Roger Williams University Rises in U.S. News & World Report Ranking

RWU also made the lists for Best Engineering Program, Best Business Program, Best Value Schools and Most Innovative Schools

By Jill Rodrigues '05
Student working in chemistry lab.
RWU advanced in ranking of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Regional Universities in the North and made the lists for Best Undergraduate Engineering Program, Best Undergraduate Business Program, Best Value Schools and Most Innovative Schools.

BRISTOL, R.I. –Roger Williams University advanced 15 spots to rank No. 28 on U.S. News & WorldReport’s 2020 Best Regional Universities in the North list. In the rankings released today, RWU also made the lists for Best Undergraduate Engineering Program, Best Undergraduate Business Program, Best Value Schools and Most Innovative Schools.

RWU continues to make measured improvements in areas of the rankings that align with the university’s commitment to student success, such as student retention and graduation rates. Additionally, small class sizes and a 14-1 student-to-faculty ratio enable personal attention in the classroom that help our students thrive.

RWU’s ranking significantly improved at a time when the university has led efforts to become more inclusive and expand access to talented students from diverse racial and socio-economic backgrounds. Students from a variety of backgrounds flourish at RWU’s Bristol and Providence campuses through the support of excellent faculty and staff, as well as flexible pathways and innovative engagement opportunities.

In addition to the rise in ranking, RWU was also recognized in the new category of outstanding experiential learning programs. Roger Williams has several areas of excellence in experiential learning, including programs for first year experience, service learning, senior capstone, study abroad, and undergraduate research.

“The quality of a Roger Williams University education continues to strengthen through innovative programming, the work of our expert faculty and delivering hands-on, experiential learning opportunities,” RWU President Ioannis Miaoulis said. “We’re proud to see this rise in our ranking while we advance efforts to open access to a greater diversity of students to the opportunities of higher education.”

The rankings highlight an exciting start to the academic year, as RWU welcomes its most diverse class of students – an increase of 12 to 18 percent racial and ethnic diversity over the past four years – and a new president leading the university, while nearing completion of an applied learning labs building that will deliver the latest engineering, computing and construction management technology right on campus.