A higher education is a wonderful thing to have. An undergraduate college degree means a lot in today’s society- a higher pay grade, more job opportunities and the ability to go on and achieve greater academic status. However, for international students who want to study in the U.S. a higher education does not come cheaply. The International Admission Office at Roger Williams University understands the financial strain studying abroad can cause, so we have put together a few resources and scholarships available to international students that can assist you in subsidizing the cost of studying abroad.
Scholarships Offered Through Roger Williams University:
- The International Presidential Excellence Scholarship
- $16,000 per year
- Number of awards given are limited
- Minimum GPA required for consideration- 3.5
- For New Freshman (1st year students)
- The International Achievement Scholarship
- $10,000-13,000 per year
- Number of awards given depends upon applicant pool
- Minimum GPA required for consideration- 3.0
- For New Freshman and Transfer students
- International transfer students who will graduate with an A.A. or A.S. degree from a U.S. two-year institution may qualify for the Roger Williams University Transfer Scholarships.
Websites for International Scholarships and Student Loans:
- IEFA.org is a search engine that assists International students in finding scholarships that they qualify for. Many of the scholarships are based upon which country you are applying from and which academic field you will be studying.
- Internationalstudentloan.com is a website that offers student loans to International students studying in the U.S.
- The loans are dependent upon which institution you are attending (Roger Williams University is one of the approved schools).
- To apply for a loan you must have a co-borrower who is a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident with a valid permanent-resident card. Your co-borrower must also meet the International Student Loan requirements for creditworthiness.
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must be enrolled at least half-time (or accepted) at an eligible U.S. institution.
- Funds can be used for various expenses associated with studying abroad, including tuition, room and board, transportation and other living expenses.
- You can borrow an annual minimum of $1,500, an annual maximum of the lesser of $50,000 or cost of attendance, annual maximum of the lesser of $70,000 or cost of attendance for Dentistry, Law, Medicine, Osteopathic and Business School Loan.
We hope these tips are helpful. However, remember these are only a couple resources to finding scholarships. The best way to optimize your financial assistance is to research, research, research! Be aware of your academic and financial profile and what types of scholarships you are qualified for. Also, apply to as many as you can, every little bit helps!
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about the International Scholarships offered through RWU.
- General description of your department and your specific role in the department.
School of Engineering, Computing and Construction Management – Dean
- Your academic background?
Ph.D., M.S. – Civil (Architectural) Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder
B.S. – United States Military Academy at West Point
- How long have you been teaching at RWU?
Eight years.
- Why do you think your department appeals to international students?
We offer excellent undergraduate professional educational experience in a liberal arts setting, where the students are part of a caring learning community. Our small class size gives the students the opportunity to get to know fellow students and faculty.
- What does your department offer in services for international students?
Half of our faculty members are of international origin; of the others, more than half have lived and worked overseas. We understand what it is like to live and succeed in a “foreign” country.
- What advice can you offer international students applying to RWU?
Come prepared to work hard and be fully invested in your educational experience.
- What do you feel your department offers to international students that other colleges do not offer?
We offer a unique blend of small college atmosphere with a truly international perspective.
- In your opinion what are some of the advantages of studying in the U.S.?
While not exclusive to the US collegiate environment, the innovation and “cutting edge” technology environment are really valued in the US.
- What are some of the challenges facing international students in your department?
Same as US students – meeting the high standards of work expected for success in the chosen profession.
- Anything additional that you might like to add?
Studying in the US provides an excellent educational experience; at RWU we couple that with an appreciation for the global community.
Roger Williams University Admissions Office has changed the deadline for Early Action. All students interested in applying Early Action must have their applications post marked by November 1st to be reviewed. All decisions for Early Action will be sent out by mid January. Please note: Early Decision is no longer an application option at RWU. If your students were interested in applying Early Decision please advise them to apply Early Action. Please contact us with any questions or concerns!
The sound of the alarm nudges me awake. I open my eyes to the sun shining through the window. Outside the door someone laughs. Across the room my roommate groans, buries his head under his pillow and falls back asleep.
Quietly I get out of bed, brush my teeth, and pull on jeans, a shirt and jacket. Running a hand through my hair, I scan the room for my books, backpack and gym bag. Finding them on the chair I throw them over my shoulder and head out the door.
The cool Fall air hits my face as I step outside. I can smell the salt water in the air as I walk up the hill toward the Recreation Center. It is early still so the Recreation Center is fairly empty. Every morning I try and work out, whether it is running on a treadmill, lifting weights or swimming laps, the Recreation Center offers almost everything you can imagine. Thinking ahead, I look forward to using the Waterfront and going kayaking or sailing for the first time in the Spring.
After a good work out I make my way to my first class of the day. I pass the construction site for the new academic building and mark all the progress they have made since I first arrived. In less than a year it will be completed and I will be attending classes in the new, state-of-the-art facility. As cumbersome as the construction can be, all of the new facilities and updates being made are very exciting to see, especially since I know they will only heighten my experience and success at RWU.
From class I go over to the Upper Commons to meet my friends for lunch. The Upper Commons is great because there are so many options to choose from. Whether you are in the mood for a fresh salad, something hot from the grille, international cuisine or a sandwich from the deli bar, there is something for everyone. Of course, the Upper Commons also has the ice cream bar, which is my favorite way to finish off any meal!
One of the best things about RWU is the Intercultural Center on campus. When I first arrived on campus it was hard adjusting to the change of being away from my home, my family and my culture. However, the Intercultural Center gave me a place to go where I could meet and talk to other people who were going through the same experience. I have made a lot of new friends by participating in the events and trips. I have also learned a lot about other people’s experiences growing up in parts of the world I have never been to. Today I stop at the Intercultural Center to sign up for a trip to New York City. I have never been before and we are going on a tour of the city and to see a play. A few of my other friends will be going as well, so I am very excited.
Once classes are done for the day, my friends and I meet up at the library to do some studying. We have a weekly study group that reserves a private room in the University Library but today we are unofficially meeting to study for a test. The library has more than 2,500 periodicals and 29 new wireless computer workstations. If you need to do some research, the University Library is the place to be.
A full day behind us, my friends and I head back to the dorm with a couple pizzas and a movie. It is just another day at RWU and honestly, I could not be happier!