Applying for Aid
For Undergraduate Freshman Students
In order for us to assess your financial need in a fair and uniform manner, freshman applicants must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after October 1 each year, but no later than March 1.
The FAFSA is available through your high school guidance office. In addition, families may apply online at studentaid.gov.
For Undergraduate Transfer Students
In order for us to assess your financial need in a fair and uniform manner, transfer applicants must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after October 1 each year, but no later than March 1.
The FAFSA is available through the transfer office, or the Office of Student Financial Aid. In addition, families may apply online at studentaid.gov.
FAFSA (Federal and State Aid)
Roger Williams FAFSA code is: 003410
To be considered eligible for any financial aid, a student must be admitted to a degree program and be a U.S. Citizen or Eligible Non-citizen.
Returning students must reapply for financial aid each year in order to have your current eligibility determined. All returning students must submit a FAFSA to the federal processor by March 1. You must also satisfy the academic standards of the University to continue to be eligible for financial aid.
If you have any additional questions regarding financial aid, please contact us:
Office of Student Financial Aid
Roger Williams University
One Old Ferry Road
Bristol, RI 02809-2921
(401) 254-3100
For Graduate Students
Several of our graduate degree programs offer merit-based scholarships, assistantships and research stipends. Students should contact specific programs to check availability.
Graduate students who are enrolled in a degree program and are taking a minimum of two courses (6 credits) and are eligible for federal financial aid--must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. Those students enrolled in one course (3 credits) may qualify for private loans.
The first step in applying for financial aid is completing the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available at studentaid.gov.
Financial Aid Portal
Our financial aid portal is interactive, allowing you to review your financial aid application online and upload all the required documents needed to complete the application process. You can also access important messages within this portal.
This web-based secure financial aid portal will allow you to check the status of your financial aid application, review your financial aid eligibility, and accept or decline your awards once you have been awarded for the academic year.
New undergraduate students, once you declare your intent to enroll, you will receive your Roger Central login credentials, which will provide you access to the RWU financial aid portal. Under Roger Central, click on Financial Information (icon on left margin) and select Financial Aid. This will automatically bring you to the financial aid portal. Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to use this system. If you have any questions, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 401.254.3100 or via email at finaid@rwu.edu.
Returning student, in order to access the RWU financial aid portal, you must log in to Roger Central. Once you login, click on Financial Information (icon on left margin) and select Financial Aid. This will automatically bring you to the financial aid portal. Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to use this system. If you have any questions, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 401.254.3100 or via email at finaid@rwu.edu.
View the FAQ for more information on using our financial aid portal. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact the Financial Aid Office.
Financial Aid Portal FAQ
How do I obtain access to the Financial Aid Portal?
Log into Roger Central, click on Financial Information, and then click on Financial Aid. This will log you in directly to the financial aid portal.
How often is the system updated?
The system is real time. However, please allow time for the Financial Aid staff to process the documents you submit. Please do not submit verification documents via e-mail. Use the financial aid portal to upload your documentation.
May I contact the Financial Aid Office through the Financial Aid Portal?
Yes. On each screen, the help button located at the top of the page next to the logout button, will link you to phone number and email address.
Where can I get the forms listed on the Documents tab?
Institutional forms may be downloaded from the 'Documents' tab by clicking on the requested document. Additional forms may be found at Forms and Policies. If we requested a copy of your W2 forms and you didn’t work, please complete the Statement of Wage and Tax Non-Filing Status form.
May I accept my awards online?
Yes, if you are ready to accept or decline your awards, use the ‘View and Accept Awards’ dropdown and ‘Submit’.
Under the ‘View and Accept Awards’, please review the itemized award and amounts. You may be offered student loans even though you did not request one. You do not need to accept the loans in your financial aid award. For example, you may also wish to borrow a portion of the totals for which you are eligible. You can accept, reduce, or decline any of the loans being offered to you. The list of awards also includes any other types of aid that you are eligible to receive each semester (i.e., grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships). Additional information describing types of aid as well as payment options.
If you have a source of educational funding that is not listed, or if you secure other funding after you have accepted your awards, please inform us as soon as possible via email at finaid@rwu.edu or in writing via mail. Examples of additional funding that must be reported include Vocational Rehabilitation, Veteran’s Benefits, Job Training Partnership, Tribal grants or loans, as well as all scholarships, stipends, and grants. Note: some of these funds may require us to make adjustments to your other aid items.
Please look over the financial aid being offered before accepting it. Your acceptance indicates that you understand and accept the rules and conditions affecting your financial aid. We will contact you if there are any revisions made to your award letter based on new information.