Discover The Student Population At Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University (RWU) is a private liberal arts university located in Bristol, Rhode Island. Founded in 1956, the university has since grown to accommodate a large student population. In this article, we will delve into the enrolment figures of Roger Williams University, exploring the numbers behind its undergraduate and graduate programmes. We will also compare these figures to the university's past enrolment data to gain insights into its growth and popularity.

Undergraduate vs graduate student numbers

Roger Williams University (RWU) is a private university in Bristol, Rhode Island, overlooking Mount Hope Bay. The university has around 7,000 students in total, with approximately 3,820 full-time undergraduates on its primarily residential, suburban campus.

As of Fall 2024, the undergraduate (Day Program Students) enrollment was 3,521, with an additional 482 students in the Undergraduate Extension School. The university also had 796 students in graduate, law, and professional programs.

For Fall 2023, RWU reported a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,050 students, with a gender distribution of 48.9% male and 51.1% female. The university also had 294 graduate students enrolled during the same period.

RWU offers over 50 majors and more than 70 minors, providing a comprehensive education to its students. The university's focus on hands-on, experiential learning, and its location in the heart of New England, make it an attractive choice for those seeking a well-rounded academic experience.

The university promotes personalized attention for its students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, and almost half of the classes offered have fewer than 20 students. This allows for a more intimate learning environment and greater engagement between students and faculty.

With a mix of undergraduate and graduate students, RWU offers a diverse educational community that fosters both academic and personal growth. While undergraduate programs provide a broad foundation, graduate programs allow for specialization and in-depth exploration of specific fields, contributing to a vibrant and intellectually stimulating campus environment.

Gender distribution

Roger Williams University (RWU) is a private university in Bristol, Rhode Island, overlooking Mount Hope Bay. The university had a total of around 7,000 students as of 2024, with approximately 3,820 of those being full-time undergraduates.

The gender distribution of students at Roger Williams University is fairly balanced, with a slight majority of female students. As of Fall 2023, the university had a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,050 students, with 51.1% female students and 48.9% male students. This is a fairly consistent ratio, with the female population only slightly outnumbering the male population.

The university's focus on personalized attention for students may be a contributing factor to the balanced gender distribution. Each class is prepared and presented by a faculty member, rather than a teaching assistant, ensuring a consistent level of instruction for all students.

The university offers a range of academic programs and extracurricular activities that appeal to a diverse range of students, which may also contribute to the balanced gender distribution. With over 50 majors and more than 70 minors, students have a wide range of academic options to choose from. Additionally, the university has over 80 clubs and organizations, as well as 20 varsity athletic teams, providing opportunities for students to get involved in campus life and find their community.

The university's location in the heart of New England, with easy access to beaches, nature parks, and nearby cities like Providence, Boston, and New York, may also be a factor in attracting a diverse student population with varying interests and backgrounds.

Overall, the gender distribution at Roger Williams University is fairly evenly split, with a slight majority of female students, creating a balanced and inclusive campus community.

Student accommodation

Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island, has a total of around 7,000 students, with approximately 3,820 full-time undergraduates. The university's campus is primarily residential, and 65% of students live on-campus.

The university has eight different residential communities, each with a unique character. Traditional residential communities are reserved for first-year students, while returning students can choose from suites and apartment-style residences. All communities provide wireless internet access and laundry facilities.

The Department of Residence Life and Housing is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of college life, including residential and dining experiences. Students with documented disabilities can request reasonable housing and meal plan accommodations. Virtually all student needs can be met through the standard room selection process, but those with specific requirements can request additional housing consideration.

The Housing Application and Contract process for incoming students starts in May, with accommodation requests due by the end of June. Students can also apply to join a Special Interest Community or Living Learning Community. First-year students are placed in South Campus housing, making it easy to get to know fellow classmates.

The university requires freshmen and sophomores to live on campus. The on-campus room and board fee for the 2024-25 academic year is $17,112.

Student demographics

Roger Williams University (RWU) is a private liberal arts university located in Bristol, Rhode Island. Founded in 1956, it was named after theologian and Rhode Island co-founder Roger Williams. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of around 4,000 students, with a gender distribution of approximately 49% male and 51% female students. The student body is predominantly white (75%), with smaller proportions of Hispanic (5%), African American (2%), and other ethnicities (under 1%). The university's suburban campus spans 140 acres and offers a variety of housing options, with 69% of students living in college-owned or affiliated housing and 31% living off-campus.

In terms of academics, RWU has a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, and the average class size is 16. The university offers over 50 majors and more than 70 minors across a range of disciplines, including liberal arts and professional fields. The largest majors are business, management, and marketing (24%), followed by architecture (10%), security and law enforcement (9%), communication and journalism (8%), and psychology (7%). The university also offers several unique degree programs, such as a B.S. in Marine Biology, a Master's of Architecture in a liberal arts environment, and a B.S. in Historic Preservation.

The university's educational approach is centred around hands-on learning, with students engaging in experiential, real-world projects in collaboration with community partners. This focus on practical education is reflected in the range of extracurricular activities available, including over 80 clubs and organisations and 20 varsity athletic teams competing in the NCAA's Division III. The university also has a campus newspaper, *The Hawks' Herald*, and an FM radio station, WQRI 88.3.

Student financial aid

Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island, has a total of around 7,000 students, with approximately 3,820 being full-time undergraduates. The university offers a range of financial aid options to support its students, including scholarships, grants, and federal loans.

Scholarships and Grants

Roger Williams University provides over $69 million in institutional grants and scholarships, with 98% of students receiving scholarships and/or need-based financial aid. The university considers all students for up to $21,000 in annual merit-based aid, and the average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students is $23,448. Additionally, the university guarantees that financial aid awards will not decline during the four years of full-time enrollment.

Federal Loans and Work-Study

Need-based self-help aid, including federal loans and work-study programs, is also available. The average need-based self-help aid awarded to first-year students was $6,209. The university also participates in the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program, which provides part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for their education.

Tuition and Fees

The tuition and fees for the 2024-25 academic year are $44,418, which is lower than the national average cost of tuition of $47,999. The total cost, including tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses, is $63,739. However, the net price, after aid and scholarship funds are deducted, is $41,501 for the average student receiving need-based aid.

Private Loans

Private loans are also an option for students, although it is recommended that students borrow federal loans first due to the generally lower interest rates and more favourable repayment terms. At Roger Williams University, 24% of graduating students took out private loans, with an average private loan debt of $22,422 at graduation.

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