New Student Awards and Endowed Scholarships
Merit Scholarships
As part of our comprehensive financial aid packaging, Roger Williams University offers institutionally supported merit scholarships. All students are considered for merit-based scholarships, with no separate application required.
Merit Scholarships offered at the time of admission recognize what students have accomplished in their learning prior to enrolling at Roger Williams. As part of our overall financial aid strategy, two recent changes were put in place (effective for new students beginning in fall 2019) to further enhance the value of your investment in an RWU education.
- Merit Scholarships will renew all four years for students as long as the students remain in good standing at the university - no higher GPA requirement exists to keep their award.
- RWU students who achieve a minimum overall 3.6 GPA or higher at the end of the academic year will receive the Academic Excellence Award, providing an additional $1,000 towards the following year’s tuition. The Academic Excellence Award can be earned at the conclusion of each academic year in which a 3.6 GPA is earned.
RWU Travel Grant
Beyond tuition, room, and board, we know that many other factors impact the total cost of affording a college. For families from farther away, the purchase of flights to and from home over breaks will mean increased cost in choosing RWU. RWU is sensitive to the total cost of an education that families may face, including transportation, books, and other expenses. Therefore, to support our out-of-region enrolled students, we have created a special Travel Grant for students from states outside of New England, New York, and New Jersey. This $1500 grant is awarded to all qualified students in addition to merit scholarships awarded at time of admission (with the exception of full-tuition scholarship recipients). Students meeting the geographic criteria will automatically qualify for this award. *Effective for students enrolling beginning fall 2020
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.
All applications must be submitted online using the corresponding link(s) below.
Bristol, RI Residents
Harold Payson Memorial Scholarship
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
Bristol Memorial Grant (Fireman – Bristol Residents only)
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)
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)
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
Mount Hope High School
Michael Andrade Memorial Scholarship:
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
Bristol/Mount Hope High School application
Portsmouth High School
Portsmouth High School (RI) Scholarship:
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
Providence, RI Residents
Patrolman Gregory W. Bolden Memorial Scholarship:
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.
Bolden Memorial Scholarship application
Onward We Learn Scholarship:
Were you a Rhode Island Crusader? Roger Williams University proudly partners with Onward We Learn (formerly known as College Crusade). For your involvement, Roger Williams could potentially donate a $5,000 annual scholarship. This scholarship is in addition to your Roger Williams awards in order to further reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Requirements:
- Complete a FAFSA
- Pell Grant Recipient
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Full time enrollment within the undergraduate day program
- Former Rhode Island Crusader
- Award cannot exceed cost of attendance
- Eligible up to 8 semesters
If you do not meet the above requirements, you still may qualify for an Onward We Learn Scholarship based on the number of participation hours you completed. Contact the financial aid office at Roger Williams University in order to verify your eligibility.
Opportunities For Underrepresented Populations
Intercultural Leadership Ambassador Program & Scholarship (ILAPS)
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.
Anthony Montalbano Scholarship
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.
Elsch Josiah Maisoh Fund
This fund provides financial assistance to a full-time, undergraduate student enrolled in the construction management major, who is underrepresented, 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.
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.
Jerrold L. Lavine Scholarship
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.
Richard L. Bready Minority Scholarship
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.
Shawmut Scholars Fund
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.
Transfer Scholarships
RWU Transfer Merit Scholarship:
Transfer Scholarships range from $17,000 to $25,000. 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
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.
RWU Greek Student Scholar Award
RWU’s President Ioannis Miaoulis is Greek, we have many Greek alumni, and powerful Greek partnerships exist, like our MBA international experience at American College of Greece. Because of this, RWU can be a home away from home for students from Greece. To honor this relationship, the RWU Greek Student Scholar Award provides an additional funding of up to $5000 USD on top of the international student scholarship that all international applicants are automatically considered for. The RWU Greek Student Scholar Award is based on a combination of financial need and accomplishments. Admitted students are considered on a case-by-case basis upon request.