#25
Best Regional University North by U.S. News & World Report
Rankings and Recognitions
RWU's Commitment to Excellence
At Roger Williams University, our rankings and accolades demonstrate our strong commitment to real-world learning, student success, and inclusive excellence. From national honors to top regional distinctions, RWU continues to be recognized as a university of choice—where students engage in hands-on experiences and achieve greater heights in their careers and lives. Discover how our programs, values, and community members are making a positive impact and gaining recognition nationwide.
Excellence in Education and Experience
of RWU graduates find success in employment or graduate school within six months of graduation
#17
Top Private College Regional University North by U.S. News & World Report
19,694
Hours of Pro Bono Legal Services
were provided by law students at the School of Law.
$78 Million
In Financial Aid
is awarded annually to students.
27.6%
First-Gen
27.6% of undergraduate students are the first in their families to attend college.
#1 Best Online School
RWU Offers A Top College Food Experience
RWU was ranked No. 21 in America and No. 2 in Rhode Island on Niche’s 2026 Best College Food list. Roger Williams University students returned this fall to a refreshed Upper Commons, following a summer-long $2 million renovation project designed to expand dining options, highlight sustainability, and enhance the student experience.
RWU School of Law: Recognized for Innovation and Impact
#11
Top Law School for Social Justice by The National Jurist 2026
Top School
Top School for Public Service from preLaw 2025-2026
Top School
Top School for Environmental Law from preLaw
Honors
Justice & Opportunity Honors for Law Schools Expanding Opportunity from preLaw
#13
Faculty Teaching and Accessibility from Princeton Review’s Best Law Schools
Best
Best Schools for Social Justice from preLaw 2025-2026
RWU’s Official Carnegie Classifications
RWU received recognition in 2022 as a Research College and University, a classification that recognizes non-doctoral colleges and universities with significant research activity. Roger Williams is one of only two institutions in RI with this classification.
Nationally Recognized Programs at RWU
#48
RWU’s Mario J. Gabelli School of Business ranks No. 48 in Academic Experience in the Poets&Quants Best Undergraduate Business Schools Of 2025
Best Regional
RWU was named one of the Best Regional Colleges in the Northeast for 2026 by The Princeton Review.
Best USA
RWU was named one of Research.com's Best Colleges USA 2026.
Best in the U.S.
RWU was named to the Wall Street Journal's 2026 Best Colleges list.
BRONZE
STARS Bronze rating in recognition of our sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).
Best Engineering
The U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges rankings recognized RWU as having one of the Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.
Safety First
Bristol, R.I., was ranked the #1 Safest Town in Rhode Island by Safewise 2025. In 2022, Bristol was ranked the #1 Safest College Town in America by Safewise.
Bristol was also ranked the #3 Safest College Town in America for 2026 by Research.com.
Leading with Purpose, Inclusion, and Service
Home of the Narragansett Bay Estuary Program, part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Estuaries Program dedicated to protecting and improving the region’s watersheds and coastal environment.
Shawmut Scholar Program at RWU provides four-year scholarships, paid internships and professional development for underrepresented students in engineering and construction management majors.
RWU is a member of the Scholars at Risk Network, which works to protect scholars and promote academic freedom worldwide.
Recognized Green College
RWU Featured in Princeton Review’s 2026 Guide to Green Colleges
Top Online Master’s Degree
#19 Online Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity 2024 Fortune
Leading Engineering Programs 2024
Leading Engineering Programs 2024 recognized by Newsweek
RWU News
Socrates Café Marks 25 Years of Philosophical Conversation at RWU
BRISTOL, R.I. — For 25 years, Socrates Café at Roger Williams University (RWU) has invited students, faculty, and other members of the university community to explore philosophical questions
Roger Williams University School Spirit Shines Despite Rainy, Windy Homecoming and Family Weekend
Families, alumni, and students came together for a weekend of campus traditions, athletic competitions, and Hawk pride.
Roger Williams University Graduate Applies Her Science Foundation to Exotic Animal Care
Drawing on her RWU science foundation and three years of experience at the Bronx Zoo, Victoria “Tori” Stephenson ’18 now provides specialized veterinary care for birds, reptiles, and other exotic pets in New York.
Two Roger Williams University Alumni Serve as Captains in Rhode Island State Police
Criminal Justice graduates Heather Donahue ’03, M’08 and Melissa A. Rand ’08, M’13 bring their RWU education and law enforcement experience to leadership roles serving Rhode Island.
Congressman Gabe Amo Visits RWU to Highlight Rhode Island’s Blue Economy
Congressman’s Blue Economy Tour stop highlights RWU’s aquaculture research, marine science, and hands-on student learning.
