Roger Williams
Real-world ready. Bristol made.
📍 Bristol, United States 🇺🇸
🏆 #564 in United States
Quick Facts about Roger Williams
- Founded: 1956
- Type: Private
- Students: 4,700
- Campus: Suburban
- Tuition: $45,197 – $47,878/year
- Language: English
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
- Intakes: September, January
About Roger Williams
Academics
RWU provides over 65 majors and 70 minors, spanning liberal arts and professional programs, with a student to faculty ratio of 14:1, ensuring personalized attention. Notable programs include the School of Architecture, one of the few in the Northeast offering both Bachelor of Science and Master of Architecture degrees, and the only law school in Rhode Island, focusing on public interest and marine law. Other highly regarded programs are Construction Management and Marine Biology, which leverage the university's coastal location for hands-on research. The university emphasizes experiential learning, allowing students to engage in projects and research from their first year.
International Students
Roger Williams University is committed to supporting its international student community, which represents over 35 countries. The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office provides comprehensive support, including an International Ambassador Program that assigns peer mentors to first-year international students to assist with academic, social, and cultural integration. RWU offers an ESL Bridge Program and the upcoming RWU Brightspace Program (Fall 2026) for non-native English speakers, allowing them to take English courses alongside their academic studies. International applicants are eligible for merit-based scholarships, with accepted students guaranteed a scholarship valued at up to 50% of tuition, housing, and meals.
Campus & Location
The main campus of Roger Williams University is situated on 143 acres overlooking Mount Hope Bay in historic Bristol, Rhode Island. Bristol is a charming New England town known for its local restaurants, shops, and outdoor attractions like the East Bay Bike Path. The campus itself blends historic buildings with modern facilities and is well-integrated into the local community. RWU's location offers easy access to Providence (30 minutes away) and Boston (an hour away), with New York City just a three-hour train ride from Providence.
Career Outcomes
The Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) at RWU offers extensive resources, including personalized career counseling, resume workshops, and networking events, to help students and alumni achieve their professional goals. The university emphasizes experiential learning through internships, which provide real-world experience at leading firms. RWU also has an online networking platform, "The Roger Connection," that connects students with alumni for mentorship and professional opportunities. The business programs, in particular, focus on hands-on approaches, including analyzing case studies and developing startup business plans.
Information for International Students at Roger Williams
Roger Williams in Bristol, United States welcomes international students.
- Visa support available
- On-campus work allowed
- Student housing available (~$9048/month)
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English
Admissions Requirements for Roger Williams
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Roger Williams:
- IELTS minimum: 6.5
- TOEFL minimum: 79
- Duolingo minimum: 105
- GPA minimum: 3
- Selectivity: Open (60%+)
- Application deadline: February 1
Programs at Roger Williams (4 programs)
Roger Williams offers 4 programs across Bachelor, Master levels.
Bachelor Programs (3)
- Graphic Design (BA) — 48 months · English
Students develop creative and technical skills in visual communication, including typography, branding, web design, and digital media.
Field: Graphic Design
Career outcomes: Graphic Designer, Web Designer, Art Director - Journalism (BA) — 48 months · English · $43,000/yr
Students develop skills in reporting, writing, editing, and multimedia storytelling across various platforms, preparing them for careers in news, public relations, and content creation.
Field: Journalism
Career outcomes: Reporter, Editor, Content Creator, Public Relations Specialist - Construction Management (BSc) — 48 months · English · $43,000/yr · STEM
This program focuses on the business and technical aspects of construction, preparing students for roles in project planning, scheduling, and site management.
Field: Construction Management
Career outcomes: Construction Manager, Project Coordinator, Estimator
Master Programs (1)
- Master of Architecture (MA) — 24 months · English · $25,000/yr · STEM
An accredited professional degree program for students seeking advanced knowledge and skills in architectural design, theory, and practice.
Field: Architecture
Career outcomes: Licensed Architect, Architectural Designer, Project Architect
Scholarships & Tuition at Roger Williams
Annual tuition for international students: $45,197 – $47,878/year
✅ Roger Williams offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Roger Williams
- National Ranking: #564 in United States
- Ranking tier: Research University
- Research output: Low
Campus & Facilities at Roger Williams
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Suburban
- Average class size: 20
- Housing cost: ~$9048/month
Key Highlights
- Advocated religious freedom
- Founded Rhode Island colony
- Supported Native American rights
- Pioneer of church-state separation
Accreditation
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)
- AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE)
- The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC)
- The American Council for Construction Education (ACCE)
- The Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology (ABET)
- The American Bar Association (ABA)
- Association of American Law Schools (AALS)
Notable Alumni
- Tim Baxter
- Adam Braver
- Roberto DaSilva
- Jason Mattera
- Peter F. Kilmartin
Frequently Asked Questions about Roger Williams
What is Roger Williams?
Roger Williams is a private university located in Bristol, United States, founded in 1956. It has approximately 4,700 students.
How much does it cost to study at Roger Williams?
Tuition fees at Roger Williams for international students range from $45,197 – $47,878/year. Student housing costs approximately $9048/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Roger Williams?
IELTS minimum: 6.5. TOEFL minimum: 79. Duolingo minimum: 105. GPA minimum: 3. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: February 1.
What language are courses taught in at Roger Williams?
Courses at Roger Williams are taught in English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.
How many programs does Roger Williams offer?
Roger Williams offers 4 programs: 3 Bachelor's, 1 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Roger Williams ranked?
#564 in United States.
Does Roger Williams offer scholarships?
Yes, Roger Williams offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Roger Williams provide visa support?
Yes, Roger Williams provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.
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