Overview: Rowan University
Rowan University, established in 1923, is a dynamic public research institution located in Glassboro, New Jersey, United States. Originally founded as Glassboro Normal School, Rowan has expanded its academic reach and now encompasses multiple campuses, including those in Camden and Stratford. As a comprehensive university with strong research and teaching programs, it enrolls over 19,600 students and comprises thirteen colleges and schools, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. This scale and history situate Rowan among the leading mid-sized public universities in the region, with a growing presence on both the national and international stage.
Rowan is renowned for its engineering, business, education, and medical programs, notably through the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering and the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. The university employs an interdisciplinary and experiential approach, blending robust classroom instruction with real-world problem-solving, cooperative education, and community partnerships. Rowan is recognized as a Carnegie-classified R2 (High Research Activity) university, reflecting sustained growth in research output, including over $50 million in annual research expenditures and collaborations with industry, government, and international academic institutions. Rowan fosters innovation through initiatives like the South Jersey Technology Park and maintains active national and global academic partnerships.
Student life at Rowan is vibrant and inclusive, hosting more than 200 student organizations and numerous clubs spanning athletics, arts, cultural, and professional interests. The university holds annual events such as Hollybash and the Multicultural Festival, fostering a sense of community and celebration of diversity. Comprehensive student support services provide guidance in academic, wellness, and career development, while over 4,000 students reside in on-campus housing. Rowan’s commitment to inclusivity and internationalization is evident in its diverse student body, expanding global engagement, and extensive recreational, sports, and arts programming that bolster a holistic university experience.
Rowan University’s mission is to cultivate knowledge, foster innovation, and promote social mobility through access, interdisciplinary learning, and engaged research. The institution is committed to advancing equity, sustainability, and global citizenship, preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to both local and international communities.
