Types of Financial Aid
There are many types of aid available for students. Some programs run by Roger Williams are awarded by simply applying for admission, while others are awarded to students through a more formal aid application process. To ensure full consideration for all aid programs, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Scholarships and Grants
Scholarships and grants are awarded to students to directly offset costs and do not need to be paid back. They can be awarded by the university, federal or state government or outside entities/agencies. Scholarships tend to be earned (“merit” aid) due to student qualities and qualifications (such as GPA, test scores, essay/selection process) whereas grants (need-based aid) may be based on your financial circumstances and require the FAFSA or other demonstration.
RWU Scholarships
Every year, Roger Williams University provides over $59 million in merit-based aid through scholarships. All incoming students are eligible for merit-based aid offered by the University and it will be reviewed during the application process.
Find out more about RWU Scholarships
Federal and State Grants
Some students may be eligible for federal and state grant support to fund your education.
Learn more about Federal and State Grant Programs
Endowed Scholarships
In addition, incoming and returning students may be eligible for scholarships and grants based on certain characteristics.
Departmental Scholarships for Current Students
High-performing returning students have the opportunity to receive awards from academic departments at RWU.
Learn more about Departmental Scholarships
Tuition Exchanged Scholarships
Roger Williams University participates in both Tuition Exchange (TE) and Council for Independent Colleges Tuition Exchange Program (CIC-TEP). The programs provide the opportunity for eligible dependent children of faculty and staff to receive undergraduate scholarships at one of the participating member institutions.
The TE and CIC-TEP programs are scholarship programs, not fringe benefits provided by Roger Williams University. Only full-time faculty and staff who have completed six (6) months of employment with the University at the time of application are eligible to apply for participation in the TE and/or CIC-TEP programs. TE and/or CIC-TEP scholarships are not guaranteed. Acceptance for admission at a TE and/or CIC-TEP member institution does not guarantee a TE and/or CIC-TEP scholarship.
If you have a dependent hoping to receive a TE or CIC-TEP scholarship,
- Start by visiting https://tuitionexchange.org/ to review the lists of participating institutions for TE and CIC-TEP.
If the institution(s) your dependent is hoping to attend is listed, please follow the below instructions:
For Tuition Exchange (TE) and Council of Independent Colleges (CIC-TEP)
- Create an account at https://te.tuitionexchange.org/registration
- Complete the application. Application is accessible online at EZ-Application apply online.
Students (not parents) must create an account using a personal email address that will remain with the student beyond their high school/college careers. Students can log in to check the status of their applications at any time. They will not receive auto-notifications when a school updates their status.
Students can list up to 20 schools on the EZ-Application.
After students submit their EZ-Application, they will not need to re-apply in subsequent years unless they decide to transfer or the parent switches employers.
Applications for exchange scholarships should be submitted concurrently with sending admission applications to the institution, unless otherwise specified by the institution.
As each institution manages their exchange programs differently, you will be notified about admission to the institution according to that institution’s deadlines. Exchange scholarship awards are sent by the institution, not Roger Williams University, shortly after admission decisions are made, but usually no later than May 1st.
If you do not receive a decision from the institution, you are encouraged to contact the institution directly. The institution’s Tuition Liaison Officer will be able to provide you an update on the award decision.
- Who is the Tuition Liaison and how do I contact them?
- Visit https://tuitionexchange.org/ or contact the institution directly.
If a scholarship is not awarded and your family member still attends the institution, you can re-apply for a scholarship the following academic year.
Please be mindful of the fact that at most schools TE and CIC-TEP scholarships are competitive and award is not guaranteed. Therefore, it is important to apply for other scholarships and financial aid within specified deadlines.
If awarded TE or CIC-TEP, students are required to reside on campus for the duration of your undergraduate program.
What Is the Dollar Value of The Scholarship?
TE – Scholarships cover full tuition, or a rate set by Tuition Exchange.
CIC-TEP – Scholarships cover full tuition.
The host institution's commitment to each student is limited to full tuition remission. (Institutions may not grant a partial tuition write-off.) Host institutions may use other tuition-specific student financial aid to offset some of this remission. Students are responsible for all other expenses such as room and board.
For additional information contact the Office of Human Resources at 401-254-3028 or email human_resources@rwu.edu.
Loans
Loans provide funds to students and/or parents as part of an agreement to pay the money back, with interest, after graduation. Generally speaking, the Federal government and private bank lenders are the two most common providers of student or parent loan options to consider as a tool to help pay for college. Various loan options may be in the student or parent name and in some cases (such as international students) may require a co-signer.
At RWU, we can help you understand interest rates, loan options, and various repayment options so you can make the best informed decision about student and parent borrowing.
Federal Loan Options
The Federal Government can provide loans to directly offset costs for students to attend school. This includes Direct Loans.
Private/Alternative Loans
Private bank lenders are another option for students to consider when thinking about paying for college. Other loan options also exist which each have pros and cons for a family to carefully consider.
Private/Alternative Loan Options
Work
Student employment is a way for students to earn money to pay for educational expenses typically on a part-time basis. Unlike other types of financial aid, work earnings typically do not address your tuition and fees. Students receive a regular paycheck throughout the semester, based on hours worked, just like a normal job. Employment earnings therefore typically cover expenses such as books, supplies, travel, and entertainment rather than the tuition bill.
Student employment may be awarded to you when you apply for financial aid (with funds coming from the Federal College Work Study program), while other jobs at RWU are open to any student.
Jobs at RWU may be on campus, off-campus in a community service related capacity, or may be part of our unique FIT program which programs hands-on experience and a mentor in an internship-like role over a three-year work opportunity.