Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Bristol, Rhode Island |
| Online | rwu.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large Suburban |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Roger Williams University, named after the founder of Rhode Island, is a private liberal arts university situated on a suburban, waterfront campus in Bristol, Rhode Island. The institution was established in 1956 and offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with architecture, engineering, and marine biology among its more notable academic offerings. Roger Williams is characterized by a moderately selective admissions process, catering to a diverse study body that benefits from the University's commitment to personalized learning and small class sizes. The campus features a picturesque setting with several buildings reflecting modern and historic architectural styles and provides on-campus housing options for students. Its proximity to Providence allows for access to urban culture and resources while still retaining a peaceful, coastal college environment. Roger Williams does not have a particularly high profile in intercollegiate athletics and is therefore not distinguished by its sports teams.
In the most recent statistical year 8,121 prospective students applied, and 7,389 were granted admission. Of those admitted 1,074 enrolled in the school. 3,902 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 495 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $40,632 plus fees of $330. Roger Williams University is ranked 355 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Roger Williams University is rated within the top 39% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Roger Williams University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#355 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#261 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#6 in Best Colleges in Rhode Island
#6 in Best Private Colleges in Rhode Island
#576 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#7 in Best Value Colleges in Rhode Island
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1120/1270 |
| ACT | 25/31 |
| GPA | 3.43 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Feb 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $55 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $900 |
| Other Fees | $330 |
| Room and Board | $16,294 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,450 |
| Total One Year Cost | $61,606 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 23% |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting | 11% |
| Communication | 8% |
| Architecture | 7% |
| Psychology | 6% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Roger Williams University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=217518 IPEDS survey data for Roger Williams University.
Current students may use the Roger Williams University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024