#25
by U.S. News & World Report
Rankings and Recognitions
RWU's Commitment to Excellence
At ¿Û¿Û´«Ã½, our rankings and accolades demonstrate our strong commitment to real-world learning, student success, and inclusive excellence. From national honors to top regional distinctions, RWU continues to be recognized as a university of choice—where students engage in hands-on experiences and achieve greater heights in their careers and lives. Discover how our programs, values, and community members are making a positive impact and gaining recognition nationwide.
Excellence in Education and Experience
of RWU graduates find success in employment or graduate school within six months of graduation
#17
by U.S. News & World Report
19,694
Hours of Pro Bono Legal Services
were provided by law students at the School of Law.
$78 Million
In Financial Aid
is awarded annually to students.
27.6%
First-Gen
27.6% of undergraduate students are the first in their families to attend college.
#1 Best Online School
RWU Offers A Top College Food Experience
RWU was ranked No. 21 in America and No. 2 in Rhode Island on Niche’s 2026 Best College Food list. ¿Û¿Û´«Ã½ students returned this fall to a refreshed Upper Commons, following a summer-long $2 million renovation project designed to expand dining options, highlight sustainability, and enhance the student experience.
RWU School of Law: Recognized for Innovation and Impact
#11
Top Law School for Social Justice by The National Jurist 2026
Top School
Top School for Public Service from preLaw 2025-2026
Top School
Top School for Environmental Law from preLaw
Honors
Justice & Opportunity Honors for Law Schools Expanding Opportunity from preLaw
#13
Faculty Teaching and Accessibility from Princeton Review’s Best Law Schools
Best
Best Schools for Social Justice from preLaw 2025-2026
RWU’s Official Carnegie Classifications
RWU received recognition in 2022 as a Research College and University, a classification that recognizes non-doctoral colleges and universities with significant research activity. Roger Williams is one of only two institutions in RI with this classification.
Nationally Recognized Programs at RWU
#48
RWU’s Mario J. Gabelli School of Business ranks No. 48 in Academic Experience in the
Best Regional
RWU was named one of the .
Best USA
RWU was named one of 's Best Colleges USA 2026.
Best in the U.S.
RWU was named to the
BRONZE
STARS Bronze rating in recognition of our sustainability achievements from the .
Best Engineering
The ​ recognized RWU as having one of the Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.
Safety First
Bristol, R.I., was ranked the #1 Safest Town in Rhode Island by . In 2022, Bristol was ranked the #1 Safest College Town in America by .
Bristol was also ranked the #3 Safest College Town in America for 2026 by .
Leading with Purpose, Inclusion, and Service
Home of the , part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Estuaries Program dedicated to protecting and improving the region’s watersheds and coastal environment.
Shawmut Scholar Program at RWU provides four-year scholarships, paid internships and professional development for underrepresented students in engineering and construction management majors.
RWU is a member of the Scholars at Risk Network, which works to protect scholars and promote academic freedom worldwide.
Recognized Green College
RWU Featured in Princeton Review’s 2026 Guide to Green Colleges
Top Online Master’s Degree
#19 Online Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity 2024 Fortune
Leading Engineering Programs 2024
Leading Engineering Programs 2024 recognized by Newsweek
RWU News
RWU Law Hosts Rhode Island Gubernatorial Forum
Candidates discuss their visions for Rhode Island during a forum organized by Women’s Fund Rhode Island and the League of Women Voters.
RWU Law Dean Gregory Bowman Named RIAJ Citizen of the Year
The Rhode Island Association for Justice recognized Bowman for his commitment to service, civic engagement and the public good.
RWU Students Put Communication Skills to Work in Training for RIDOT Professionals
¿Û¿Û´«Ã½ students helped lead management communication exercises for Rhode Island Department of Transportation professionals, gaining hands-on experience with real-world workplace challenges.
Noche Latina Kicks Off ¿Û¿Û´«Ã½â€™s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations
Hosted by the Hispanic and Latinx Student Association, Noche Latina brought students together for an evening of culture, dance, food, and community.
¿Û¿Û´«Ã½ Earns First-Ever Top 25 Ranking from U.S. News & World Report
RWU rises 10 positions to No. 25 among Regional Universities North, debuts at No. 17 among private universities, and in value and social mobility.
