Rankings and Recognitions

Excellence in Education and Experience

U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Regional Universities North 2026

#35

Best Regional University North by U.S. News & World Report

96%

96% 

of RWU graduates find success in employment or graduate school within six months of graduation

 

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.

27.6%

of undergraduate students are the first in their families to attend college.

$78 million 

 is awarded annually in financial aid to students.

19,694 hours 

of pro bono legal services were provided by law students at the School of Law.

Senior Steak and Lobster Dinner

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's Bon Appétit Dining

RWU School of Law: Recognized for Innovation and Impact

#6 Best Law School for Public Interest 2025 - preLaw

#6

Best Law School for Public Interest from preLaw

preLaw Innovation Leader Law School 2023-2024

LEADER

Bloomberg Law Innovation Leader Law School

#13 Professors for Teaching and Accessibility 2025 - Princeton Review

#13

Faculty Teaching and Accessibility from Princeton Review’s Best Law Schools

Students in a lab working together

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.

Carnegie Community Engagement Classification Recognition
Safewise Safest College Towns in America 2022

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.

Home to RWU, Bristol Named Safest College Town in America

Leading with Purpose, Inclusion, and Service

Nationally Recognized Programs at RWU

Poets&Quants Best Undergraduate Business Schools Of 2025

#59 

RWU’s Mario J. Gabelli School of Business ranks No. 59 in Career Outcomes in the Poets&Quants Best Undergraduate Business Schools Of 2025

 

Best Regional Colleges in the Northeast for 2026 by The Princeton Review

Best Regional

RWU was named one of the Best Regional Colleges in the Northeast for 2026 by The Princeton Review

Best College USA 2026 research.com

Best USA

RWU was named one of Research.com's Best Colleges USA 2026.

 

Wall Street Journal Best Colleges in the U.S. 2026

Best in the U.S.

RWU was named to the Wall Street Journal's 2026 Best Colleges list.

STARS bronze award

BRONZE

STARS Bronze rating in recognition of our sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

 

U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Engineering Programs 2026

Best Engineering

The ​U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges rankings recognized RWU as having one of the Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.

RWU News