Rankings and Recognitions

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ÊÓÆµ's Commitment to Excellence

At Roger Williams University, our rankings and accolades demonstrate our strong commitment to real-world learning, student success, and inclusive excellence. From national honors to top regional distinctions, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ÊÓÆµ 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

U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Regional Universities North 2027

#25

by U.S. News & World Report

96%

of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ÊÓÆµ graduates find success in employment or graduate school within six months of graduation

 

U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Regional Universities Private Schools 2027

#17

by U.S. News & World Report

Law students at the RI state house
19,694

Hours of Pro Bono Legal Services

were provided by law students at the School of Law.

Graduates cheering at commencement
$78 Million

In Financial Aid

 is awarded annually to students.

Graduate wears a stole that says "first generation"
27.6%

First-Gen

27.6% of undergraduate students are the first in their families to attend college.

#1 Best Online Colleges in Rhode Island - ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ÊÓÆµ Extension School - By Forbes

#1 Best Online School

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ÊÓÆµ Extension School was named Best Online College in Rhode Island by Forbes

Senior Steak and Lobster Dinner

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ÊÓÆµ Offers A Top College Food Experience

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ÊÓÆµ was ranked No. 21 in America and No. 2 in Rhode Island on Niche’s 2026 Best College Food list. Roger Williams University 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. 

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ÊÓÆµ School of Law: Recognized for Innovation and Impact

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ÊÓÆµ Law #11 Top Law Schools for Social Justice from The National Jurist

#11

Top Law School for Social Justice by The National Jurist 2026

preLaw Top School for Public Service 2025-2026

Top School

Top School for Public Service from preLaw 2025-2026

preLaw Top School for Environmental Law 2025-2026

Top School

Top School for Environmental Law from preLaw

 

PreLaw Justice & Opportunity Honors Law Schools Expanding Opportunity 2025-2026

Honors

Justice & Opportunity Honors for Law Schools Expanding Opportunity from preLaw

#13 Professors for Teaching and Accessibility 2025 - Princeton Review

#13

Faculty Teaching and Accessibility from Princeton Review’s Best Law Schools

 

preLaw Best Schools for Social Justice 2025-2026

Best

Best Schools for Social Justice from preLaw 2025-2026

Students in a lab working together

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ÊÓÆµâ€™s Official Carnegie Classifications

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ÊÓÆµ 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.

Carnegie Community Engagement Classification

Nationally Recognized Programs at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ÊÓÆµ

Poets&Quants Best Undergraduate Business Schools Of 2026

#48 

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ÊÓÆµâ€™s Mario J. Gabelli School of Business ranks No. 48 in Academic Experience in the

 

Best Regional Colleges in the Northeast for 2026 by The Princeton Review

Best Regional

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ÊÓÆµ was named one of the . 

Best College USA 2026 research.com

Best USA

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ÊÓÆµ was named one of 's Best Colleges USA 2026.

 

Wall Street Journal Best Colleges in the U.S. 2026

Best in the U.S.

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ÊÓÆµ was named to the

STARS bronze award

BRONZE

STARS Bronze rating in recognition of our sustainability achievements from the .

 

U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Engineering Programs 2026

Best Engineering

The ​ recognized ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ÊÓÆµ as having one of the Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.

Students walk in downtown Bristol

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

Student builds wind turbine
Recognized Green College ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ÊÓÆµ Featured in Princeton Review’s 2026 Guide to Green Colleges
Student on computer
Top Online Master’s Degree

#19 Online Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity 2024 Fortune

Students collaborate on engineering project
Leading Engineering Programs 2024

Leading Engineering Programs 2024 recognized by Newsweek

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ÊÓÆµ News