Roger Williams

Roger Williams University (RWU) in Bristol, Rhode Island, offers a dynamic educational experience with a strong focus on combining academic excellence with real-world opportunities. The university is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers in a competitive global workforce through its diverse programs and experiential learning. RWU fosters a welcoming community for students from across the U.S. and around the world.

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.