Roger Williams University (RWU) vs Wentworth Institute of Technology

Roger Williams University and Wentworth Institute of Technology, two esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Roger Williams, nestled in Bristol, Rhode Island, boasts a scenic coastal campus and a liberal arts curriculum, while Wentworth, located in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, emphasizes hands-on learning in STEM fields. With acceptance rates of 75% and 68%, respectively, both universities welcome a diverse student body. Roger Williams' student population is slightly larger, with over 4,000 undergraduates, while Wentworth fosters a more intimate learning environment with approximately 2,500 undergraduates. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details, including popular majors, graduation rates, and additional factors that may influence your decision in choosing the ideal academic destination that aligns with your aspirations and goals.
Roger Williams University logo

Roger Williams University

Wentworth Institute of Technology logo

Wentworth Institute of Technology

Overview

Location Bristol, Rhode Island Boston, Massachusetts
Campus setting Suburb: Large City: 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 81.0% 78.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 91.0% 89.5%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $55

Graduate: $50
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
SAT range N/A 1140 - 1330
ACT range N/A 25 - 30
Students submitting SAT score 22.0%
Students submitting ACT score 2.0%
Total number of applicants 8,163 5,441
Total number of admissions given out 7,427 4,872
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,003 917
Yield rate 13.5% 18.8%
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) Not required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $55,774 $58,320
Average net price $36,537 $32,430
Tuition $39,264 $37,050
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $9,048

Meal plan: $6,964
Room/dormitory: $12,120

Meal plan: $3,300
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Other alternative tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

100.0%
Average amount $20,225
100.0%
Average amount $18,702
Students receiving federal student loan 68.0%
Average amount $3,862
61.0%
Average amount $5,250
Students taking out private loans 25.0%
Average amount $21,353
15.0%
Average amount $21,622

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 4,207
Men 50.3% Women 49.7%
3,958
Men 77.8% Women 22.2%
Graduate students 322
Men 41.6% Women 58.4%
205
Men 67.3% Women 32.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students 85.3% N/A
International students 0.8% 5.1%
Campus local/setting Suburb: Large City: Large
Dormitory capacity 2,992 2,146
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Mississippi Connecticut Rhode Island New York New Hampshire Mississippi New Hampshire Connecticut Maine New York

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Architecture
  • Legal Profession
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Architecture
  • Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio 14:1 16:1
Institutional accreditation New England Commission on Higher Education New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 70.3% 71.8%
Dropout rate 4.4% 10.2%
Transferred out 24.9% 17.9%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
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
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $91,946
  • Year 2: $97,071
  • Year 3: $107,006
Construction Management (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $90,908
  • Year 2: $83,388
  • Year 3: $92,228
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $76,551
  • Year 2: $76,041
  • Year 3: $86,827
Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,808
  • Year 2: $68,821
  • Year 3: $80,956
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $74,430
  • Year 2: $71,351
  • Year 3: $80,209
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,130
  • Year 2: $67,240
  • Year 3: $76,696
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,722
  • Year 2: $66,287
  • Year 3: $75,347
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $76,201
  • Year 2: $68,219
  • Year 3: $74,773
Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,963
  • Year 2: $61,516
  • Year 3: $74,456
Electromechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,694
  • Year 2: $67,380
  • Year 3: $74,220

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary academic focuses of Roger Williams University (RWU) and Wentworth Institute of Technology (WIT)?

    Roger Williams University offers a broader range of programs, including strong offerings in architecture, law, marine biology, and liberal arts. Wentworth Institute of Technology, on the other hand, is highly specialized, focusing primarily on architecture, engineering, computer science, and design-related fields. If you have a specific interest in these technical areas, Wentworth might be a better fit.

  • How does the campus environment differ between RWU and WIT?

    RWU boasts a beautiful, traditional campus located in Bristol, Rhode Island, with waterfront access and a more residential feel. It offers a more traditional college experience with a focus on campus life and activities. Wentworth is located in the Fenway area of Boston, providing a more urban and integrated experience. Students at Wentworth have easy access to the city's resources and opportunities, but the campus itself is smaller and more integrated into the city environment.

  • What are the career prospects like for graduates of RWU and WIT?

    Both universities have strong career services and place their graduates well. Wentworth graduates, due to their specialized technical focus, often find direct employment in their fields immediately after graduation, particularly in engineering, architecture, and computer science. RWU graduates also find success, with opportunities in architecture, law, and other fields, though the career paths may be more diverse depending on the chosen major.

  • How do the tuition and costs compare between Roger Williams University and Wentworth Institute of Technology?

    Tuition and overall costs are generally comparable between the two institutions. However, it's essential to check the most up-to-date figures on each university's website, as these can fluctuate. Consider factors like room and board, and personal expenses when comparing the total cost of attendance.

  • What is the student-to-faculty ratio like at each university?

    Both Roger Williams University and Wentworth Institute of Technology generally have favorable student-to-faculty ratios, allowing for more personalized attention from professors. You can expect smaller class sizes and more opportunities for interaction with faculty at both institutions, which can enhance your learning experience.

  • How does the availability of internships and co-ops differ between the two schools?

    Both universities emphasize experiential learning. Wentworth Institute of Technology is known for its strong co-op program, which is integrated into many of its programs, providing students with valuable work experience before graduation. Roger Williams University also offers internship opportunities, particularly in fields like architecture and marine biology, but the co-op model is more central to the curriculum at Wentworth.

  • What is the social life and campus culture like at Roger Williams University and Wentworth Institute of Technology?

    RWU offers a more traditional college social experience with a strong emphasis on campus activities, clubs, and Greek life. The waterfront location also provides opportunities for outdoor recreation. Wentworth, being in Boston, has a more urban social scene. Students often take advantage of the city's cultural attractions, events, and nightlife. The campus culture at Wentworth is more focused on academics and career preparation.

  • Which university is better for students interested in architecture?

    Both universities have strong architecture programs. However, Wentworth's architecture program is highly regarded and benefits from its location in Boston, a city rich in architectural history and design opportunities. RWU's architecture program is also excellent, and its location offers a different perspective, with access to coastal environments and a focus on sustainable design.

  • How do the admission requirements compare?

    Admission requirements are generally similar, with both universities considering factors like high school GPA, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities. It's important to check the specific requirements for each program you're interested in, as they may vary slightly.

  • Which school is better if I'm unsure of my major?

    Roger Williams University might be a better choice if you're undecided about your major. Its broader range of programs allows you to explore different fields before committing to a specific area of study. Wentworth's focus on specialized fields makes it less ideal if you're unsure of your academic interests.

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