About Roger Williams University
Roger Williams University was founded in 1956 and named after a co-founder of Rhode Island, Roger Williams. It continues today as a private, co-educational liberal arts university located in the town of Bristol, Rhode Island. There is another campus located in Providence, Rhode Island. The school’s roots go back to 1919 when Northeastern University opened a satellite campus in Providence, Rhode Island. After World War II, Rhode Island chartered this campus to become a community college. Eventually, the 2-year college evolved into what is now Roger Williams University. Roger Williams University is a comprehensive University that works to help strengthen society through engaged learning and instruction.
The strategic priorities of Roger Williams University are:
- Student success
- Engaged learning
- Academic excellence
- A thriving community
- Sustainable future
Roger Williams offers associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, as well as certificates, from their various schools and colleges. Through the School of Continuing Studies, Roger Williams University offers a variety of distance and online educational opportunities including fully online degrees and certificates. Whether to earn a degree or to get job training, Roger Williams University offers unique programs designed to fit the needs of dedicated and committed students.
Accreditation & Licensing
Roger Williams University is accredited by:
New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Master's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 4,723 ; Graduate: 348Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 10% ; Graduate: Not applicableGraduation Rate:
69%Transfer Rate:
24%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$70,266Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$26,940Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
82%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$23,522Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Roger Williams University
All Programs
Business
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Filters
Roger Williams University offers a personal learning experience that helps students stay on track. Small classes and regular contact with professors keep students involved each term. That steady routine can make it easier to finish on time.
Many students also add hands-on learning to their plan. Study abroad can start as early as sophomore year, which gives students room to build real-world experience before graduation.
Cost is a big part of the college plan at Roger Williams. Tuition is high, so many families look closely at aid, credits, pace, and total time to finish. The cost and workload can differ by major, so a clear plan matters from the start.
At Roger Williams University, students often find their strongest support in the classroom. Professors are widely seen as caring and helpful. Small class sizes make it easier to get personal help when work gets tough. That gives many students a steady, day-to-day learning experience.
School processes can feel less smooth at times. Some students describe red tape and frustrating registration steps. Even so, teaching support remains a clear strength. In short, students may get warm, direct help in class while paperwork and sign-up tasks take more patience.
Online learners who want close instructor contact may like Roger Williams. Classes are often small. Professors are approachable. The class feel is personal, not distant.
That structure can support a steady pace in online classes. It can also make help easier to reach. The experience is not identical across every department. Some areas run more smoothly than others.
Classes at Roger Williams feel personal and built on discussion. Many courses are small, and students often know professors by first name. That close contact makes teaching feel clear, direct, and easy to follow day to day.
Professors are often seen as approachable, which helps students stay engaged and get steady guidance. Workload and pace can differ by program. Architecture can move very fast, with frequent project revisions and critique.
At its best, the academic experience is strong when close professor support and clear program structure work together.
Roger Williams is a mixed-to-positive school overall. Small classes are a clear strength. Professor access is a real plus. Many students get a personal classroom experience.
Cost is the main pressure point. The school is often called very expensive. Tuition strain shows up repeatedly. Support is split by function.
Professors are often caring and reachable. Registration and bureaucracy can be frustrating. Outcomes vary by department. Some paths feel career-aligned and practical.
Others report heavier strain and uneven consistency. The best fit is students who want close faculty contact and can carry the price.
Roger Williams is a mixed-to-positive school overall. Small classes are a clear strength. Professor access is a real plus. Many students get a personal classroom experience.
Cost is the main pressure point. The school is often called very expensive. Tuition strain shows up repeatedly. Support is split by function.
Professors are often caring and reachable. Registration and bureaucracy can be frustrating. Outcomes vary by department. Some paths feel career-aligned and practical.
Others report heavier strain and uneven consistency. The best fit is students who want close faculty contact and can carry the price.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roger Williams University
Is Roger Williams University accredited?
Yes. Roger Williams University is institutionally accredited by New England Commission of Higher Education.
How many online programs does Roger Williams University offer?
Roger Williams University offers 19 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Roger Williams University offer?
Roger Williams University offers programs from associate and bachelor's through master's levels.
How should students contact admissions at Roger Williams University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Roger Williams University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Roger Williams University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Roger Williams University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Roger Williams University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
Is Roger Williams University military friendly?
Roger Williams University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Roger Williams University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Roger Williams University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Statement of Purpose/Intent, Official High School Transcript/GED Score, and Recommendation/Reference Letter(s). Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Roger Williams University accept life experience credit?
Roger Williams University accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.
Are Roger Williams University programs fully online or mixed?
Roger Williams University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Roger Williams University offer?
Roger Williams University has online program options in areas such as Business, Criminal Justice, Safety & Law, Art & Liberal Arts, and Healthcare; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Are any admission tests required for Roger Williams University programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Roger Williams University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Roger Williams University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Roger Williams University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Roger Williams University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Roger Williams University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Roger Williams University program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
Roger Williams University is featured in 12 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Roger Williams University is located in Rhode Island
Rhode Island at a Glance:
Top Majors in Rhode Island:
Top Incentives in Rhode Island:
- Rhode Island State Grant: Up to $2,500 annually
Top Career Pathways in Rhode Island:
- Entry Level: Research Assistant ($45,000)
- Mid Level: Marine Scientist ($75,000)
- Senior Level: Research Director ($120,000+)
- Required Education: BS Marine Biology
- Certifications: Research Diving, Vessel Operations