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Roger Williams University

#765 in US ranking Bristol, RI
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Programs:
4 years or more

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Cost

Cost / year
$66,939
Tuition & fees
$45,978
Avg. aid
$23,522
Receiving aid
100%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
88%
SAT range
1140–1310
ACT range
24–29

Outcomes

Graduation rate
69%
Median salary
$50,178
1 yr after graduation

What is the accreditation of Roger Williams University?

Roger Williams University is institutionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, or NECHE. Institutional accreditation evaluates the university as a whole; it is different from accreditation or approval of an individual degree program.

Program-level recognition matters particularly in fields with professional standards. The university's law school is approved by the American Bar Association, and its professional offerings include programs for which applicants should check the applicable architecture, engineering, or other specialized accreditation status by degree. Institutional accreditation is relevant to federal financial-aid eligibility and often to how other colleges review transfer credit, but it does not require another institution to accept a course. Likewise, completing a program does not by itself establish eligibility for every state's professional license.

What are the admission requirements at Roger Williams University?

First-year applicants to Roger Williams University generally submit an undergraduate application, a secondary-school transcript, and a recommendation. The university reviews the academic record, including grades and college-preparatory coursework; it does not operate as an open-admission institution.

Standardized testing has been treated as optional in admissions reporting: SAT or ACT scores may be considered but are not required for every applicant. Among enrolled first-time students in the reported cohort, 18% submitted SAT scores and 1% submitted ACT scores. An applicant should follow the current instructions for the chosen entry term and program rather than assume an optional test score will compensate for a missing required transcript or credential.

Applicants educated in another language may need to document English proficiency under the university's current international-admission policy. Requirements can also differ for transfer, graduate, law, and specialized-program applicants. In the reported first-year admissions cycle, 7,042 of 8,029 applicants were admitted - about 88%. That figure describes a past applicant pool, not an individual applicant's likelihood of admission.

What are the application fees and waivers at Roger Williams University?

The reported undergraduate application fee for Roger Williams University is $55. Applicants should check the amount displayed in their application before paying, because fees and submission options can change by admission cycle or applicant category.

Students who qualify for an application-fee waiver should use the waiver request available through the application process or ask undergraduate admissions how to document eligibility before submitting payment. A fee waiver reduces the cost of applying; it is not the same as an enrollment deposit or an award of financial aid. Graduate and law applicants should consult their own program's application instructions rather than assume the undergraduate fee applies.

What types of ROTC programs are available at Roger Williams University?

Army ROTC is an available option associated with Roger Williams University, with on-campus participation identified in institutional reporting. Students interested in commissioning should confirm the current training schedule, host-unit arrangements, and course registration process with the university's ROTC contact.

ROTC participation and an ROTC scholarship are separate matters: scholarships have their own eligibility and selection rules, while commissioning generally brings a military service commitment. Applicants should obtain the branch's current terms before making an enrollment decision. Air Force and Navy ROTC participation should not be assumed from the availability of Army ROTC; any proposed cross-enrollment arrangement needs confirmation with the relevant host unit.

What are the requirements for transfer students at Roger Williams University?

Roger Williams University accepts transfer applications for fall and spring entry and generally considers coursework from other accredited colleges. Admission as a transfer student and acceptance of particular courses toward a degree are separate decisions.

Transfer applicants should expect to provide official transcripts from each college attended, along with any secondary-school records required under the current policy. Academic standing, completed credits, and the intended major can affect the review. The university reports accepting several other forms of evaluated learning, including CLEP, DSST/DANTES, and credit carrying applicable American Council on Education recommendations; eligibility and the way credits apply still require an individual evaluation.

Before enrolling, ask for a written transfer-credit assessment showing which courses satisfy major, general-education, and elective requirements. That distinction matters most in sequential programs such as engineering or architecture, where a course may transfer as credit without replacing a required studio or prerequisite. Transfer applicants should also verify the minimum number of credits they must complete at Roger Williams University and any program-specific entry requirements.

What types of study abroad programs are available at Roger Williams University?

Roger Williams University offers opportunities to study abroad, including university-connected programming in Florence, Italy, and other international options. Availability, destinations, and the academic calendar vary by program.

Students may encounter semester-length, shorter-term, faculty-led, or approved partner programs. Before committing, they should obtain academic approval for courses abroad and compare the program budget with their ordinary Bristol-campus expenses. Financial aid can sometimes be used for an approved program, but the treatment of institutional scholarships, outside-provider charges, housing, and airfare depends on the arrangement. Architecture and other tightly sequenced majors should plan especially early to avoid delaying required courses.

Roger Williams University Admissions Factors

SAT range
1140–1310
4001600
ACT range
24–29
136
Acceptance rate
88%

Acceptance rate vs. median

This school
88%
Rhode Island
68%
US
78%

13% of admitted students enrolled (918 of 7,042)

ACT scores of enrolled students

ACT in range 18-23
ACT in range 24-29
ACT in range 30-36

Roger Williams University Admissions

Applicants
Total: 8,029
Admission
Total: 7,042
Enrolled
Total: 918
Women
Men

How to Apply to Roger Williams University

Regular application deadline

February 1

Application fee

$55

Early Decision

Yes

Early Action

Yes, deadline November 15

Roger Williams University First-Year Students

Where first-year students come from

In-state: 181
Out-of-state: 716

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshmen: 918
Transfer: 168

Roger Williams University Admission Requirements

Percent of students submitting ACT scores

1%

Percent of students submitting SAT scores

18%

High school completions

General Educational Development (GED) required

Secondary school GPA

Required

Secondary school rank

Considered but not required

Secondary school record

Required

Completion of college-preparatory program

Required

Recommendations

Required

Formal demonstration of competencies

Considered but not required

Admission test scores

Considered but not required

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language

Required

Other Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

Considered but not required

Open admission policy

No

Dual credit

No

Credit for life experiences

Yes

Advanced placement (AP) credits

Yes

Special learning opportunities

Orientation program

Yes

ROTC-Army

ROTC branch unit on campus

Study abroad

Yes

Weekend/evening college

Yes

Student can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization

No

Preparation at another institution required

No

Approved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher

Yes

Roger Williams University Transfer Acceptance Rate

Generally accepts credits

Yes

Accept ACE recommendation for credit

Yes

Possible transfer

Fall, Spring

Data last updated on November 5, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.

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