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Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University

Bristol, RI · Suburb · 3,946 students
Website Common App Scorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$37,999
Average net priceYour net price
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
68%
Graduation rate
52% typical
$70,266
Earnings 10 years on
$51,562 typical
88%
Acceptance rate
81% typical · not scored
Accredited by New England Commission on Higher Education
About

Roger Williams University is a private institution in Bristol, Rhode Island, renowned for its strong focus on experiential learning and standout programs in architecture, marine biology, historic preservation, and engineering, alongside hosting the state's only law school. Set on a scenic 140-acre waterfront campus overlooking Mount Hope Bay, RWU offers undergraduates rare resources, including an on-campus shellfish hatchery and specialized marine research labs. The student experience combines a tight-knit coastal New England culture with a robust commitment to community-engaged learning, regularly pairing students with local organizations to solve real-world regional challenges.

Wikipedia:Roger Williams University (RWU) is a private university in Bristol, Rhode Island, United States. Founded in 1956, it was named for theologian and Rhode Island cofounder Roger Williams. The school enrolled approximately 4,400 undergraduate and graduate students and employs over 480 academic staff as of 2022.

Location
Bristol, RI, 02809-2921 · Suburb campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
PVD · Providence
10 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$44,418
Housing & food (on campus)$17,112
Books & supplies$900
Cost of attendance$71,730
Average net price$37,999
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$44,418
Housing & food (on campus)$17,112
Books & supplies$900
Cost of attendance$71,730
Average net price$37,999
Source: U.S. College Scorecard · published total: www.rwu.edu
How it’s made up
Tuition$47,928
Housing$9,964
Food$8,568
Books & supplies$1,000
Personal expenses$2,100
Transportation$1,600
Total published by the school$71,730
Source: www.rwu.edu
Net price by family income
$0–30k
$29,778
$30–48k
$30,087
$48–75k
$33,623
$75–110k
$37,318
$110k+
$40,792
Grants from the school
100% of first-years get a grant from the school, averaging $21,878
Source: College Navigator (U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS)
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
68%
Within 4 yrs
64%
Back for yr 2
81%
Transferred
26%
Pell students: 66.5% · others: 69.2% 
8 yrs after starting
70% graduated · 27% transferred · 4% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings
6 yrs after entry$53,845
10 yrs after entry$70,266
Debt
Median at graduation$26,940
Monthly payment$286
Middle 50% owe$7k–$27k
90th percentile$28,973
Green marks a figure above the typical Master's (medium programs): 52% graduate within 6 yrs, $51,562 earned 10 yrs after entry.
Admissions
Getting in
Admit rate
88%
Test policy
Test optional
SAT average
1223
R 580–660 · M 560–650
SAT middle 50%: 1140–1310
40080012001600
Admitted students
Admit rate: men 86.3% · women 89.0% 
Yield: 13.0% of admitted students enroll 

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Essay prompts

If Roger Williams University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the Common App.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 48%Women 52%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
10 : 1
Pell grant
16%
First-gen
20%
Family income
$103,564
Independent
8%
Age at entry
20.0
Part-time
9%
Where first-years come from
In state (RI)
19.7%
Out of state
78.0%
International
0.0%

Most out-of-state first-years from: MA 317 · CT 163 · NY 72 · NH 41 · NJ 35

Race & ethnicity
White
70%
Hispanic
12%
Black
4%
Asian
2%
Two or more
3%
Non-resident
1%
Unknown
8%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division III without football
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Cross Country
    Men's · Women's
  • Equestrian
    Women's
  • Field Hockey
    Women's
  • Golf
    Men's
  • Lacrosse
    Men's · Women's
  • Sailing
    Co-ed
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Swimming
    Men's · Women's
  • Tennis
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field (Outdoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
  • Wrestling
    Men's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs
After 6 yrs
$53,845
After 10 yrs
$70,266
Criminal Justice and Corrections98
Architectural Sciences and Technology83
Marketing78
Psychology, General60
Construction Management58
Business Administration, Management and Operations46
Finance and Financial Management Services44
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods36
Biology, General31
Mechanical Engineering27
Legal Professions and Studies, Other27
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology26
Design and Applied Arts20
Communication and Media Studies18
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management17
Accounting and Related Services17
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$77M
Full-time faculty
42%
Faculty salary
$13,293/mo
Teaching spend
$17,170
per student
Federal loans
56%
Classification
Carnegie type
Master's (medium programs)
Research activity
Research college or university
$4M research spending
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, inclusive admissions

Wondering if Roger Williams University is the right fit for you?

omhu builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search