About Rowan University
Rowan University has transformed from a small teachers' college into a full research university serving 14,647 students in suburban Glassboro. The school built its reputation on strong engineering programs and practical career preparation. Notable graduates include MLB superstar Mike Trout and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. With a 77% acceptance rate and average SAT scores around 1195, Rowan attracts solid students looking for accessible quality education.
The financial picture works in students' favor. After aid, families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,180 annually, while even higher-income families rarely pay more than $29,000. Graduates earn a median of $59,988 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $20,500 manageable with monthly payments around $217. The investment pays off with a 96.6% employment rate after graduation.
Nearly all students come from New Jersey (96%), creating a tight-knit community feel despite the large enrollment. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps classes reasonably sized for a public university. As Division III "Profs," athletics focus on participation over scholarships, with 490 student-athletes competing across 14 sports. The 68% six-year graduation rate reflects Rowan's commitment to helping working-class students finish their degrees.
The financial picture works in students' favor. After aid, families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,180 annually, while even higher-income families rarely pay more than $29,000. Graduates earn a median of $59,988 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $20,500 manageable with monthly payments around $217. The investment pays off with a 96.6% employment rate after graduation.
Nearly all students come from New Jersey (96%), creating a tight-knit community feel despite the large enrollment. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps classes reasonably sized for a public university. As Division III "Profs," athletics focus on participation over scholarships, with 490 student-athletes competing across 14 sports. The 68% six-year graduation rate reflects Rowan's commitment to helping working-class students finish their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Rowan started as a teachers' college but transformed into a full research university after a massive donation launched its acclaimed engineering program. The College of Engineering draws students from across the region with hands-on labs and industry partnerships. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, professors can provide meaningful mentorship in technical fields. The university's 68% four-year graduation rate reflects solid academic support systems. Beyond engineering, Rowan offers strong programs in business, health sciences, and education that benefit from the school's research focus. Students get access to undergraduate research opportunities typically found at larger universities. The semester system allows deep dives into coursework while maintaining manageable class loads.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 49.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 68.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 68.3%
- Retention Rate
- 81.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,988
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,742 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $71,015 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $67,899 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,486 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $63,005 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,516 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $60,358 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $58,823 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $58,673 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $58,402 |
Campus Life
Students call Glassboro home for four years, with housing capacity for 6,371 students serving a total enrollment of 14,647. The suburban campus sits about 20 miles southeast of Philadelphia, giving students access to a major city without urban chaos. New Jersey winters require heavy coats and snow boots, while spring and fall bring perfect weather for the large quad that anchors campus life.
Rowan built its reputation as an engineering powerhouse, though the full research university now offers programs across multiple colleges. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name. With 96.29% of students from New Jersey, campus feels like a statewide reunion where everyone knows someone from home. The Profs compete in NCAA Division III with 490 total athletes across 14 varsity sports, creating a tight-knit athletic community. Students often head to Philly on weekends or hang around campus for intramural games and events. The engineering labs buzz late into the night, while business and education majors gather in study groups across the library.
Rowan built its reputation as an engineering powerhouse, though the full research university now offers programs across multiple colleges. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name. With 96.29% of students from New Jersey, campus feels like a statewide reunion where everyone knows someone from home. The Profs compete in NCAA Division III with 490 total athletes across 14 varsity sports, creating a tight-knit athletic community. Students often head to Philly on weekends or hang around campus for intramural games and events. The engineering labs buzz late into the night, while business and education majors gather in study groups across the library.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 6,371 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1923
Campus Safety (2023)
193 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 47 | 43 | 0 | 3 |
| Stalking | 29 | 17 | 0 | 1 |
| Rape | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 5 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Fondling | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Arson | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–40°F
- July Avg
- 64°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 46.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Rowan draws heavily from New Jersey, with 96% of students calling the state home. This reflects the university's role as a regional powerhouse that serves local communities rather than chasing national prestige. The student body splits nearly evenly between men and women, unusual for engineering-focused schools but fitting for Rowan's full programs. About one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the university fulfills its public mission of educating working-class families. The diverse mix includes significant Hispanic and Black populations, making Rowan more inclusive than many suburban campuses.
- Men
- 51.7%
- Women
- 48.4%
- White
- 62.0%
- Black
- 11.1%
- Hispanic
- 14.2%
- Asian
- 6.0%
- In-State Students
- 96.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 31.3%
Location
Rowan University sits in Glassboro, New Jersey, about 20 miles southeast of Philadelphia. The campus serves as the anchor for this small South Jersey college town of roughly 20,000 residents. With 96.29% of students coming from in-state, most know they're getting a quality education without leaving New Jersey. The suburban setting offers a traditional college experience while keeping students connected to both Philadelphia's job market and the Jersey Shore. The university has transformed Glassboro from a quiet rural community into a bustling college town since its founding in 1923. Students considering colleges in New Jersey may also compare Rowan University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Glassboro, New Jersey 08028
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,988
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $61,303
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 66.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $217/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Rowan University?
Rowan accepts 76.94% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1195. The university draws heavily from New Jersey, with 96.29% of students coming from in-state.
How much does Rowan University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $22,185, though students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,180. With median debt of $20,500 and monthly loan payments of $217, Rowan keeps costs relatively manageable for a comprehensive research university.
What is Rowan University known for academically?
Rowan built its reputation on strong engineering programs and has grown into a comprehensive research university. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio among 14,647 students, the university balances research opportunities with accessible class sizes.
What are employment outcomes like for Rowan University graduates?
Graduates achieve a 96.6% employment rate with median earnings of $59,988 ten years after graduation. The 68.30% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's focus on career preparation and practical programs.
Where is Rowan University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Glassboro, New Jersey, a large suburban setting in South Jersey. With housing for 6,371 students and 490 student-athletes competing in 14 NCAA Division III sports, campus life centers around the close-knit community feel.
Does Rowan University have any famous alumni?
Notable graduates include MLB superstar Mike Trout and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. The university's nickname "Profs" reflects its academic heritage since its 1923 founding as a teacher's college.
