Roger Williams University School of Law
About
Roger Williams University School of Law, located in Bristol, Rhode Island, is renowned for its commitment to experiential learning and public service. Established in 1993, the law school has quickly made a name for itself as a vibrant hub for legal education, emphasizing the importance of practical skills alongside rigorous academic training. The school’s mission is encapsulated in its motto, "Law in the Service of Others," which reflects its dedication to fostering a sense of social responsibility among its students. The curriculum integrates a strong focus on real-world legal practice through clinics, externships, and simulation courses, preparing graduates to excel in various legal environments.
The campus of Roger Williams University School of Law boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, a comprehensive law library, and dedicated spaces for collaborative work. The school’s location provides students with unique opportunities to engage with a diverse array of legal practitioners and organizations in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts, enhancing their networking and employment prospects. With a focus on developing well-rounded professionals, the faculty comprises accomplished scholars and practitioners who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom. The law school also fosters a supportive and inclusive community, offering various student organizations and activities that encourage involvement and leadership. The emphasis on public interest law and advocacy has contributed to a robust track record of graduates who are not only successful in their careers but are also committed to making a positive impact in their communities.
Trends in Graduate Tuition and Gender Ratio
The data from Roger Williams University School of Law reveals significant trends in graduate tuition and gender demographics over the years. Graduate tuition has shown a steady increase from 2017 to 2024, rising from approximately $18,061 to about $19,216. This upward trend in tuition could reflect broader national trends in higher education costs, which have been rising consistently. The increase in tuition may pose challenges for prospective students, particularly given the substantial financial investment required to attend law school.
In terms of student demographics, the gender ratio among graduate students has shifted noticeably. From 2013 to 2023, the percentage of male graduate students decreased from approximately 48.2% to around 41.7%, while female graduate students increased from 51.8% to about 58.3%. This change highlights a significant shift towards greater female representation in graduate legal education, aligning with national trends where women are increasingly pursuing advanced degrees.
The implications of these trends are multifaceted. The rising tuition costs could necessitate discussions around financial aid and scholarship opportunities to ensure that law school remains accessible to a diverse range of students. Meanwhile, the increasing proportion of female students reflects positive strides towards gender equity in the legal profession, which has historically been male-dominated. As these trends continue, they may influence the future landscape of law education and the legal field at large, shaping not only the student body but also the legal profession itself.
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
- Also known as
- RWU Law
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Ioannis Miaoulis (President)
- Phone
- 4012544500
- City
- Bristol, Rhode Island
- Address
- Ten Metacom Ave, Bristol, RI 02809-5171
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
Popular graduate programs
- Law · Doctoral170 (1% international)
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other · Master's2 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Roger Williams University School of Law
The graduation data from Roger Williams University School of Law presents a clear picture of the academic landscape for the academic year 2023. Notably, there are no graduates in the bachelor's program, which could indicate a strategic focus on higher-level degrees such as master's and doctoral programs. The presence of a single master's degree recipient suggests a niche appeal for this program, while the significant number of doctorate graduates highlights the university's strong emphasis on advanced legal education.
Interestingly, the doctorate program has produced 171 graduates, with a modest representation of international students at three. This indicates that the doctoral program is a major draw for domestic students, perhaps reflecting a robust academic environment or a strong reputation in legal scholarship. The lack of bachelor's and master's degree graduates from international backgrounds might suggest potential barriers for international students at this level, such as visa regulations or differing educational pathways.
Moreover, the absence of graduates in the legal professions and studies, other category, may point to a need for more diverse or specialized programs to attract a broader range of students. Given the current global emphasis on legal education and the growing importance of legal professionals in various sectors, the university could benefit from expanding its offerings to include more undergraduate and international options. Overall, the data reflects both strengths and opportunities for Roger Williams University School of Law as it continues to shape its academic programs in response to student needs and market demand.
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
| Major | Graduate Salary | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Law. | $63,199 | ||
| Legal Professions and Studies, Other. | - |
Students
484 students in 2025
- Graduate students 484
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Roger Williams University School of Law in 2023
In 2023, Roger Williams University School of Law hosts a diverse group of graduate students, totaling 552 individuals. The gender distribution reveals that 41.7% of these students are male, while 58.3% are female, highlighting a significant representation of women in legal education. This trend aligns with a broader movement in legal schools across the United States, where female enrollment has been steadily increasing.
The demographic breakdown indicates that the majority of graduate students identify as White, with 395 individuals, accounting for approximately 71.6% of the graduate population. This figure raises important conversations about diversity and inclusion in legal education, as the legal profession continues to strive for greater representation of various ethnic groups.
The presence of minority groups, while present, is less pronounced. This suggests a need for law schools to implement more robust outreach and support initiatives aimed at underrepresented communities, including students of color and international students. These efforts are critical for fostering a more equitable environment and enhancing the overall learning experience for all students.
As societal awareness of diversity and inclusion issues grows, law schools like Roger Williams have an opportunity to lead by example. By actively promoting a diverse student body, they can better prepare future legal professionals to serve an increasingly multicultural society. Overall, the data from 2023 reflects both progress and areas for continued improvement in achieving equity within legal education.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Roger Williams University School of Law
The age distribution among students at Roger Williams University School of Law reveals a significant trend towards older, graduate-level students. Most notably, the majority of students fall within the 22-29 age range, with 62 male graduate students and 118 female graduate students in the 22-24 and 25-29 categories, respectively. This indicates a strong inclination for law studies among younger adults, likely driven by recent undergraduate graduates seeking advanced degrees.
As we analyze further, the data illustrates a declining number of students in older age brackets, with only a modest representation in the 30-34 and 35-39 categories, comprising merely 20 male and 42 female students combined in the former, and 14 male and 11 female students in the latter. This trend could suggest that once individuals reach their 30s and 40s, they may either be less inclined to pursue a legal education or might be opting for part-time or online programs that cater to working professionals.
Interestingly, the representation of younger students aged 20-21 remains minimal, which may reflect the increasing trend of students delaying entry into law school until gaining more life and work experience. The total number of male and female students also highlights the gender disparity, with a much larger female population among graduate students, indicating a growing empowerment and participation of women in the legal field.
Overall, the data points to a maturing student body, with a clear inclination towards graduate education as students seek to enhance their qualifications in an increasingly competitive job market.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 25 private law schools in the U.S.
4 in 2025 · 0.3% in 2016
Data insights
International Student Representation at Roger Williams University School of Law
The data on international students at Roger Williams University School of Law reveals a fluctuating trend in the representation of this demographic, particularly within the graduate programs. From 2010 to 2023, the number of international students in graduate programs has shown slight variations, with a peak percentage of 1.90% in 2022. This trend reflects a broader context in higher education, where institutions are increasingly seeking to diversify their student bodies.
The consistent presence of international students, despite low absolute numbers, signifies the university's commitment to fostering a multicultural environment. However, it is worth noting that the percentages remain relatively low, especially when compared to other law schools across the United States, which often boast higher international student populations.
The decline in the total number of graduate students over the years, alongside the fluctuating number of international students, suggests possible challenges the university faces in attracting and retaining graduate students, particularly from abroad. This could be attributed to various factors, including changes in visa policies, economic conditions, and global events that affect international student mobility.
As legal education becomes more globalized, institutions like Roger Williams University School of Law may need to explore strategic initiatives to enhance their appeal to international students. This could involve improving support services, enhancing marketing efforts in key regions, and offering programs that align with the interests and needs of global legal markets. Ultimately, increasing the diversity of the student body can enrich the educational experience for all students and better prepare them for an increasingly interconnected world.
Cost
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$17.9M
Expenses$15.7M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 25 private law schools in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
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Brown UniversityProvidence · 14.1 mi
U.S. News #16
-
Wellesley CollegeWellesley · 44.3 mi
Liberal Arts #10
-
Boston CollegeChestnut Hill · 47.6 mi
U.S. News #31
-
Northeastern UniversityBoston · 48.4 mi
U.S. News #42
-
Boston UniversityBoston · 49.0 mi
U.S. News #34
-
College of the Holy CrossWorcester · 49.3 mi
Liberal Arts #22
-
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge · 49.7 mi
U.S. News #1
-
Harvard UniversityCambridge · 50.5 mi
U.S. News #3
-
Tufts UniversityMedford · 52.9 mi
U.S. News #31
Data insights
Here are some notable universities surrounding Roger Williams University School of Law:
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Brown University - Ranked 9th in the 2024 US News rankings, Brown University is an Ivy League institution located in Providence, Rhode Island. It is known for its flexible curriculum and strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching.
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Wellesley College - Ranked 4th, Wellesley College is a prestigious women's liberal arts college in Wellesley, Massachusetts. It is renowned for its rigorous academics and empowering environment for women.
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Boston College - With a rank of 39, Boston College is a private research university located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. It combines a strong liberal arts education with a commitment to Jesuit values.
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Ranked 2nd, MIT is a world-renowned research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, famous for its engineering and technology programs.
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Harvard University - Harvard is ranked 3rd and is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, it is known for its strong emphasis on research and a wide array of academic programs.
These institutions provide a rich educational environment in close proximity to Roger Williams University, contributing to a vibrant academic community.
Peer median 0.0 · all 25 private law schools in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at Roger Williams University School of Law
The crime statistics from Roger Williams University School of Law reflect a notable downward trend in criminal incidents over the years. In 2013, the average number of offenses per 1,000 students was 277.87, which has significantly decreased to 104.71 by 2023. This represents a reduction of approximately 62.3%, suggesting improved safety and possibly more effective crime prevention measures on campus.
When breaking down the types of offenses reported, incidents of gun arrests, drug-related arrests, and alcohol-related incidents appear to have fluctuated over the years. Notably, while gun arrests were recorded in 2013, there have been no reported incidents in subsequent years. This decline in gun-related offenses is promising, as it indicates a potentially safer environment for students.
Additionally, other offenses such as domestic violence and sexual assault have not shown consistent reporting, which raises questions about the reporting culture on campus and the support systems in place for victims. The overall reduction in crime rates is encouraging; however, continued vigilance and proactive measures must be maintained to ensure the safety of all students.
It is essential to recognize that while the figures present a positive trend, they also highlight the importance of ongoing efforts to address any underlying issues related to campus safety. The decline in crime rates, particularly severe offenses, is a testament to the university's commitment to providing a safe educational environment.
For further insight on crime rate calculations, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
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.