Roger Williams University vs Bridgewater State University Introduction
Deciding which college to attend is a critical decision, and comparing two schools can help you make an informed choice. In this article, we will compare two schools: Roger Williams University (RWU) and Bridgewater State University (BSU). We will examine their costs, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of which school might be a better fit for you.
[RWU] Overview
Roger Williams University, founded in 1956, is a private institution located in Bristol, Rhode Island. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs through its various schools and colleges. The campus sits on 140 acres of waterfront land, providing picturesque views and access to outdoor activities. RWU is committed to providing students with a well-rounded education, emphasizing experiential learning and community engagement.
[RWU] Costs & Tuition
The cost of attendance at RWU varies depending on factors such as residency and the chosen degree program. Tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year for full-time undergraduate students is $37,996. Room and board fees, on average, are around $15,000. Financial aid options are available, such as scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students cover the costs.
[RWU] Admissions
Admission to RWU is considered moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 85%. The university requires applicants to provide their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.4, while the average SAT score ranges between 1050 and 1250.
[RWU] Degrees Offered
RWU offers over 45 undergraduate majors, 20 master’s degree programs, and four doctoral programs. The university is organized into six schools and colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, Gabelli School of Business, School of Engineering, Computing & Construction Management, Feinstein School of Education & Human Development, School of Architecture, Art & Historic Preservation, and the School of Justice Studies.
[RWU] Academics
Roger Williams University is known for its strong liberal arts foundation and commitment to experiential learning. Faculty members at RWU are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education, and many have won awards for their teaching and research. The student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1, allowing for a personalized learning experience.
[RWU] Diversity
RWU is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on its campus. Approximately 25% of the student body identifies as a student of color, and the university offers programs and support services to enhance the multicultural experience for all students. There is also a variety of student clubs and organizations dedicated to celebrating different cultures and promoting awareness.
[RWU] Students
Approximately 4,500 students attend RWU, with a majority of them being undergraduates. The university offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including over 75 student clubs and organizations, intramural and club sports, and a thriving Greek life. There is also a strong focus on community engagement, with many students participating in service-learning projects and other community initiatives.
[RWU] Campus
The 140-acre waterfront campus of RWU provides students with a beautiful and engaging environment. There are numerous modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and research spaces. The campus also boasts several residence halls, a library, a fitness center, and dining options. Additionally, the university’s location near the water allows for outdoor recreational activities such as sailing, kayaking, and fishing.
[RWU] Alumni
Notable alumni of RWU include U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, television journalist and author Alison Stewart, and architect J. Michael Abbott. The university’s alumni network is active and supportive, offering mentoring opportunities, networking events, and career services to current students and recent graduates.
[RWU] Rankings
In the 2021 edition of the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, RWU was ranked #28 in the Regional Universities North category. The university was also recognized for its commitment to undergraduate teaching, ranking #10 in that category.
[RWU] Outcomes
According to the university’s website, 94% of the Class of 2019 were employed, enrolled in graduate school, or participating in a service experience within six months of graduation. RWU students also have a strong record of success in securing internships, with 70% of the 2019 graduating class completing at least one internship during their time at the university.
[BSU] Overview
Bridgewater State University, founded in 1840, is a public university located in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. BSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its various colleges and departments. The university is committed to providing a high-quality education that is accessible and affordable. With a diverse student body and a focus on academic excellence, BSU has a lot to offer prospective students.
[BSU] Costs & Tuition
The cost of attendance at BSU varies based on factors such as residency and the chosen degree program. For the 2021-2022 academic year, tuition for in-state, full-time undergraduate students is $10,732, while out-of-state students pay $16,872. Room and board fees, on average, are around $12,000. Financial aid options are available, such as scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students cover the costs.
[BSU] Admissions
Admission to BSU is considered moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 90%. The university requires applicants to provide their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, a letter of recommendation, and a personal statement. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.3, while the average SAT score ranges between 990 and 1200.
[BSU] Degrees Offered
Bridgewater State University offers over 90 undergraduate degree programs, 25 master’s degree programs, and two doctoral programs. The university is organized into six colleges, including the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, College of Education and Health Sciences, College of Business, College of Continuing Studies, and the College of Graduate Studies.
[BSU] Academics
BSU is known for its focus on academic excellence and commitment to providing a well-rounded education. Faculty members at the university are dedicated to their students’ success and are actively involved in research and professional development. The student-to-faculty ratio at BSU is 18:1, allowing for personalized attention and support.
[BSU] Diversity
Bridgewater State University is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on its campus. Approximately 26% of the student body identifies as a student of color, and the university offers various programs and support services to enhance the multicultural experience for all students. There is also a variety of student clubs and organizations dedicated to celebrating different cultures and promoting awareness.
[BSU] Students
Approximately 9,800 students attend BSU, with the majority being undergraduates. The university offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including over 90 student clubs and organizations, intramural and club sports, and a thriving Greek life. There is also a strong focus on community engagement, with many students participating in service-learning projects and other community initiatives.
[BSU] Campus
The 278-acre campus of BSU provides students with a picturesque and engaging environment. There are numerous modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and research spaces. The campus also boasts several residence halls, a library, a recreation center, and dining options.
[BSU] Alumni
Notable alumni of BSU include former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, best-selling author Lisa Genova, and actor and comedian Bill Burr. The university’s alumni network is active and supportive, offering mentoring opportunities, networking events, and career services to current students and recent graduates.
[BSU] Rankings
In the 2021 edition of the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, BSU was ranked #114 in the Regional Universities North category. The university was also recognized for its commitment to social mobility, ranking #26 in that category.
[BSU] Outcomes
According to the university’s website, 87% of the Class of 2019 were employed, enrolled in graduate school, or participating in a service experience within six months of graduation. BSU students also have a strong record of success in securing internships, with 62% of the 2019 graduating class completing at least one internship during their time at the university.
[RWU] vs [BSU] Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending RWU and BSU, it is important to consider the difference in tuition and fees. RWU, as a private institution, has a higher tuition rate at $37,996 for full-time undergraduate students, while BSU, a public university, has a lower tuition rate at $10,732 for in-state students and $16,872 for out-of-state students. Room and board fees are comparable, with RWU averaging around $15,000 and BSU around $12,000. Financial aid options are available at both schools, with scholarships, grants, and loans to help students cover the costs.
[RWU] vs [BSU] Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both RWU and BSU are considered moderately competitive, with acceptance rates of 85% and 90%, respectively. Both universities require similar application materials, including high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. The average high school GPA of admitted students at RWU is 3.4, while at BSU, it is 3.3. The average SAT score range for RWU is 1050-1250, and for BSU, it is 990-1200.
[RWU] vs [BSU] Academic Difficulty
Both RWU and BSU are committed to providing a high-quality education to their students. While it is difficult to directly compare the academic difficulty at the two schools, both universities have experienced faculty members who are dedicated to teaching and research. RWU has a lower student-to-faculty ratio at 14:1, compared to BSU’s 18:1, which may allow for more personalized attention and support at RWU.
[RWU] vs [BSU] Outcome Comparison
When comparing the outcomes for graduates of RWU and BSU, both schools have high rates of success in employment or further education. RWU reports that 94% of the Class of 2019 were employed, enrolled in graduate school, or participating in a service experience within six months of graduation. At BSU, that number is 87%. Internship completion rates are also strong at both schools, with 70% of RWU’s 2019 graduating class and 62% of BSU’s 2019 graduating class completing at least one internship during their time at the university.
In conclusion, both Roger Williams University and Bridgewater State University offer unique advantages to prospective students. Factors such as cost, admissions, academic difficulty, and outcomes should all be considered when choosing between these two schools. Ultimately, the decision will depend on an individual’s priorities, goals, and personal preferences.
