Roger Williams University (RWU) vs Merrimack

Roger Williams University and Merrimack College, two esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Roger Williams, located in Bristol, Rhode Island, boasts a 75% acceptance rate, while Merrimack, situated in North Andover, Massachusetts, has a slightly lower acceptance rate of 69%. Both universities offer a diverse range of undergraduate programs, with popular majors at Roger Williams including Business Administration, Biology, and Psychology, and popular majors at Merrimack including Business Administration, Nursing, and Computer Science. Roger Williams' student body is predominantly female (58%), while Merrimack's student body is more evenly split between male and female students (51% male, 49% female). With graduation rates of 73% and 79% respectively, both universities are committed to student success. To help you make an informed decision about your academic journey, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting key differences between these two excellent institutions. Dive into the details and discover

	Merrimack College	Roger Williams University
Overview
Location	North Andover, Massachusetts	Bristol, Rhode Island
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	84.0%	81.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation	Catholic

Admission
Acceptance rate	80.3%	91.0%
Application fees		Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $50
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants	10,429	8,163
Total number of admissions given out	8,375	7,427
Admitted students who chose to enroll	967	1,003
Yield rate	11.5%	13.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$64,774	$55,774
Average net price	$35,500	$36,537
Tuition	$43,842	$39,264
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,493 Meal plan: $7,323	Room/dormitory: $9,048 Meal plan: $6,964
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan Other alternative tuition plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	99.0% Average amount $25,528	100.0% Average amount $20,225
Students receiving federal student loan	64.0% Average amount $5,356	68.0% Average amount $3,862
Students taking out private loans	16.0% Average amount $22,739	25.0% Average amount $21,353

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	4,120 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%	4,207 Men 50.3% Women 49.7%
Graduate students	1,332 Men 27.3% Women 72.7%	322 Men 41.6% Women 58.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	85.3%
International students	1.9%	0.8%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	2,713	2,992
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Mississippi Connecticut Rhode Island New York New Hampshire

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Business Health Professions Engineering Computer and Information Science	Business Law Enforcement and Firefighting Architecture Legal Profession Education
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	69.0%	70.3%
Dropout rate	0.1%	4.4%
Transferred out	30.5%	24.9%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $45,692 Year 2: $44,327 Year 3: $57,831 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,877 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $48,983 Education, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $45,240 Year 2: $43,160 Year 3: $48,263 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,959 Year 2: $25,194 Year 3: $47,824 Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,026 Year 2: $28,816 Year 3: $44,114 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $70,044 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: N/A Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $25,194 Year 3: N/A Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,117 Year 2: $62,508 Year 3: N/A Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $38,444 Year 2: $36,312 Year 3: N/A Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $30,991 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A	Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,169 Year 2: $68,618 Year 3: $77,956 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,538 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $75,485 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,964 Year 2: $63,749 Year 3: $72,394 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,912 Year 2: $62,154 Year 3: $68,684 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,141 Year 2: $51,607 Year 3: $67,010 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $48,000 Year 2: $53,219 Year 3: $63,422 Architecture (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $53,522 Year 2: $52,941 Year 3: $62,148 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,968 Year 2: $45,383 Year 3: $59,897 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $47,654 Year 2: $48,600 Year 3: $54,833 Graphic Communications (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,588 Year 2: $39,369 Year 3: $54,118

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in location and campus environment between Roger Williams University and Merrimack College?

Roger Williams University (RWU) is located in Bristol, Rhode Island, offering a coastal campus experience with easy access to beaches and the ocean. The campus is known for its beautiful waterfront views and a more relaxed, seaside atmosphere. Merrimack College is situated in North Andover, Massachusetts, providing a suburban setting with a more traditional New England feel. It's closer to Boston, offering convenient access to a major city and its cultural and professional opportunities.
How do the academic programs compare at Roger Williams University and Merrimack College?

Both universities offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. RWU is particularly strong in architecture, marine biology, and law, leveraging its coastal location. Merrimack College has notable programs in engineering, business, and health sciences, reflecting its proximity to Boston's industry hubs. Consider your specific academic interests when comparing programs, as specializations and faculty expertise may vary.
What is the student life like at Roger Williams University versus Merrimack College?

Student life at RWU emphasizes outdoor activities, with opportunities for sailing, watersports, and beach recreation. The campus community is generally considered close-knit and friendly. Merrimack College offers a more traditional college experience with a strong emphasis on athletics, Greek life, and a vibrant campus social scene. Both schools have numerous clubs and organizations, but the focus and activities may differ based on the campus culture.
How do the tuition and financial aid packages compare between Roger Williams University and Merrimack College?

Tuition costs and financial aid packages vary between the two institutions. It's essential to check the most current information on each university's website. Both universities offer merit-based and need-based financial aid. Consider factors like scholarships, grants, and potential work-study opportunities when comparing the overall cost of attendance. Contacting the financial aid offices directly is recommended for personalized estimates.
What are the athletic programs like at Roger Williams University and Merrimack College?

Merrimack College has a Division I athletic program, competing in various sports at a higher level of competition. This provides a more intense athletic experience and a greater emphasis on intercollegiate sports. Roger Williams University is a Division III school, focusing on a more balanced approach to academics and athletics. While still competitive, the emphasis is often on participation and a broader range of sports opportunities.
How does career services and internship opportunities differ between the two universities?

Both universities offer career services to assist students with internships and job placement. RWU's location provides opportunities in marine-related fields and architecture firms. Merrimack College, being closer to Boston, offers access to a wider range of industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance. The strength of each university's alumni network and career services resources can significantly impact your career prospects.
What is the housing situation like at Roger Williams University and Merrimack College?

Both universities offer on-campus housing options for students. RWU provides a variety of residence halls, including some with waterfront views. Merrimack College also has a range of housing options, including traditional dorms and apartment-style living. The availability and style of housing may vary, so it's important to review the specific housing options and policies on each university's website.
How would you describe the overall campus culture at Roger Williams University and Merrimack College?

RWU fosters a more relaxed and outdoorsy campus culture, influenced by its coastal location. The community is known for being friendly and supportive. Merrimack College has a more traditional college atmosphere, with a strong emphasis on school spirit, athletics, and a vibrant social scene. The best fit depends on your personal preferences and what kind of environment you thrive in.
Which university is better for a student interested in architecture or marine biology?

Roger Williams University is generally considered the stronger choice for students interested in architecture and marine biology due to its well-regarded programs and its location on the coast. The architecture program is highly respected, and the marine biology program benefits from the proximity to the ocean and related research opportunities.
Which university is better for a student interested in engineering or business?

Merrimack College is often considered a better fit for students interested in engineering and business. The college has strong programs in these areas, and its location near Boston provides access to internships and job opportunities in these fields.

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