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Roger Williams University

Bristol, United States • Founded 1956

Updated Oct 2026 · Source: rwu.edu

Overview

English Name: Roger Williams University
Acronyms: RWU
Founded: 1956
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
SCImago 2026 #4272
Motto: Magna est veritas
Colours: Royal blue, gold and white
Roger Williams University campus and surroundings
1 / 3

Founded in 1956, the Roger Williams University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Bristol (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Rhode Island.

Officially accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Roger Williams University (RWU) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Roger Williams University (RWU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study.

This 68-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

RWU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Address, phone, email, and online links for Roger Williams University are listed below.

Address: One Old Ferry Road
Postal Code: 02809-2921
Phone: +1 (401) 253 1040
Social Media:

Academic Details

Enrolment, faculty headcount, and accreditation data for Roger Williams University are listed below.

Recognition: New England Commission of Higher Education
Total Students: 3,946
Academic Staff Range: 500-599
Campus Setting: Suburban
Memberships & Networks
Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

Roger Williams University's faculties, schools, and constituent units are listed below.

Unit 6 items
  • Feinstein College of Arts and Sciences
  • Gabelli School of Business
  • School of Architecture, Art and Historic Preservation
  • School of Education
  • School of Engineering, Computing and Construction Management
  • School of Justice Studies

Programs Offered

Every programme Roger Williams University currently runs, grouped by degree level and searchable.

116 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 71 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Production Operations
Agriculture
Bachelor's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Applied Mathematics
Mathematics
Bachelor's Degree in Architectural History, Criticism, and Conservation
Interior Design
Bachelor's Degree in Architectural Sciences and Technology
Architecture
Bachelor's Degree in Architecture
Architecture
Bachelor's Degree in Area Studies
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences

Showing 10 of 71.

Master's Degree 23 programmes

Master's Degree in Architectural Sciences and Technology
Architecture
Master's Degree in Architecture
Architecture
Master's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Master's Degree in City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning
Landscape Architecture
Master's Degree in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Master's Degree in Community Organization and Advocacy
Public Administration
Master's Degree in Computer Science
Computer Sciences
Master's Degree in Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Information Systems & Technology
Master's Degree in Construction Engineering Technology/Technician
General Engineering
Master's Degree in Construction Management
Business Administration

Showing 10 of 23.

Professional Doctorate 1 programme

Professional Doctorate in Law
Law

Associate's Degree 6 programmes

Associate's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Law & Justice
Associate's Degree in Legal Professions and Studies, Other
Law
Associate's Degree in Legal Support Services
Law
Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Liberal Arts
Associate's Degree in Social Sciences, General
Social & Cultural Studies

Certificate 8 programmes

Certificate in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Certificate in Health and Medical Administrative Services
Healthcare Administration
Certificate in Historic Preservation and Conservation
Liberal Arts
Certificate in Legal Professions and Studies, Other
Law
Certificate in Legal Support Services
Law
Certificate in Public Administration
Public Administration
Certificate in Social Sciences, General
Social & Cultural Studies
Certificate in Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Education & Teaching

Postgraduate Certificate 7 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Postgraduate Certificate in City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning
Landscape Architecture
Postgraduate Certificate in Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Information Systems & Technology
Postgraduate Certificate in Health and Medical Administrative Services
Healthcare Administration
Postgraduate Certificate in Historic Preservation and Conservation
Liberal Arts
Postgraduate Certificate in Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Liberal Arts
Postgraduate Certificate in Public Administration
Public Administration

How to apply to Roger Williams University

A short guide to applying to Roger Williams University — five steps.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Roger Williams University

    Roger Williams University's catalogue includes 116 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Roger Williams University's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Submit your completed application through Roger Williams University's official website at www.rwu.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (401) 253 1040. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Roger Williams University

Quick reference for Roger Williams University: founding, control type, and recognition status.

In what year was Roger Williams University established?

Roger Williams University was founded in 1956 (approximately 70 years ago).

In which city is Roger Williams University?

Roger Williams University is based in Bristol, United States.

What is Roger Williams University's control type?

Roger Williams University is a private institution.

How many students study at Roger Williams University?

Roger Williams University has approximately 3,946 students.

How many faculties does Roger Williams University have?

The institution comprises 6 academic units.

Is Roger Williams University accredited?

The institution holds recognition from New England Commission of Higher Education.

How do I find Roger Williams University online?

The institution's website is www.rwu.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

Below: the United States's top-ranked universities, providing benchmarks for Roger Williams University's academic standing. National rankings reflect a mix of research output, teaching quality, and graduate outcomes.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

These universities are also members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Faculties at nearby universities

These universities are located near Roger Williams University, listed below for students comparing options by location.

Where Else to Study Liberal Arts

Other institutions in the United States teaching Liberal Arts are listed below for comparison with Roger Williams University.

Universities Compared with Roger Williams University

Universities of a similar scale and standing to Roger Williams University are listed below.

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