and career path are two important factors in how much a student goes on to earn. For more information, check out Scholarships360’s article on the average starting salary out of college.

    How much do students at Roger Williams take out in loans?

    Graduates of Roger Williams take out a median of $26,940 in federal student loans. As you make decisions about your college loans, be sure to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Scholarships360’s guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.

    Data Sources

    We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.

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