About Roger Williams University
Roger Williams University sits on a stunning waterfront campus in Bristol, Rhode Island, where 3,957 students study overlooking Mount Hope Bay. The school has built a strong reputation for its architecture program and scenic setting in this large suburban community. Notable graduates include actor Joe Santos and former U.S. Representative David Cicilline. With a 91% acceptance rate, RWU welcomes most applicants who apply.
The sticker price of $42,666 for tuition might seem steep, but students typically pay much less after aid. The average net price drops to $38,123, though only 16% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting a wealthier student body. Graduates earn a median of $70,266 ten years after graduation, which helps justify the investment. Students graduate with a median debt of $26,940, leading to monthly loan payments around $286.
The small class sizes with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio create an intimate learning environment. About 85% of students come from out of state, giving the campus a national feel despite its New England location. The Hawks compete in 23 Division III sports with 525 total athletes. However, the 67% four-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish on time.
The sticker price of $42,666 for tuition might seem steep, but students typically pay much less after aid. The average net price drops to $38,123, though only 16% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting a wealthier student body. Graduates earn a median of $70,266 ten years after graduation, which helps justify the investment. Students graduate with a median debt of $26,940, leading to monthly loan payments around $286.
The small class sizes with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio create an intimate learning environment. About 85% of students come from out of state, giving the campus a national feel despite its New England location. The Hawks compete in 23 Division III sports with 525 total athletes. However, the 67% four-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish on time.
Academics & Faculty
Roger Williams University centers around its nationally recognized architecture program, drawing students to design studios overlooking Mount Hope Bay. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates close mentoring relationships crucial for studio-intensive majors like architecture and construction management. Students graduate at a 67% four-year rate, typical for a full university balancing liberal arts with professional programs. The school has built a reputation in business, criminal justice, and marine biology, taking advantage of its coastal Rhode Island setting. Faculty work directly with students on real projects, from waterfront development designs to environmental research in Narragansett Bay. This hands-on approach extends across disciplines, supported by small class sizes that encourage collaboration between professors and undergraduates.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 42.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 67.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 66.6%
- Retention Rate
- 78.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $70,266
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $68,618 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $64,493 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,749 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $62,154 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $53,219 |
| Architecture. | Master | $52,941 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $51,607 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,600 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $45,383 |
| Architecture. | Bachelor | $45,221 |
Campus Life
Roger Williams sits on 140 acres of waterfront property in Bristol, just 20 minutes from Providence and an hour from Boston. Students need heavy winter coats for New England's harsh winters, but spring and fall offer stunning views of Mount Hope Bay. About 75% of the 3,957 students live on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community.
The Hawks compete in 23 Division III sports with 525 total athletes, meaning roughly one in eight students plays a varsity sport. Weekend life centers around the waterfront campus, where students sail, kayak, or simply study with ocean views. The small-town setting of Bristol offers quaint cafes and historic charm, but students often venture to Providence for nightlife and internships. With a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, professors know students by name rather than ID number. The architecture program draws students who spend long nights in the design studios, while the business school attracts those eyeing careers in nearby Boston's financial district.
The Hawks compete in 23 Division III sports with 525 total athletes, meaning roughly one in eight students plays a varsity sport. Weekend life centers around the waterfront campus, where students sail, kayak, or simply study with ocean views. The small-town setting of Bristol offers quaint cafes and historic charm, but students often venture to Providence for nightlife and internships. With a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, professors know students by name rather than ID number. The architecture program draws students who spend long nights in the design studios, while the business school attracts those eyeing careers in nearby Boston's financial district.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 2,962 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1956
Campus Safety (2023)
28 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 23°–38°F
- July Avg
- 65°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 49.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 38.1"
Student Demographics
Roger Williams draws students primarily from beyond Rhode Island, with out-of-state enrollment reaching 85%. The student body reflects typical New England private school demographics, with moderate economic diversity as shown by the 16% Pell Grant rate. The nearly even gender split stems from the university's mix of liberal arts and professional programs, particularly its well-known architecture school. Students tend to be academically solid but not top, with SAT scores averaging 1195. The 525 student-athletes across 23 Division III sports create a campus culture that values both academics and athletic participation without the pressure of scholarship competition.
- Men
- 48.7%
- Women
- 51.3%
- White
- 71.9%
- Black
- 3.4%
- Hispanic
- 10.9%
- Asian
- 2.0%
- In-State Students
- 15.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.3%
Location
Roger Williams University sits in Bristol, Rhode Island, about 20 miles southeast of Providence. The campus overlooks Mount Hope Bay on the scenic Rhode Island coast. Bristol combines historic New England charm with waterfront access, giving students both small-town atmosphere and maritime culture. The area attracts visitors for its sailing opportunities and historic downtown. Rhode Island's compact size means Boston lies just 60 miles north, making weekend trips easily manageable. The 3,957 students enjoy a suburban setting that feels removed from urban pressures while remaining connected to regional opportunities. Students considering colleges in Rhode Island may also compare Roger Williams University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Bristol, Rhode Island 02809-2921
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $70,266
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $68,058
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $44,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 78.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,940
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Roger Williams University?
Roger Williams University accepts 91% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible. The school attracts students with an average SAT score of 1195, reflecting its focus on providing opportunities for a broad range of academic performers.
How much does Roger Williams University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $38,123 after aid, with total attendance costs reaching $60,256. The university offers institutional grants averaging $20,611 to 25% of students, though only 16% receive need-based federal aid.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Roger Williams University?
Roger Williams maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio across its 3,957 students. The university is particularly known for its architecture program and hands-on learning approach in a waterfront setting.
How much do Roger Williams University graduates earn?
Graduates earn a median salary of $70,266 ten years after graduation, with 96% finding employment. Students typically leave with $26,940 in debt and monthly loan payments of $286, reflecting the school's focus on career preparation.
Where is Roger Williams University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits on the waterfront in Bristol, Rhode Island, overlooking Mount Hope Bay. With housing for 2,962 students and 525 student-athletes competing in 23 Division III sports, the university creates a close-knit community atmosphere.
Does Roger Williams University have a strong graduation rate?
The university graduates 67% of students in four years and 67% in six years, with a 79% retention rate from freshman to sophomore year. Founded in 1956, the relatively young institution continues building its academic reputation through programs like its notable architecture school.
