Endowed Scholarships and Awards

RWU offers several scholarships that require applications and specific qualifications.  Our general eligibility requirements include that you are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, and are enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program.  Program and eligibility requirements are subject to revision based on federal, state and university changes to regulations and policies.

In addition, if you are looking for further assistance, RWU would like to recommend some helpful websites:

Bristol, RI Residents 

Harold Payson Memorial Scholarship (New Students): 
A four-year, full-tuition scholarship awarded annually to a candidate who has graduated from an accredited American high school; who is an American Citizen or permanent resident without previous college experience; who has filed a formal application for admission and financial aid; and who qualifies for admission to the University. This scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement and community service and is given in honor of Harold Payson, a native Bristolian, who served the University as a faculty member, ombudsman and academic dean from 1968 until 1974.
Application deadline: February 1

Harold Payson Endowed Scholarship (Returning Students): 
The fund has been established in the memory of Harold Payson to provide financial support for full-time undergraduate students of the University who have been residents of Bristol, RI for at least two (2) years at time of application. Must be a high school graduate intending full-time undergraduate enrollment at the University; and will be based on academic promise and financial need.

Bristol Rotary Scholarship (Returning Students): 
Awarded to a Bristol, RI resident who is currently enrolled as a sophomore, junior or senior at the University, this endowed scholarship will be given to those who are in financial need.

Bristol Memorial Grant (Fireman – Bristol Residents only) (New Students):
A four-year, full tuition scholarship awarded annually to a candidate who has resided in Bristol for at least two years and has graduated from an accredited American high school; who is an American citizen or permanent resident without previous college experience; who has filed a formal application for admission and financial aid; who qualifies for admission to the University; whose parent or grandparent serves or has served in the Town fire department; and who maintains a full-time student status at the University and satisfactory academic progress as outlined in the University Catalog. In a year where there is no qualified candidate as determined by the Award Committee, there shall be no award of the scholarship for such year.
Application deadline: February 1

Bristol Memorial Grant (Policeman – Bristol Residents only) (New Students):
A four-year, full-tuition scholarship awarded annually to a candidate who has resided in Bristol for at least two years and has graduated from an accredited American high school; who is an American citizen or permanent resident without previous college experience; who has filed a formal application for admission and financial aid; who qualifies for admission to the University; whose parent or grandparent serves or has served in the Town police department; and who maintains a full-time student status at the University and satisfactory academic progress as outlined in the University Catalog. In a year where there is no qualified candidate, as determined by the Award Committee, there shall be no award of the scholarship for such year.
Application deadline: February 1

The Ceasar Brito Memorial Scholarship (Bristol Residents only) (New Students):
This scholarship has been established in 1998 in honor of Ceasar Brito, well-known businessman, philanthropist, and civic leader.  The Scholarship is available annually to an entering freshman majoring in engineering. The recipient must be a Bristol, RI resident at the time of acceptance to the University, must have demonstrated academic achievement and be in financial need. In the event there are no applicants who have declared engineering as a major field of study, residents majoring in other disciplines will be given consideration. 
Application deadline: February 1

Click here for the Bristol/Mount Hope High School application

Orlando J. Bisbano Meritorious Scholarship Fund (Returning Students):
Awarded to a Bristol, RI resident currently enrolled as a second or third year student who aspires to do public service.  This scholarship is based first upon merit and then upon financial need.  This award is in memory of Orlando J. Bisbano, former Bristol, RI town clerk.

Mount Hope High School 

Michael Andrade Memorial Scholarship (New Students):
A four-year, full tuition and fees scholarship awarded annually to a graduate of Mount Hope High School who maintains a B average. Preference will be given to undergraduate students who have an intended major of construction management, engineering or architecture. This scholarship is awarded in honor of Michael Andrade, a native Bristolian and graduate of Mount Hope High School, who was killed in Iraq while on National Guard duty.
Application deadline: February 1

Click here for the Bristol/Mount Hope High School application

Portsmouth High School 

Portsmouth High School (RI) Scholarship (New Students):
A four-year, full-tuition scholarship awarded annually to a graduate of Portsmouth High School (RI) who maintains a 3.0 GPA and has a combined SAT score of at least 1170. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic and extracurricular achievements. To renew the scholarship for four years, the candidate must maintain a minimum Roger Williams University GPA of a 3.0 and commit five hours of community service to the Portsmouth School District (RI). (For U.S. Citizens and U.S. Permanent Residents Only).
Application deadline: February 1

Click here for the Portsmouth application

Alan Shawn Feinstein

Alan Shawn Feinstein Leadership Scholarships (New/Returning Students):
Since 2006, the Alan Shawn Feinstein Leadership Scholarships Fund has supported rising young scholars with scholarships to attend Roger Williams University. The Alan Shawn Feinstein Leadership Scholarships is a financial aid program of The Feinstein Foundation to recognize students who have been actively involved in a Feinstein Good Deeds / Junior Scholar or Youth Hunger Brigade Program. This scholarship will be awarded to a student at any time that Alan Shawn Feinstein generously donates to the University. The scholarship will only be made available to students who have been actively involved as a Feinstein Junior Scholar. All applicants must provide a copy of their Feinstein Junior Scholar card along with his/her application. Also of importance is that there are limited scholarships available, therefore, the sooner applications are received in the Financial Aid Office, the greater your opportunity of being selected.
Application deadline: February 1

Click here for the Alan Shawn Feinstein Leadership Scholarships application

Diverse Populations: 

Intercultural Leadership Ambassador Program & Scholarship (ILAPS) (New Students):
The Intercultural Leadership Ambassador Program & Scholarship (ILAPS) at Roger Williams University recognizes and rewards a diverse group of students who have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership and positive contributions to their communities through a selective scholarship program. The program includes a scholarship of over $30,000 per year for four consecutive years of undergraduate study in addition to a co-curricular program which seeks to provide mentorship and academic support while furthering the holistic and leadership growth of recipients throughout their time at RWU.

Eligible candidates will be full time students entering their first year of undergraduate study, eligible for federal need-based financial aid, achieve a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate leadership or leadership potential. In addition, they will meet one of the following criteria: be a first generation college student; speak a first language other than English or live in a home where English is not the primary language; live or attend high school in an under-resourced community; or live in a geographically underrepresented community.

Elsch Josiah Maisoh Fund (New Students):
This fund provides financial assistance to a full-time, undergraduate student enrolled in the construction management major, who is underrepresented by race or ethnicity, and has financial need. The award is renewable for up to three additional years of full-time, undergraduate enrollment in good academic standing, and is awarded every four years. All accepted students will be considered through their admission application. No separate application is necessary.

Anthony Montalbano Scholarship (New Students):
This scholarship provides financial assistance to a full-time, undergraduate student enrolled in the legal studies major. The award is renewable for up to three additional years of full-time, undergraduate enrollment in good academic standing, and is awarded every four years. All accepted students will be considered through their admission application. No separate application is necessary.

Jerrold L. Lavine Scholarship (New Students):
This scholarship provides financial assistance to first generation students who are residents of Rhode Island. The award is renewable for up to three additional years of full-time, undergraduate enrollment in good academic standing, and is awarded each academic year. All accepted students will be considered through their admission application. No separate application is necessary.

Shawmut Scholars Fund (3 New Students entering Fall 2021):
This fund provides financial assistance to Three (3) full-time, undergraduate students enrolled in the School of Engineering, Computing, and Construction Management, who are underrepresented, and have financial need. The award is renewable for up to three additional years of full-time, undergraduate enrollment in good academic standing, and is awarded every four years. All accepted students will be considered through their admission application. No separate application is necessary. Award is $15,000 Scholarship annually, along with a $2,500 Stipend for internships in related programs.

Alumni Association Scholarship Fund (Returning Students): 
This scholarship, based on high academic standing, contributions to the University community, and financial need, provides assistance to full-time students entering their junior or senior years.

Andrade Family Endowed Scholarship Fund (Returning Students): 
Established in 2012, this scholarship will be awarded to a first generation college attendee with demonstrated financial need, in good academic standing with demonstrated academic achievement from Bristol County, MA, Newport or Bristol Counties, RI or from the City of East Providence, RI. Preference will be given to students who have an expressed interest in the Portuguese language and/or an expressed interest in Portuguese or Brazilian culture, history or heritage.

L.G. Balfour Scholarship for Underserved and Under-represented Students (Returning Students): 
Established through a generous grant from the L.G. Balfour Foundation, this fund provides scholarship assistance to qualified minority students based upon financial need and academic merit.

Barnes and Noble Bookstores, Inc., Scholarship (Returning Students): 
Barnes and Noble, one of the leading booksellers in the United States and operator of the Roger Williams University bookstore, contributes annually to the scholarship fund. Consideration is given to an upper-class student showing financial need.

Richard L. Bready Minority Scholarship (Returning Students):  
Established by Richard L. Bready, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Roger Williams University.  This scholarship provides financial assistance to a deserving, under-represented student(s) who consistently maintains(s) high academic standards of 2.5 GPA or higher. 

Coca-Cola Scholars (Returning Students): 
Established in 2009 by the Coca-Cola Foundation. This scholarship provides financial assistance to underrepresented students, based upon financial need, who maintain good academic standing. 

Faculty/Staff Emergency Scholarship (Returning Students): 
Established for returning students with demonstrated financial need.

Mario Geremia Scholarship Fund (Returning Students): 
Awarded annually to an upper-year University student who is in need of financial assistance to complete his or her undergraduate education. The recipient must be a resident of Rhode Island in good academic standing.

William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship Fund for Underserved Students (Returning Students): 
Established through a generous gift from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, this scholarship is awarded to underserved full-time undergraduate students at the University.

Grimshaw-Gudewicz Scholarship (New and Returning Students):
Established by the Grimshaw-Gudewicz Charitable Foundation, this annual scholarship award is available to students from New Bedford, Massachusetts with good academic standing and demonstrated financial need.

Providence, RI

Patrolman Gregory W. Bolden Memorial Scholarship (New and Returning Students): 
This scholarship was established in 2007 in loving memory of Patrolman Gregory Bolden by the Bolden family, with the voluntary support of the Providence Police Department and the active participation of the Providence School Department and Roger Williams University. Patrolman Bolden received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from RWU School of Justice Studies. This scholarship's objective is to award academic scholarships to qualified under-represented students desiring to attend Roger Williams University's School of Justice Studies, in preparation for a career in law enforcement or criminal justice. Applicants must be residents of the City of Providence, graduating students in the Providence public school system, with a minimum GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale). Student applicants must be accepted for enrollment (or already enrolled) at Roger Williams University, with a declared major in the School of Justice Studies or a related course of study, must maintain a 2.75 GPA, have a history of voluntary community service, and demonstrated financial need.

Click here for the Bolden Memorial Scholarship application

Jonathan Redler Memorial Scholarship (Returning Students):  
This fund was established by the Hannon family, in memory of Jonathan Redler, a student at Roger Williams University.  This scholarship is to be awarded to a student with financial need.  This award became available in the spring of 2013.

Robert F. Stoico Scholarship Fund (Returning Students):  
Established in 2017 by Robert F. Stoico, RWU Board of Trustee, and the Robert F. Stoico/FIRSTFED Charitable Foundation.  This scholarship is awarded annually to a full-time student who "will make a difference" and has a passion for learning, has a minimum  GPA of 3.0, is a resident of Southeastern Massachusetts or Rhode Island, and has demonstrated need.

Student Senate Scholarship (Returning Students): 
Awarded to a full-time student entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year, this scholarship is based on distinguished academic performance, contribution to the University, and financial need.

Dr. Harold Way Memorial Scholarship Fund (Returning Students): 
Established in memory of Dr. Harold Way, former University faculty member from 1969-74, this scholarship, based upon academic standing and the student's contribution to the University, is awarded to a deserving junior. For more information, please visit the Student Achievement Awards Committee: Student Achievement Awards | Roger Williams University (rwu.edu)

"Walk of Fame" Alumni Association Scholarship (Returning Students): 
This scholarship was established by University constituents who purchased bricks in the Roger Williams University "Walk of Fame."  Awarded annually, this scholarship is based on high academic standing, contributions to the University community and financial need.  Students entering their sophomore, junior or senior years are eligible and preference will be given to legacies.

Transfer Scholarships

RWU Transfer Merit Scholarship (New Students):
Transfer Scholarships range from $10,000 to $23,000. Applicants with cumulative GPAs starting at 2.75 will be considered for a scholarship. Scholarships are granted for three consecutive years  and students must maintain a minimum GPA relative to their award to retain scholarship eligibility. Students must enroll as full-time, day students at RWU to be eligible. 

International Scholarships

RWU International Merit Scholarship (New Students):
Roger Williams University strives to recognize students with superior academic achievement through the awarding of merit scholarships. The RWU International Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship for international students. Accepted international applicants are guaranteed a scholarship of $26,000 a year. No separate application is necessary.