Smart investment

Applying to RWU

RWU seeks students who come to us from a variety of backgrounds, with diverse interests and involvements, are excited about learning, and ready to discover their highest potential. We are here to support you every step of the way from the very beginning of the admission process, during your time as a student, and throughout your life and career as an alumnus.

We’re test-optional

RWU has been test-optional for the past 10 years. This has been a tried-and-true policy for a very long time for us. This means that submission of standardized test scores is optional for admission, as well as for consideration for merit scholarships and the Honors Program.

We do a holistic review of every application

We look at each and every piece of information, accomplishment, and involvement - and always in the context of your personal, school, and local environment. The University seeks students with a demonstrated capacity for academic achievement, who also possess intellectual curiosity, strength of character and a sense of social responsibility.

APPLY USING THE COMMON APPLICATION

We encourage you to explore the site (if you haven’t already) to see how easy and streamlined the process is. www.commonapp.org OR you.rwu.edu/apply

APPLICATION DEADLINES (FALL)

Early Action (EA): November 15 Regular Decision (RD): February 1

Notification

EA decisions are mailed approximately 4-6 weeks after the deadline, in mid-December. For RD applicants, decisions are communicated on a continuous (rolling) basis.

International Students

International students - only for whom English is not the primary language or primary language of instruction - are encouraged to submit official English language test scores to receive consideration for the best admission pathway for their level of English proficiency: direct admission, the RWU ESL Bridge Program, or our conditional admission option. As we recognize a wide number of tests from around the world, please check our website to see the approved list.

Special Admission Requirements

Certain academic programs require additional materials in the admission review process: Architecture (portfolio) and Dance/Performance Studies (audition). For a full list of these requirements, please visit:

you.rwu.edu/requirements.

The University Honors Program

Academically talented incoming first-year students may apply to the University Honors Program through the Common Application or online at honors.rwu.edu.

Students interested in Honors are highly encouraged to apply under our EA application deadline to receive full consideration.

Learn more about our student consumer information:

The average GPA of admitted students is 3.4/4.0 (about a B+/A-), and the middle 50% had GPAs ranging between 3.0 and 3.7.

Please know that we review your performance in the context of your curriculum rigor and your environment.

Investing in you

A Roger Williams University education can be more affordable than you think. In recent years, we’ve doubled our investment in merit scholarships and need-based financial aid. In addition, we continually update and upgrade our facilities and technology, imagine and infuse innovations in the curriculum, and expand our experiential learning opportunities. The balance of being innovative and investing in the right places allows us to keep student costs as low as possible while providing incredible value for your investment.

We are committed to working with you to develop a financial pathway to and through the university. We want to make sure that every family feels comfortable and confident in their higher education decision academically, financially, and socially.

Want a sense of cost and affordability before applying for admission? Complete our financial aid calculator to get an estimate of your financial aid eligibility and net price.

2021-2022 RWU NEW STUDENT RATES

FULL-TIME TUITION & FEES STANDARD RATE

COMPREHENSIVE TUITION $39,264 STUDENT ACTIVITY FEE $330

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

$40,896 $330

RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS

ROOM (STANDARD DOUBLE) $9,048 BOARD (STANDARD MEAL PLAN) $6,964

$9,048 $6,964

ROOM AND BOARD SUBTOTAL $16,012 $16,012

TOTAL DIRECT COST

$55,606 $57,238

ARCHITECTURE

$43,872 $330

$9,048 $6,964

$16,012

$60,214 you.rwu.edu/calculator

MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

Roger Williams University offers institutionally-supported merit scholarships. Scholarships are based on many factors, both academic and extracurricular. Strong high school grades, a rigorous curriculum, and a long-term commitment to an activity like a part-time job, sport, club, etc. are all taken into consideration. All applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships (these ranged from $10,000 to $24,000 annually for 2021 enrollment). Additional specialized scholarships are available and do require a separate application. RWU.EDU/GO/SCHOLARSHIPS

FINANCIAL AID

(For qualifying U.S. citizens and permanent residents)

RWU has increased its institutional financial aid budget by 52% over the last five years. 98% of students who enrolled this past fall were awarded RWU scholarships or need-based aid.

APPLYING FOR AID

FAFSA Priority Deadline for all applicants: February 1 fafsa.ed.gov RWU FAFSA Code: 003410

Returning RWU students who earn a 3.6 GPA or higher are awarded the Academic Excellence Grant. This is a $1,000 award applied to each year of qualifying performance that can result in up to $6,000 in additional grant aid during a four-year program. Qualifying students may apply for our Intercultural Leadership Ambassador Program and Scholarship (ILAPS) which covers 95% of tuition.