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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Roger Williams University

Bristol, Rhode Island · www.rwu.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

87.7%

2025

Peer median 77.9%

Tuition per year

$45,197

$62,309 with room and board

Peer median $34,392

Undergraduates

4,038

Student-faculty ratio 10:1

Peer median 13 : 1

Graduation rate

58.6%

4-year; 6-year rate 66.4%

Peer median 44.6%

“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Roger Williams University, located in Bristol, Rhode Island, is a private institution renowned for its commitment to experiential learning and community engagement. Named after the founder of Rhode Island, Roger Williams, the university emphasizes the importance of civic responsibility and social justice. This ethos is reflected in its diverse academic programs, particularly in fields such as architecture, marine biology, and criminal justice. The university's strong focus on hands-on learning is evident through its robust internship programs and cooperative education opportunities, allowing students to gain practical experience while pursuing their degrees.

The campus itself is a picturesque blend of modern facilities and historic architecture, providing a stimulating environment for students. Notable facilities include the Global Heritage Hall, which houses a state-of-the-art library and collaborative spaces, and the Marine and Natural Sciences Building, which supports the university's prominent marine biology program. The university also fosters a vibrant student life, with numerous clubs, organizations, and athletic programs that encourage students to engage with each other and the surrounding community. With a strong emphasis on holistic development, Roger Williams University prepares its graduates for successful careers and active citizenship, making it a distinguished choice for higher education.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University has demonstrated notable trends in several important metrics over the past decade. One significant area of concern is the rising tuition costs. From 2014 to 2024, in-state undergraduate tuition increased drastically from $31,668 to $42,666, marking a staggering growth of approximately 34.7%. This escalation in tuition can strain students and families, potentially impacting enrollment decisions and overall accessibility to higher education.

In terms of student retention, the university has shown a commendable commitment to keeping students enrolled. The retention rate for undergraduates peaked at around 85% in 2020, although it has seen a slight decline to approximately 77% in 2023. This fluctuation may warrant further examination, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which influenced many students' educational journeys.

Graduation rates are another crucial factor, revealing a generally positive trend. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates saw a notable improvement from about 46.8% in 2013 to approximately 61.6% in 2023. This increase suggests that the university is effectively supporting students in completing their degrees within the expected timeframe, which is essential for maintaining a strong institutional reputation and student satisfaction.

Lastly, the gender ratio among undergraduate students has remained relatively balanced, with male students slightly outnumbering female students in recent years. The male-to-female ratio in 2023 stood at around 50.2% to 49.8%, reflecting a progressive shift towards gender equity in enrollment.

Overall, while Roger Williams University faces challenges with rising tuition and slight fluctuations in retention rates, the improvements in graduation rates and stable gender distribution showcase its strengths and commitment to enhancing the student experience.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a large city
Nearest major city
Providence, about 15 mi
Nearest international airport
Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD), about 10 mi
Bristol, Rhode Island
Also known as
RWU
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Ioannis Miaoulis (President)
Phone
4012531040
City
Bristol, Rhode Island
Address
One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809-2921

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 77.9% · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
86.3%
Women
89.0%

In 2020: men 81.8%, women 88.5%.

Data insights

Trends in Admission Rates at Roger Williams University

The admission data from Roger Williams University reflects notable trends over the past years, highlighting shifts in both male and female acceptance rates alongside fluctuating enrollment figures. From 2009 to 2023, male admission rates have seen significant variations, peaking in 2023 at approximately 89.36%, a sharp increase from about 56.72% in 2009. Female admission rates have also improved, rising from around 64.89% in 2009 to approximately 92.36% in 2023.
Interestingly, the number of enrolled students has not consistently mirrored the rising acceptance rates. For instance, enrollment peaked in 2011 with 1,013 students but has since varied, indicating that factors beyond acceptance rates—such as institutional reputation, financial aid availability, and student preferences—play crucial roles in shaping enrollment figures.
Moreover, the university's decision to defer a significant number of applicants—sometimes over 6,000—indicates a cautious approach to managing class size and maintaining academic standards. This practice can also reflect the institution's commitment to providing the best educational environment for enrolled students.
As higher education continues to evolve, influenced by societal demands and shifting student demographics, Roger Williams University's data suggests a strategic adaptation to these changes. The increasing acceptance rates, especially for female students, may point towards a broader commitment to diversity and inclusivity within the academic community, aligning with national trends emphasizing equal opportunities in higher education.

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Test Scores

2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 19% submitted SAT, 2% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted

SAT total1140–1310Peer median 1158
ACT composite24–29
SAT Reading
580–660
600700800
SAT Math
560–650
600700800
ACT composite
24–29
253036

Data insights

Analysis of SAT and ACT Scores at Roger Williams University

The data from Roger Williams University over the years reveals interesting trends in standardized test submissions and performance. Notably, there has been a significant commitment to standardized testing, with submission rates for the SAT hovering around 95% to 99% for most years. This indicates that a large majority of applicants feel prepared to showcase their academic capabilities through these tests.

Examining the score ranges, we see that the SAT reading and math scores for admitted students have generally remained stable, with the 25th percentile starting score consistently around the 490-500 mark and the 75th percentile rising from 570 to as high as 640 in recent years. This upward trend in the 75th percentile suggests that the university is becoming more selective, potentially reflecting an increase in overall applicant quality or a shift in the demographics of those applying.

However, the data for 2023 shows a stark decline in the number of SAT submissions—only 250 students submitted scores, a mere 24% of those admitted. This decrease may indicate a broader trend in higher education where students are opting not to submit standardized test scores, potentially influenced by the growing movement among colleges to adopt test-optional policies.

The ACT scores, though not as extensively covered, should be analyzed similarly, as they can provide additional context about the academic preparedness of the applicant pool. The consistent performance levels across years in both SAT and ACT formats showcase the university's ability to attract academically capable students, even as submission practices evolve.

In conclusion, while Roger Williams University demonstrates a strong academic profile through its admitted students' standardized test scores, the changing landscape of college admissions suggests a potential shift in how these metrics are valued in the future.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 9 in 10

8,029 applicants in 2025, 87.7% admitted

7,042 admitted 987 not admitted Yield 13.0%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate820 international (0.0%)
Bachelor's9187 international (0.8%)
Master's1702 international (1.2%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
90
Psychology, General
68
Construction Management, General
60
Engineering, General
57
Finance, General
54
Marketing/Marketing Management, General
53
Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology
51
Business Administration and Management, General
44
Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography
42
Legal Professions and Studies, Other
38

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology · Master's50 (0% international)
  • Business Administration and Management, General · Master's27 (0% international)
  • Special Education and Teaching, General · Master's23 (0% international)
  • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology, Other · Master's21 (5% international)
  • Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration · Master's18 (0% international)
  • Public Administration · Master's10 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Roger Williams University

The graduation data from Roger Williams University for 2023 reveals several interesting trends regarding the degrees conferred across various disciplines. Notably, the absence of international students in bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs indicates a potential area for growth in attracting a diverse student body. This lack of international representation may limit the global perspective within these programs, which is increasingly vital in today’s interconnected world.

In the business sector, the Marketing program stands out with 78 graduates at the bachelor's level. This reflects the ongoing demand for marketing professionals equipped with skills to navigate a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The absence of master's graduates in this field suggests that students may be prioritizing entry-level employment over further education, possibly due to job market pressures post-pandemic.

On the other hand, the Engineering and Architecture fields, although they have produced graduates, reflect a more traditional educational pathway without a visible international student presence. This could be indicative of the industry's local focus, which may benefit from broader recruitment strategies to enhance innovation and collaboration.

Moreover, the lack of graduates in various disciplines, particularly in criminal justice and education, raises questions about the university's offerings and whether they align with current employment trends. As industries evolve, educational institutions must adapt their curricula to prepare graduates for future job markets.

In conclusion, while Roger Williams University produces competent graduates in certain fields, the data highlights opportunities for improvement in attracting international students and diversifying program offerings to meet contemporary workforce needs.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Businesshas 271 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Business Administration and Management, General.$51,694-$64,601
Operations Management and Supervision.$51,694-$64,601
Organizational Leadership.$51,694-$64,601
Accounting.$72,515
Finance, General.$66,562
International Business/Trade/Commerce.-
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.$46,289
Construction Management, General.$77,613
Homeland security has 126 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.$52,981-$54,329
Criminal Justice/Police Science.$52,981-$54,329
Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism.$47,393
Forensic Science and Technology.$47,393
Legal professionshas 119 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Pre-Law Studies.-
Legal Assistant/Paralegal.$47,841-$55,603
Legal Professions and Studies, Other.$43,777
Architecture has 104 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Architectural History and Criticism, General.-
Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology.$61,695
Real Estate Development.-
Psychology has 89 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Psychology, General.$40,572
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology, Other.$63,262
Biologyhas 75 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.$43,229
Biochemistry.-
Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography.$32,186
Educationhas 75 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Special Education and Teaching, General.$52,693
Elementary Education and Teaching.$42,189
Secondary Education and Teaching.$42,189
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels.$42,189
English/Language Arts Teacher Education.$48,133
Mathematics Teacher Education.$48,133
History Teacher Education.$48,133
Engineeringhas 57 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Engineering, General.-
Social sciencehas 55 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Social Sciences, General.-
Economics, General.-
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics.-
Political Science and Government, General.$49,594
Sociology and Anthropology.$44,223
Communication has 31 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Communication and Media Studies, Other.$44,081
Journalism.-
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.$47,537
Visual and Performing artshas 31 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Dance, General.-
Graphic Design.$40,444
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.-
Art/Art Studies, General.-
Musicology and Ethnomusicology.-
Computer and information sciencehas 29 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Computer Science.$82,314
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.-
History has 18 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
History, General.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 17 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Historic Preservation and Conservation, General.-
International/Globalization Studies.-
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.-
Public administrationhas 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Public Administration.$74,854
English has 13 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
English Language and Literature, General.-
Creative Writing.-
Liberal arts has 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.-
Natural resources has 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Environmental Science.-
Health professionshas 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Public Health, General.$47,399
Agricultural has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Aquaculture.-
Physical scienceshas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Chemistry, General.-
Environmental Chemistry.-
Physics, General.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Mathematics, General.-
Applied Mathematics, General.-
Foreign languages has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Foreign Languages and Literatures, General.-
Engineering technologieshas 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician.-

Students

4,350 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 48:52 · Freshman retention 81.1%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (4,038)

White
2,788 · 69.0%
Hispanic
474 · 11.7%
Unknown
327 · 8.1%
Black
170 · 4.2%
Two or more races
113 · 2.8%
Asian
91 · 2.3%
International
61 · 1.5%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
2.5%
18–19
40.6%
20–21
40.0%
22–24
7.4%
25 and over
9.5%

Graduate students

Under 22
3.2%
22–24
61.5%
25–29
13.1%
30–34
5.8%
35 and over
16.3%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Roger Williams University in 2023

The demographic breakdown of students at Roger Williams University in 2023 reveals a diverse and balanced academic community. Among the undergraduate freshmen, there are 1,074 students, with a near-equal gender distribution—49.2% male and 50.8% female. This parity is encouraging as it indicates a welcoming environment for all genders, fostering inclusivity from the very start of students’ university experiences.

The undergraduate upperclassmen represent the largest segment, with 2,421 students, maintaining a 50% male and 50% female ratio, which further underscores the university's commitment to gender equality in education. In contrast, the transfer students show a slightly higher male representation at 51.3%, while the graduate student population of 294 displays a significant female majority at 61.9%. This shift in gender dynamics at the graduate level may reflect broader trends in higher education, where women increasingly pursue advanced degrees.

The racial and ethnic composition provides additional insights into the university's diversity. Among the freshmen, the majority are White, followed by smaller groups of Asian, Latina/o, and other minorities. While specific percentages for upperclassmen and graduate students were not provided, the consistent inclusion of various backgrounds is essential in creating a rich educational experience.

Overall, Roger Williams University is fostering an equitable and diverse academic environment, vital for preparing students to thrive in an increasingly globalized society. As the demographic landscape evolves, it will be interesting to see how the university adapts its strategies to support and enhance this diversity in the coming years.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Roger Williams University in 2023

The age distribution of students at Roger Williams University presents a vivid picture of the demographic diversity on campus. A significant portion of the student body, comprising around 65.2% of undergraduates, is in the 18-19 age bracket, which is indicative of a traditional college demographic. This aligns with national trends where many students transition directly from high school to university.

Interestingly, the 20-21 age group also shows a substantial representation, making up approximately 24.5% of total enrollment. This suggests that a large number of students are continuing their education without significant interruption. However, there is a noticeable drop in numbers as students age, particularly in the 22-24 and older categories, where the combined representation falls to about 17.2% for 22-24 and further declines for even older age groups.

The gender distribution among graduate students is relatively balanced, but with a noteworthy presence of female students, especially in the 22-24 age range. The younger demographic (under 24) could reflect the university's strong appeal to recent high school graduates, while the smaller numbers in older age brackets might indicate challenges for mature students, such as balancing education with work and family responsibilities.

Overall, while Roger Williams University exhibits a strong influx of young students, it could benefit from developing programs aimed at attracting and retaining older students, thus enriching the educational experience and fostering a more diverse academic community.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Undergraduates1.5%

61 in 2025 · 4.9% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 4.9%2017: 3.5%2018: 2.5%2019: 1.7%2020: 1.1%2021: 0.8%2022: 0.8%2023: 1.0%2024: 1.1%2025: 1.5%
2016Peer median 2.6%2025
Graduate students0.6%

2 in 2025 · 3.3% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 3.3%2017: 2.4%2018: 1.9%2019: 3.4%2020: 2.9%2021: 2.2%2022: 1.2%2023: 2.7%2024: 2.4%2025: 0.6%
2016Peer median 2.2%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Roger Williams University

The data on international student enrollment at Roger Williams University reveals significant fluctuations over the years, reflecting broader trends in global education and the impact of various external factors. From 2004 to 2023, the percentage of international undergraduate students increased from 1.65% to 1.00%, indicating a peak in 2015 with 5.01%. This trend suggests that while the university attracted a notable number of international students during certain years, it has faced challenges in maintaining these numbers in recent years.

The graduate student enrollment statistics portray a more stable but still concerning narrative. The percentage of international graduate students peaked at 7.12% in 2012 but has generally remained below 5% in the years following. Notably, the years 2020 and 2021 saw a dramatic drop in both undergraduate and graduate international student numbers, likely correlated with the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely disrupted global travel and education.

These trends highlight a critical area for the university's administration to address, especially in light of a growing global competition for international students. As universities worldwide adapt to new challenges and changes in student demographics, Roger Williams University must consider strategies to enhance its appeal to international students. This could include expanding support services, improving marketing efforts in key regions, and fostering a more inclusive campus environment. The fluctuations in enrollment figures underscore the importance of proactive engagement to ensure that the university continues to attract a diverse and vibrant student body.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$62,309

Undergraduate tuition
$45,197
Room and board
$17,112
Graduate tuition
$21,305
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Tuition rose 42% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 15%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$166M

Tuition and fees
$92.0M55.4%
Auxiliary enterprises
$48.0M28.9%
Gifts and private grants
$12.0M7.2%
Investment return
$6.4M3.9%
Government grants and contracts
$4.3M2.6%
Other
$3.3M2.0%

Expenses$159M

Instruction
$69.9M44.0%
Auxiliary enterprises
$33.7M21.2%
Student services
$21.0M13.2%
Institutional support
$20.3M12.8%
Academic support
$13.9M8.7%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

All faculty
$119,635peers $68,006
Professor
$136,397peers $78,041
Associate professor
$107,492peers $70,202
Assistant professor
$94,526peers $63,827
Lecturer
$80,897peers $59,832

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Commonwealth Coast Conference

Commonwealth Coast Conference: basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NCAA Division III without footballMENWOMEN
Track and Field (Outdoor)4532
Lacrosse4924
Soccer3427
Swimming2225
Baseball45-
Wrestling39-
Cross Country2018
Basketball1516
Tennis1712
Field Hockey-24
Softball-19
Equestrian-18
Volleyball-14
Golf11-
Sailing--
2024
NCAA Division III without footballMENWOMEN
Lacrosse4927
Track and Field (Outdoor)4827
Soccer3335
Baseball48-
Swimming2122
Cross Country2315
Wrestling32-
Basketball1615
Tennis1512
Field Hockey-24
Softball-22
Equestrian-17
Volleyball-14
Golf12-
Sailing--
2023
NCAA Division III without footballMENWOMEN
Lacrosse4625
Track and Field (Outdoor)4425
Soccer2733
Baseball47-
Swimming2322
Cross Country2614
Wrestling33-
Basketball1614
Field Hockey-28
Tennis1310
Softball-19
Volleyball-16
Equestrian-15
Golf8-
Sailing--

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near Roger Williams University:

  1. Brown University - Ranked 9th in the 2024 US News rankings, Brown University is an Ivy League institution located in Providence, Rhode Island. It is renowned for its flexible curriculum and commitment to undergraduate education.

  2. Wellesley College - This prestigious women's liberal arts college is ranked 4th in the nation. Wellesley College offers a rigorous academic environment and has a strong emphasis on empowering women leaders.

  3. Boston College - Ranked 39th, Boston College is a private Jesuit university located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. It is known for its strong liberal arts education and vibrant campus life.

  4. University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth - With a rank of 209, this public research university emphasizes experiential learning and offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  5. Northeastern University - Ranked 53rd, Northeastern University is known for its co-op program that integrates professional experience with academic study, offering students a unique path to career readiness.

These institutions offer diverse educational opportunities and contribute to a vibrant academic community in the region.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Liquor referrals
655
Burglary
13
Stalking
12
Fondling
10
Rape
4
Dating violence
3

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Crime Trends at Roger Williams University

The crime data from Roger Williams University over the past decade indicates a notable decline in the average crime rates per 1,000 students. In 2013, the average was a concerning 30.12 incidents per 1,000 students, but this figure has steadily decreased to 12.92 by 2023. This represents a significant drop of approximately 57% in the crime rate over the decade, reflecting positive trends in campus safety and student behavior.

A closer examination of the specific types of offenses reveals that incidents involving gun arrests have been consistently low, with zero reported occurrences from 2014 onwards. This is encouraging, especially in light of national conversations surrounding gun violence and its impact on college campuses. Similarly, drug-related arrests have also diminished, highlighting a potential cultural shift or improved preventive measures at the university.

However, the data also shows that while the overall crime rate has decreased, there are still concerns regarding domestic violence and sexual offenses. Although the numbers are not high, any incident of such nature is alarming and warrants ongoing attention and resources to ensure student safety.

In the context of nationwide trends, many universities are grappling with crime rates exacerbated by societal issues, including the effects of the pandemic. Roger Williams University seems to be navigating these challenges effectively, suggesting that their safety protocols and community engagement initiatives are making a difference.

Overall, while the downward trend in crime rates is commendable, continuous efforts must be made to foster a safe and supportive environment for all students. For more insights on calculating crime rates, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Methodology.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Roger Williams University include Shane McMahon (Businessman and professional wrestler, formerly of WWE), Jerry Remy (MLB second baseman and sports broadcaster) and Jason Mattera (Conservative writer, radio host and journalist).

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.