In addition to traditional financial aid programs, Roger Williams also offers scholarships, grants, and awards to qualified students (U.S. Citizens and Permanent U.S. Residents only). Scholarships and awards are funded by the University or by private individuals and organizations.
Please review eligibility requirements carefully. Students are eligible for one scholarship only, and certain scholarships may not be available every year.
Presidential Excellence Scholarship:
Incoming freshmen who demonstrate superior academic achievement through exceptional grades in a challenging high school course of study, high SAT scores, and participation in high school student leadership and community activities are eligible. Recipients must maintain a 3.3 GPA.
Roger Williams University Provost's Scholarship:
Awarded annually; freshmen who enter the University with records of distinguished scholarly achievement are eligible. Recipients must maintain a 3.3 GPA.
Roger Williams University Achievement Scholarship:
Awarded annually; freshmen who enter the University with records of distinguished scholarly achievement are eligible. Recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA
Harold Payson Memorial Scholarship:
A four-year, full-tuition scholarship awarded annually on the basis of academic promise and community service to a Bristol resident who is graduating from high school and will attend Roger Williams University. This scholarship is awarded in honor of Harold Payson, a native Bristolian, who served the University as a faculty member, ombudsman, and academic dean from 1968 until 1974.
Roger Williams University Memorial Fire and Police Department Grant:
A four-year full-tuition grant awarded annually to a candidate who has resided in Bristol for at least two years and has graduated from an accredited American high school; who is an American citizen or permanent resident without previous college experience who has filed a formal application for admission and financial aid; and whose parent or grandparent serves in the Bristol police or fire departments.
Roger Williams University Bristol Community Partnership Scholarship:
A four-year, $10,000 scholarship awarded annually to candidates who are Bristol residents, have graduated from an accredited American high school, and have a B average and combined SAT score of at least 1050 (CR + M).
Michael Andrade Memorial Scholarship:
A four-year, full-tuition and fees scholarship awarded annually to a graduate of Mount Hope High School who maintains a B average and has a combined SAT score of at least 1000 (CT + M). Preference will be given to undergraduate students who have an intended major of construction management, engineering or architecture. This scholarship is awarded in honor of Michael Andrade, a native Bristolian and graduate of Mount Hope High School, who was killed in Iraq while on National Guard duty. (For U.S. Citizens and U.S. Permanent Residents only).
Mount Hope High School Scholarship:
A four-year, $10,000 scholarship awarded annually to gradutes of Mount Hope High School who maintain a B average and have a combined SAT score of at least 1000 (CR + M). The scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic and extracurricular achievements. (For U.S. Citizens and U.S. Permanent Residents only).
Portsmouth High School (RI) Scholarship:
A four-year, full-tuition scholarship awarded annually to a graduate of Portsmouth High School (RI) who maintains a 3.0 GPA and has a combined SAT score of at least 1100 (CR + M). The scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic and extracurricular achievements. To renew the scholarship for four years, the candidate must maintain a minimum Roger Williams University GPA of a 3.0 and commit five hours of community service to the Portsmouth School District (RI). (For U.S. Citizens and U.S. Permanent Residents Only).
Intercultural Leadership Award:
The Intercultural Leadership Award rewards students that have shown a combination of academic achievement and substantial dedication to creating an inclusive community. This meritorious award coupled with an enhancement program, seeks to further the holistic growth of recipients throughout their careers at Roger Williams University. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA while continuing the co-curricular involvements demonstrated through the application process.
Venture Scholarship:
The University is committed to supporting students who have achieved excellence in their studies. Roger Williams University is pleased to be able to offer a $10,000 scholarship to students selected as Venture Scholars. This program, designed to recognize excellence in the study of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics is a new addition to the scholarship opportunities at the University. Student who qualify are urged to contact the Office of Admission for further information.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship:
Awarded to Phi Theta Kappa scholars holding an associate degree. Recipients must enroll in the University full-time and maintain the required GPA. This award is renewable and may be awarded for a total of two years (three years for students in the undergraduate Architecture program).
Presidential Transfer Scholarship:
Awarded to students holding an associate degree who have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.5. Recipients must enroll in the University full-time and maintain the required GPA. This award is renewable and may be awarded for a total of two years (three years for students in the undergraduate Architecture program).
Dean's Transfer Scholarship:
Awarded to students holding the associate degree who have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.0. Recipients must enroll in the University full-time and maintain the requires GPA. This award is renewable and may be awarded for a total of two years (three years for students in the undergraduate Architecture program).
Transfer Achievement Scholarship:
Awarded to select students on the basis of academic merit. This award is available to US. citizens and US. permanent residents only.
RWU International Merit Scholarship:
Roger Williams University strives to recognize students with superior academic achievement through the awarding of merit scholarships. The RWU International Scholarship is a limited, merit-based scholarship for international students. RWU International Scholarships average $10,000 and will be awarded to the top international applicants who are considered to be above-average students in their secondary school. All international students will be considered for merit-based scholarships through their admissions application. No separate application is necessary.
American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) Annual Scholarship:
This scholarship is awarded to full- and part-time students of merit in the Criminal Justice program who are interested in the security profession and who have demonstrated a potential to make a contribution to the field of business security. Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible. Reciepients must have completed their first year in the Criminal Justice program. (Contact Criminal Justice)
ASM International:
Awarded annually to an engineering student who is a resident of Rhode Island or Southeastern Massachusetts. The Rhode Island Chapter of ASM International sponsors this scholarship based on merit need. (Contact Engineering)
Barnes and Noble Bookstores, Inc., Scholarship:
Barnes and Noble, one of the leading booksellers in the United States and operator of the Roger Williams University bookstore, contributes annually to the scholarship fund. Consideration is given to an upper-class student showing financial need.
The Deputy Superintendent Charles J. Cullen Memorial Scholarship : Established in memory of Charles J. Cullen ‘83, a University College graduate with a B.S in Administartion of Justice. Preference will be given to a student who is majoring in criminal justice and is in good academic standing and who demonstrates financial need. The student must be a current student working for the MA Dept. of Corrections or in the Bristol County Sheriff's Office as a correctional officer. However, should no candidate meet the requirements, the University may make an award to the qualified candidate who most closely meets these criteria as long as the student is employed by these two departments.
The Charles P. Ferro Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship opportunity is offered to a full-time incoming freshman day student entering the Gabelli School of Business. Applicant must show strong scholastic performance and exemplary leadership and character while in high school. Special consideration will be given to applicants demonstrating entrepreneurial talent. Recipient will be known as the Charles P. Ferro Foundation Scholar. This merit-based scholarship is renewable for three subsequent years providing the student recipient continues as a full-time day student in the Gabelli School of Business and maintains a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Mary E Finger Adult Learner Award: This award is given annualy to a student with a record of strong academic performance as well as life and career experiences that reflect a concern for and sensitivity to the improvement of the human condition.
Thomas E. Fitzgerald, Jr. Scholarship:
Awarded annually to students majoring in visual studies, including sculpture and photography, who are currently enrolled full-time as freshmen, sophomores or juniors. Portfolio required.
Grimshaw-Gudewicz Scholarship:
Established by the Grimshaw- Gudewicz Charitable Foundation, this annual scholarship award is available to a student from Bristol County, Massachusetts, with good academic standing and demonstarted financial need.
Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc. Architecture Student Scholarship Award:
Awarded annually to a full-time, fourth -year architecture major with a minimum GPA of 3.0, who exhibits a passion for learning, an ability to think in three dimensions and skill in intuitive and analytical problem-solving.
Chris Meyer Fund:
Awarded to a deserving graduating senior with outstanding achievement in one of the science major programs in the Feinstein College of Arts and Sciences. (Contact Biology Dept.)
William T. Morris Foundation Scholarship: Estabilshed by the William T. Morris Foundation, this scholarship is awarded to students in good academic standing and financial need.
Providence Journal Company Scholarship:
Established in 1986 by the Providence Journal Company, prefernce for this annual award is given to employees and/or children of employees of the Providence Journal Company and its subsidiaries.
Roger Williams University Faculty Association Scholarships:
Awarded annually to returning students, these scholarships are based on academic achievement, financial need, service to the University, and the community.
Social and Health Services Alumni Scholarship Fund:
Awarded by the Social and Health Services Advisory Board Scholarship Committee to a student currently enrolled in the Social and Health Services program who has demonstarted financial need.
Student Senate Scholarship:
Awarded to a full-time student entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year, this scholarship is based on distinguished academic performance, contribution to the University, and financial need.
University College Scholarship Fund:
This annual merit- and need-based scholarship was established by the University College Advisory Board and is given at the discretion of the Advisory Board each spring to University College students in good academic standing. One of the scholarships is named in honor of Aram Garabedian and is given to a student from a public service profession; one is named in honor of Mary Dionisopoulos; and one is named in honor of Lloyd E. Bliss.
George I. Alden Need-Based Scholarship Aid Endowment:
Established by the prestigious George I. Alden Trust of Worcester, Massachusetts, this scholarship is awarded to Roger Williams University students based on financial need.
Alumni Association Scholarship Fund:
This scholarship, based on high academic standing, contributions to the University community, and financial need, provide assistance to full-time students entering their junior or senior years.
Paul L. Arris Memorial Scholarship Fund:
Established in December 1990 in memory of Paul L. Arris, third-year student in the School of Architecture, Art and Historic Preservation, this scholarship is awarded to a student majoring in architecture based on merit and financial need.
L.G. Balfour Scholarship for Underserved and Underrepresented Students:
Established through a generous grant from the L.G. Balfour Foundation, this fund provides scholarship assistance to qualified minority students based upon financial need and academic merit. Preference is given to students in the Bridge to Success program.
Orlando J. Bisbano Meritorious Scholarship Fund:
Awarded to a Bristol , RI resident currently enrolled as a second- or third-year student who aspires to do public service. This scholarship is based first upon merit and then upon financial need. This award is in memory of Orlando J. Bisbano former Bristol, RI town clerk.
Bristol Rotary Scholarship:
Awardred to a Bristol, RI reseident who is currently enrolled as a sophomore, junior or senior at the University this endowed scholarship will be given to those who are in financial need.
The Ceasar Brito Memorial Scholarship:
This scholarship has been established in honor Ceasar Brito, well-known businessman, philanthropist and civic leader, who passed away October 24, 1998. The scholarship will be available annually to an entering freshman majoring in engineering. The recipient must be a Bristol, RI resident at the time of acceptance to the University, must have demonstrated academic achievement and financial need. In the event there are no applicants who have declared engineering as a major field of study, residents majoring in other disciplines will be given consideration. The award was established through a substantial gift to the University from the Brito family and through contributions made to the fund by friends, associates and people in the Bristol, RI community.
Coca-Cola Scholars:
This annual scholarship was established by the Coca-Cola Foundation and is awarded to underserved students with preference given to students enrolled in the Bridge to Success Program.
Sergeant Jim Cole Peace Officer Scholarship:
Established to honor the memory of Sergeant James Cole '91, a police officer of the Warwick Police Department who graduated from the University College Program with a B.S. in Administration of Justice. The Sergeant Jim Cole Peace Officer Scholarship is available to a Roger Williams University student enrolled in the School of Justice Studies' criminal justice program. Preference is given to active police officers or civilian employees of the Warwick Police Department, their children, or Warwick Police Cadets. If these criteria cannot be met, the scholarship will be awarded to a Rhode Island resident (preferably from Warwick).
E. Diane Davis Scholarship Fund for Social and Health Services Students in Honor of Dr. Bruce Thompson:
Established to honor Dr. Bruce Thompson, coordinator of the Roger Williams University Social and Health Services program, this scholarship is awarded annually to a student enrolled in the Social and Health Services program. This award memorializes E. Diane Davis, a prominent educator, social worker, and Roger Williams University faculty member.
Diane Drake Memorial Scholarship Fund:
Established in memory of Roger Williams University student Diane Drake, a criminal justice major, this annual scholarship is awarded to a senior who has demonstrated academic achievement and financial need. Priority is given to students enrolled in the Criminal Justice program.
The Robert D. Eigen Scholarship Fund in memory of Jeanette Altman:
This scholarship, established in honor of Robert D. Eigen '93 and in memory of Jeanette Altman, is awarded to students in the Feinstein College of Arts and Sciences with a humanities major based on merit and demonstrated financial need.
Faculty/Staff Emergency Scholarship:
Established for returning students with demonstrated financial need.
Steven Ficorilli Memorial Scholarship Fund:
Awarded to a full-time University student majoring in criminal justice. Preference is given to an individual who plans to work with juveniles.
Mario Geremia Scholarship Fund:
Awarded annually to an upper-year University student who is in need of financial assistance to complete his or her undergraduate education. The recipient must be a resident of Rhode Island in good academic standing.
The Gingerella Family Scholarship Fund:
Awarded to a deserving full-time upper-year student. Preference is given to family members of alumni, business majors, resident assistants, and University staff.
Mark Gould Memorial Scholarship and Research Fund: Each year, this fund provides Roger Williams University students with a stipend to conduct independent research in marine biology, biology, or chemistry during the summer. Applicants must be full-time marine biology, biology, or chemistry majors in good academic standing. Students must have completed at least theeir freshman year. The fund was established in memory of Mark Gould, long-time Professor of Biology and Director os the Center for Economic and Environmental Development at Roger Williams University.
William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship Fund for Underserved Students:
This scholarship is awarded to underserved undergraduate students at the University with a preference toward students enrolled in the Bridge to Success program.
Hemond Brothers Engineering Endowment:
Established by George '72 and Albert Hemond '70, this scholarship is awarded to an incoming full-time freshman majoring in Engineering. This scholarship will be awarded to a Rhode Island resident who does not qualify for either need based financial aid or academic scholarships. This scholarship is renewable for three subsequent years provided the student recipient continues as a full-time day student enrolled in the School of Engineering, Computing and Construction Management. This fund was established to address the financial need of students from middle-income families.
The Lt. Charles A. Henderson III USN '99 Outstanding Tutor Awards: These awards, in memory of Lt. Charles A. Henderson III USN '99, will be presented by the Center for Academic Development to a tutor in Math, Writing and Core Curriculum, who best and most consistently demonstrate superior tutoring skilld and content area knowledge, commitment to the collaborative learning process, and dedication to helping and inspiring all learners to achieve success in a positive, encouraging environment.
The Lt. Charles A. Henderson III USN '99 Spirit Award: This award, in memory of Lt. Charles A. Henderson III USN '99, will be presented annually to one graduating senior who best and most consistently demostrates the embodiment of a true scholar as exemplified by striving for excellence in academics, co-curricular involvement, character through acts, words and deeds, and an indomitable spirit in the face of adversity.
Harriet Iacoletti Award: Awarded to a top-ranked student entering his/her senior year, the recipient must be enrolled as a full-time student and in visual arts.
Sgt. Michael J. Jannitto Memorial Scholarship Fund:
Awarded to the son or daughter of a Barrington, Bristol, or Warren police officer or to a son or daughter of a Rhode Island State Police officer. The recipient must be a full-time student at Roger Williams University, in good standing and demonstrates financial need. The award was established in 1988 in memory of Sgt. Michael J. Jannitto, a member of the Bristol Police department.
Rebecca Anne Kelton Memorial Scholarship:
Established in 2000 in memory of Rebecca Kelton, this scholarship is awarded annually to a student majoring in education. Preference is given to students in the elementary education program. A third-year education major, Rebecca was very active at Roger Williams as a resident assistant, member of the Intervaristy Christian Fellowship and DJ at the University radio station.
David and Matilda Kessler Endowed Scholarship Fund: Established by David '54 and Matilda Kessler, this scholarship is awarded annually to a full-time junior majoring in engineering with emphasis in mechanical or electrical engineering. This award is based on merit, a minimum GPA of 3.5, and demonstrated financial need. Preference will be given to a member of the student chapter of the Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers.
John W. King, P.E. Electrical Industry Scholarship:
Awarded to an engineering major attending full time with a junior or senior class standing based on academic merit and demonstrated financial need. This scholarship was established in memory of John W. King whose career in the electrical engineering profession spanned more than a half century and encompassed all major subspecialties, including those of electrician, electrical contractor, teacher, electrical inspector and electrical engineer.
Paul S. Langello Scholarship:
This This scholarship, established in memory of Paul Langello, is available to a student in good academic standing. Paul Langello was a member of the Business faculty from 1969-92. He was founder and director of the Unviersity's Small Business Institute.
Jeffrey William Manuck '04 Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship, established in memory of Jeffrey William Manuck, Class of 2004, is awarded annually to a full-time student(s) majoring in Business, who is in good academic standing and has demonstrated financial need. Preference will be given to students with co-curricular interests, especially in sports, music or graphics.
Darlene Lycke Memorial Scholarship Fund:
Awarded annually to a University student, majoring in English, history, or philosophy or enrolled in the Education program, who has demonstrated financial need. Darlene Lycke, a humanities major, class of 1985, served as resident assistant and editor of the 1985 edition of The Talisman, the Roger Williams University yearbook.
Ethel Barrymore Colt Miglietta Memorial Scholarship Fund:
Established to honor Broadway performer Ethel Barrymore by Colt Miglietta, a resident of Bristol and daughter of actress Ethel Barrymore, this scholarship is awarded annually to a University student who has demonstrated talent in theatre.
The Montone Family Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded annually to a student(s) who is from the seacoast area of New Hampshire or Scranton, Pennsylvania, is in good academic standing and who demonstrates financial need. However, should no candidate meet the requirements, the University may make an award to the qualified candidate who most closely meets these criteria.
Underrepresented Student Scholarship Fund:
Awarded to a freshman, underrepresented student, this scholarship is based on financial need, involvement in high school, the community and academic promise. The FAFSA must be completed by February 1 to be considered.
Judge Thomas J. Paolino Theatre/Arts Scholarship Fund:
Established in 1987 in memory of Thomas J. Paolino, former chairman of the Board of Trustees, this scholarship is awarded annually to a continuing Roger Williams University student for excellence in the visual or performing arts.
Evelyn and Rita Pendergast Memorial Scholarship, given by Dr. and Mrs. Peter Mogayzel:
This scholarship is awarded to a female student enrolled in the Marine Biology Program who demonstrates academic merit and financial need.
Lincoln W. N. Pratt Memorial Scholarship:
The Lincoln W.N. Pratt Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a student who has a keen interest in music. The scholarship was established in memory of Lincoln W.N. Pratt, who served on the University Board of Trustees since 1989.
The Mary J. Staab Memorial Scholarship:
This scholarship was established in memory of Mary J. Staab, trusted and loyal member of the Roger Williams University community and secretary for the Department of Performing Artsfor eighteen years. The Mary J. Staab Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a Roger Williams University student in good academic standing, enrolled full-time and demonstrates financial need. Preference will be given to a student pursuing a degree through the Feinstein College of Arts and Sciences, either majoring in or with a strong interest in the area of Theater and/or Dance.
"Walk of Fame" Alumni Association Scholarship:
This scholarship was established by University constituents who purchased bricks in the Roger Williams University "Walk of Fame." Awarded annually, this scholarship is based on high academic standing, contributions to the University community and financial need. Students entering their sophomore, junior or senior years are eligible and preference will be given to legacies.
The Jeremy Warnick Scholarship: Established in memory of Jeremy Warnick, a well respected and admired student at Roger Williams Unversity who sadly passed away in his sophomore year in 2005, this scholarship is awarded annually to a student(s) who despite documented learning disabilities, has succeeded in a University seetting. Students must have required formal academic interventions in primary or secondary education and be actively involved with existing academic support services for students with learning disabilities at the University. Preference will be given to students enrolled in the Gabelli School of Business.
Dr. Harold Way Memorial Scholarship Fund:
Established in memory of Dr. Harold Way, former University faculty member from 1969-74, this scholarship, based upon academic standing and the student's contribution to the University, is awarded to a deserving junior.
Idalia Whitcomb Scholarship for Freshman Students:
Established in 1999 by Idalia Whitcomb Charitable Trust, the Idalia Whitcomb Scholarship for Freshman Students is awarded annually to incoming freshman students majoring in fine and performing arts.
Idalia Whitcomb Scholarship Fund:
Established in 1989 by Idalia Whitcomb Charitable Trust, this scholarship is awarded to students majoring in the fine and performing arts.
The Matthew Wolfe Memorial Scholarship in Creative Writing:
Established in 1989 in memory of Matthew Wolfe, a prolific writer, this annual scholarship is awarded to a student majoring in creative writing. Student must be a sophomore or above, must maintain a 3.0 G.P.A. in Creative Writing courses taken at Roger Williams University and be able to show evidence of above-average writing ability in fiction or poetry. In the event there is no eligible student with sophomore standing or above, a second semester freshman will be considered contingent, contingent upon final grades for the freshman year.
The Wright Family Scholarship Fund:
This scholarship, awarded to a University junior or senior majoring in paralegal studies or criminal justice, is based first upon merit, then upon financial need.
Michele Cron Yeaton '80 Memorial Scholarship:
This memorial scholarship honoring an alumna, Class of 1980, will be awarded annually to an upper-year student majoring in business, in good academic standing, and demonstrating financial need. Preference is given to the son or daughter of a single parent. The scholarship was established through a gift from Tim Yeaton '80, husband of the late Michele Cron Yeaton, who earned a B.S. degree in business management at Roger Williams University.
Americorps Scholarship for Service Program:
This unique program, funded by the Corporation for National Service, awards several $1,000 scholarships to students who engage in 300 hours of community service during an academic year (pre-enrollment is required and some restrictions regarding service activities apply). Awards can be used for current or future educational expenses. The program is facilitated at RWU by the Feinstein Service Learning Program.