Roger Williams University

Academic Life

Roger Williams University’s blended learning model combines a broad liberal arts education with education for the professions. Students are challenged academically through comprehensive, integrated programs that blend the traditional and innovative. Forty-three majors cultivate multiple areas of expertise, giving students the needed tools to achieve their career goals and succeed in graduate study. A student/faculty ratio of 14:1 and classes averaging 19 students allow for individualized attention from faculty members who are experts in their fields, and myriad opportunities for student/faculty research at the undergraduate level.

Campus Life

Situated on 143 acres overlooking Mount Hope Bay in Bristol, RI, the modern, secure RWU campus takes advantage of New England’s natural beauty. Bristol is home to cafes, antique stores, gourmet restaurants, ice cream and coffee shops, and was recently ranked as one of America’s safest places to live by Family Circle magazine. The campus is less than 30 minutes from Providence and Newport, just 60 minutes from Boston and under four hours from New York City, offering internship and employment opportunities in the largest markets in the region.

Roger Williams University draws 3,775 full-time undergraduate students from more than 40 states around the country and more than 50 countries around the world who each benefit from an attentive, mentoring faculty and dedicated advisement and support services. In addition to RWU’s outstanding academic, residential and recreation facilities, the University fields 20 varsity athletic teams and has a wide variety of student clubs and organizations. Students are encouraged to participate in study abroad programs—over 45 different programs on every continent but Antarctica—often at no additional cost.

Facilities and Resources

RWU’s main campus features the state’s only shellfish hatchery, which was recently expanded to include a marine greenhouse, and raised over 5 million organisms last year alone. RWU also houses the state’s only law school, offering several joint-degree programs for undergraduates and opening classroom and trial court space for students on campus. Just three years ago, the University completed construction on Global Heritage Hall—the academic heart of RWU, as well as a new suite- and apartment-style residence hall.

Athletics / Sports

With the exception of our coed sailing and coed equestrian teams, all of our varsity athletics teams compete in Division III of the national Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA); the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), and the Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC). Sailing competes in the Intercollegiate Sailing Association while equestrian competes in the Intercollegiate horse Show Association. In addition to varsity athletics, the University offers an extensive program of intramural and recreational activities throughout the year.

Admission

Research has shown that the best predictor of academic success at RWU is strong performance in a college preparatory program along with other factors that are not necessarily captured through standardized testing. Therefore, beginning with the incoming class of 2013, consideration for admission to RWU will be test-optional. Students who are pursuing degrees in Elementary or Secondary Education are an exception to this policy, and must submit their standardized test scores in accordance with Rhode Island Department of Education requirements. All students will be required to submit test scores for academic placement after admission decisions are made.

Roger Williams University seeks students with a demonstrated capacity for academic achievement, who also possess intellectual curiosity, strength of character and a sense of social responsibility.

Early Action I deadline is 11/1 with expected decision received 12/15

Early Action II deadline is 11/15 with expected decision received 1/15

Regular Decision deadline is 2/1 with expected decision received 3/15

A nonrefundable fee of $50 must accompany the application, which is available through the Commons Application or online at the Roger Williams University website.