Roger Williams University
Roger Williams University is a private nonprofit university in Bristol, RI ranked #1718 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C, enrolling about 3,946 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 87.7%. Students most often pursue Construction Management and Accounting and Related Services.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, 81.1% first-year retention, and 68.7% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $37,999, about $21,001 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -64.6%, roughly 149.9 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $53,845. That's about $10,157 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Roger Williams University has an acceptance rate of 87.7%, annual tuition of $44,418, average net price of $37,999, and a national rank of #1718 (Grade C), with a 68.7% six-year graduation rate, about 3,946 undergraduates, and median earnings of $53,845 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Roger Williams University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Roger Williams University graduates 68.7% of students within six years and keeps 81.1% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Roger Williams University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $44,418 |
| Books and Supplies | $900 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $17,112 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,509 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $61,950 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 16.4% of Roger Williams University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $29,778 to $40,792 depending on family income. Use Roger Williams University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $37,318/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $40,792/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $53,845
- 10-Year Median Earnings $53,845
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 78.9%
- Employment Rate 20.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Roger Williams University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Roger Williams University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Roger Williams University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Roger Williams University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Roger Williams University graduates earn $53,845 median, the -64.6% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 580-660
- SAT Math 560-650
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 24-29
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 3,946
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 81.1%
- Graduation Rate 68.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1
How to Get Into Roger Williams University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Roger Williams University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 87.7%, Roger Williams University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 87.7% acceptance rate, Roger Williams University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1140 and 1310 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Roger Williams University undergraduates. Criminal Justice and Corrections, Architecture, and Marketing draw the most students.
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 10.7%
- Architecture 9.4%
- Marketing 7.6%
- Psychology, General 7.1%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 5.9%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 5.2%
See more majors
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.0%
- Construction Management 4.1%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Construction Management $102,001
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $94,185
- 3. Mechanical Engineering $86,890
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Finance and Financial Management Services $85,122
- 5. Civil Engineering $82,554
- 6. Marketing $77,106
- 7. Communication and Media Studies $71,861
- 8. Business Administration, Management and Operations $70,611
- 9. Graphic Communications $70,067
- 10. Criminal Justice and Corrections $69,796
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Law (First Professional Degree) $78,768
- 2. Architecture (Master's Degree) $78,721
- 3. Public Administration (Master's Degree) $64,783
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $63,527
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $55,305
- 6. Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degree) $54,635
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Construction Management grads earn $102,001—46% more than Criminal Justice and Corrections ($69,796). Graduate: Law programs lead with $78,768 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Roger Williams University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Architecture (Bachelor's Degree, 95 graduates)
- Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 77 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 72 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 60 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 53 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (61 programs)â–¼
- Architecture
- Marketing
- Psychology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Construction Management
- Biology, General
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Political Science and Government
- Design and Applied Arts
- Economics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Communication and Media Studies
- Security Science and Technology
- Public Health
- Accounting and Related Services
- History
- International Business
- Civil Engineering
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Computer Science
- Dance
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- English Language and Literature, General
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Applied Mathematics
- Journalism
- Computer Engineering
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Chemistry
- Social Sciences, General
- Engineering, General
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Architectural History and Criticism
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Music
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Area Studies
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- Graphic Communications
- Education, General
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
Online Master's Degrees (12 programs)â–¼
- Architecture
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Construction Management
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Psychology, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Architectural History and Criticism
- Special Education and Teaching
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (4 programs)â–¼
- Public Administration
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (3 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Public Administration
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 3,946
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 48.1%
- Female Students 51.9%
- Caucasian 69.6%
- Asian 2.0%
- Hispanic 11.6%
- Black 4.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 16.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Roger Williams University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Roger Williams University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Roger Williams University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Roger Williams University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 16.4% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Roger Williams University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Roger Williams University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Roger Williams University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -64.6% ROI. Ranked #1718 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $37,999 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $53,845 median earnings. With 68.7% graduating within six years and 81.1% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Roger Williams University's Positioning
With a C grade and #1718 ranking, Roger Williams University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $37,999 annually, Roger Williams University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 81.1% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $26,599 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -64.6% ROI and $53,845 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $27,999+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Roger Williams University ranks #1718 of 6101 institutions, with 1487 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 68.7% six-year graduation rate sits 6.2 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 81.1% first-year retention is 4.3 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -64.6% return on investment is 149.9 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $53,845 run about 23% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $37,999 is roughly $20,602 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 81.1% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 20.2% employment rate within three years sits 48.0 points below national outcomes.
- Average net price of $37,999 is about $20,602 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 16.4% trails the national share by 22.7 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Roger Williams University is a private nonprofit university based in Bristol, RI and earns a C overall grade. It stands at #1718 among 6101 schools Grades by category break down as Completion B+, Support B+, Career Outcomes C-, and Affordability C-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
81.1% of learners come back after year one while 68.7% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is -64.6%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $37,999 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $61,950.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $23,951 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 16.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $53,845 at the median. This is roughly 23% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 20.2%.
The ROI comes in near -64.6%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
87.7% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Roger Williams University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Roger Williams University's acceptance rate?
Roger Williams University's acceptance rate is 87.7%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Roger Williams University cost?
At Roger Williams University, listed tuition and fees are $44,418 per year, and the average net price after aid is $37,999. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Roger Williams University's ranking?
Roger Williams University ranks #1718 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Roger Williams University's graduation rate?
At Roger Williams University, the six-year graduation rate is 68.7%, and first-year retention is 81.1%.
What are Roger Williams University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Roger Williams University report median earnings of $53,845 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Roger Williams University's student population?
Roger Williams University enrolls about 3,946 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Bristol, RI 02809-2921
- Website www.rwu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNew England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Endowment$73.5M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate24.2%