Overview
Roger Williams University was founded in 1956 in Providence, Rhode Island, originally as a junior college affiliated with Northeastern University, before becoming an independent four-year institution and relocating to its present waterfront campus in Bristol in 1969. Named after the founder of Rhode Island and an early advocate of religious freedom and civic liberty, the university has grown into a comprehensive institution offering undergraduate, graduate, and law degrees. RWU is particularly well regarded for its School of Architecture, Art, and Historic Preservation, its Marine Biology program, and its standalone Roger Williams University School of Law, the only law school in Rhode Island.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Bristol, Rhode Island |
| Founded | 1956 |
| Total students | 4,700 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 13:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 83% |
| Graduation rate | 68% |
| Average starting salary | $55,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $46,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $46,000 |
| Room & board | $16,000 |
| Average financial aid | $25,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 90% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1080-1240 |
| ACT range | 22-28 |
| Average GPA | 3.40 |
| Regular deadline | February 1 |
Top Programs
- Architecture
- Marine Biology
- Law
- Engineering
- Criminal Justice
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.