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Roger Williams University

  • B-
    Overall Grade
  • 4 Year
  • Bristol, RI
  • 921 reviews
    Apply NowVirtual Tour

    COVID-19 Update for Prospective Students and Families:

    Thank you for your patience and understanding as we prepare for a slow, phased reopening and what it means for both our community and those around us. RWU’s Office of Admission in keeping with the guidelines and recommendations of the state, has opened to limited on campus information sessions and tours. We will continue to provide a number of virtual options as well. Learn More

    B-
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?Data Sources
    1. Academics
      C+
    2. Value
      B+
    3. Diversity
      B+
    4. Campus
      A-
    5. Athletics
      C+
    6. Party Scene
      B
    7. Professors
      C+
    8. Location
      A-
    9. Dorms
      B
    10. Campus Food
      A+
    11. Student Life
      B
    12. Safety
      B
    View Full Report Card
    rwu.edu
    One Old Ferry Road
    Bristol, RI 02809
    Learn More
    About Roger Williams...
    Athletic Division
    NCAA Division III (without football)
    Athletic Conference
    Commonwealth Coast Conference
    From Roger Williams University

    Roger Williams University is an independent liberal arts university located in Bristol, Rhode Island. Our courses in both the liberal arts and professional fields of study will prepare you in the classroom for your career aspirations after graduation. Our specialties range from marine biology to architecture, and engineering to the arts, with most students combining programs to customize their degree. With more than 45 programs of undergraduate study, a 14:1 student to faculty ratio, our academic programs and personalized attention are at the heart of the RWU experience. At RWU, learning goes beyond just reading and taking notes. This is learning in action - experimenting and applying your skills in real-world settings and setting you up for success.

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    Roger Williams University Rankings

    Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.
    See All Roger Williams University Rankings

    Admissions

    Application Deadline
    —
    Acceptance Rate
    86%
    SAT Range
    —
    ACT Range
    —
    Application Fee
    $55
    SAT/ACT
    Neither required nor recommended
    High School GPA
    Required
    Accepts Common App
    Yes
    Read More About Admissions
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    Cost

    Net Price
    $37,138/ year
    National
    $15,523
    Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
    Average Total Aid Awarded
    $15,117/ year
    National
    $7,535
    Students Receiving Financial Aid
    100%
    Find Private Student Loans
    Explore Tuition & Cost Breakdown
    Find College Scholarships 

    Academics

    Professors
    C+
    Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
    Student Faculty Ratio
    14:1
    Evening Degree Programs
    Yes
    85%
    of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.54 responses
    56%
    of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.62 responses
    60%
    of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.62 responses
    Read More About Academics

    Majors

    Most Popular Majors
    • Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration
      107 Graduates
    • Paralegal
      97 Graduates
    • Marketing
      73 Graduates
    • Psychology
      70 Graduates
    • Architecture
      62 Graduates
    • Business
      58 Graduates
    • Communications
      57 Graduates
    • Financial Planning
      53 Graduates
    • Biology
      34 Graduates
    • Accounting
      33 Graduates
    See All Majors

    Online

    Online Programs Offered
    16
    Offers Online Courses
    Yes
    Online Certificate Programs
    2
    Online Associates Programs
    3
    Online Bachelor's Programs
    11
    Explore All Online Majors
    How Students Learn
    • Mix of Online and on Campus
      6%
    • On Campus
      88%
    • Online
      7%

    Students

    Full-Time Enrollment
    3,962Undergrads
    Part-Time Undergrads
    575
    Undergrads Over 25
    2%
    Pell Grant
    17%
    Varsity Athletes
    13%
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
    Based on 38 responses
    Report
    • All of the above
      29%
    • Upper middle class white kids
      26%
    • Rich White Underachiever
      24%
    • Involved and Dedicated
      13%
    • Milidly care about your learning. Depends on major
      3%
    • Not diverse
      3%
    • Relaxed
      3%
    Read More About the Students

    Campus Life

    Freshmen Live On-Campus
    97%
    Take a Virtual Tour
    Poll
    97%
    of students say they don't have Greek life.69 responses
    Poll
    68%
    of students say varsity sporting events are attended, but not a huge part of campus life.92 responses
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes your school?
    Based on 44 responses
    Report
    • Rich, white, underachievers, and ocean views
      30%
    • Beautiful
      27%
    • Beautiful and hard workers
      11%
    • I work hard academically
      11%
    • Adequate
      5%
    • Home away from home
      5%
    • Party hard now, study later maybe
      5%
    Read More About Campus Life

      After College

      Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
      $50,500/ year
      National
      $33,028
      Graduation Rate
      70%
      National
      49%
      Employed 2 Years After Graduation
      95%
      National
      83%
      91%
      of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.35 responses
      Read More About Life After Graduation

      Roger Williams University Reviews

      921 reviews
      All Categories
      If you want to experience high school 2.0, Roger is perfect for you. But if you are looking for a well-rounded college experience and to be surrounded by like-minded hard working students, I'd reconsider. The student body reeks of immaturity and privilege, and although the water front views are tough to beat, the campus feels extremely isolated with nothing to do. Night life is pretty nonexistent and you'll feel just how small the school is immediately. Most students fit the New Englander stereotype and there is no diversity. Can't lie about the dining hall food though, it is really good and I'll miss it. But I decided to transfer after my freshman year because I felt like I was taking steps backwards and Roger couldn't provide the resources and atmosphere I want out of my college experience.
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      So far, so good! Deposit made. Housing chosen. Off we go! Everyone we have had the pleasure in dealing with throughout this preliminary period, has been wonderful! Beautiful school...the counselors, professors, and students that have answered questions and done tours, etc., have been outstanding! The N/As below are only because she hasn't started yet, so can't rate at the moment.
      My experience at Roger Williams University has been very memorable. I just finished my sophomore year, going into my junior year abroad in Italy. I have met so many wonderful friends that I know will last a lifetime. I have also attended multiple events throughout campus, as well as sports games. I also really enjoy the law program here at Roger Williams University. I am extremely interested in attending law school after finishing my undergrad. Being apart of the "Legal Studies" program has been very beneficial. Especially with the help from wonderful professors.
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