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.  

2024-2025 FAFSA Release: The U.S. Department of Education has launched the 2024-2025 FAFSA and colleges have just begun receiving students' FAFSA data from the U.S. Department of Education as of mid-March. Students who have already submitted their 2024-2025 FAFSA and need to make corrections will not be able to until mid to late April. Specific timelines will be announced when the U.S. Department of Education provides them. For more information and updates, please visit studentaid.gov. Understanding the challenges posed by changes in FAFSA timelines, we've taken proactive steps. We're accepting the College Board College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile) through May 1st to ensure students stay on course and receive their financial aid packages promptly. Please note: You will still need to complete the FAFSA so that we can confirm your federal aid. 

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.  

2024-2025 FAFSA Release: The U.S. Department of Education has launched the 2024-2025 FAFSA and colleges have just begun receiving students' FAFSA data from the U.S. Department of Education as of mid-March. Students who have already submitted their 2024-2025 FAFSA and need to make corrections will not be able to until mid to late April. Specific timelines will be announced when the U.S. Department of Education provides them. For more information and updates, please visit studentaid.gov. Understanding the challenges posed by changes in FAFSA timelines, we've taken proactive steps. We're accepting the College Board College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile) through May 1st to ensure students stay on course and receive their financial aid packages promptly. Please note: You will still need to complete the FAFSA so that we can confirm your federal aid. 

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.

2024-2025 FAFSA Release: The U.S. Department of Education has launched the 2024-2025 FAFSA and colleges have just begun receiving students' FAFSA data from the U.S. Department of Education as of mid-March. Students who have already submitted their 2024-2025 FAFSA and need to make corrections will not be able to until mid to late April. Specific timelines will be announced when the U.S. Department of Education provides them. For more information and updates, please visit studentaid.gov. To accommodate the additional time needed to process the backlog of applications we'll receive, we expect to be able to begin notifying students that RWU has received their FAFSA shortly after students are registered for fall 2024. If you have not submitted your 2024-2025 FAFSA please do so as soon as possible.

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.

The first step? Complete the appropriate forms – as early as possible to be eligible for maximum aid.

  • Undergraduate freshman applicants who are requesting aid must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) between October 1 and March 1. The FAFSA is available online at studentaid.gov. Our FAFSA code is 003410.
  • Undergraduate transfer applicants who are requesting aid must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) between October 1 and March 1. The FAFSA is available online at studentaid.gov. Our FAFSA code is 003410.

Here’s a quick timeline to help you get organized

October:
  • October 1: The FAFSA is available online - and the sooner it is completed the better off you are (due by 3/1)
  • 2024-2025 FAFSA Release Delayed: The U.S. Department of Education has launched the 2024-2025 FAFSA and colleges have just begun receiving students' FAFSA data from the U.S. Department of Education as of mid-March. Students who have already submitted their 2024-2025 FAFSA and need to make corrections will not be able to until mid to late April. Specific timelines will be announced when the U.S. Department of Education provides them. For more information and updates, please visit studentaid.gov. 
January:
  • Start looking at payment plans and external scholarship options
  • Notification of acceptance and merit-based scholarship awards are sent to students who have applied Early Action
  • Financial aid packages are mailed to all Early Action accepted students
February:
  • February 1: RWU application for regular decision admission is due 
March:
  • March 1: FAFSA is due for undergraduate freshmen students
  • March 1: FAFSA is due for undergraduate transfer students
  • Notification of acceptance and merit scholarship awards are sent to students who have applied Regular Decision
  • Financial aid packages are mailed to all accepted students
April and May:
  • Work on payment options – tuition and room deposits are due on June 1
  • Submit additional documentation (if applicable) to the Financial Aid Office
June:
  • June 1: Accept or Decline Federal Student Loans on Financial Aid portal
  • June 1: Tuition deposit is due
  • June 1: Room deposit is due
  • Submit any Parent Federal PLUS and other private loan applications according to application instructions
  • Complete Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling for Federal Direct Loans
 July and August:
  • July 1: If you have opted for a tuition payment plan, payments begin on this date
  • Finalize any additional outside funding options, celebrate your student’s high school graduation and enjoy the summer helping them get ready to go to RWU!
  • Orientation
  • Move in Day!