Roger Williams University School of Law
Roger Williams University is based on the same ideals as Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island, who believed in freedom of conscience and social justice. RWU strives for excellence in education, academic accomplishment, and community service based on his focus on intellectual exchange and critical thinking. This legacy inspires us to continue our pursuit of creating a free society.
Contents
History
Roger Williams University is a two-year institution that was founded in 1956. The school was named after Roger Williams, an advocate for religious freedom and democracy. RWU offers its students a variety of degree programs and encourages them to be active members of their community.
At RWU, they value a dedication to learning and service to the community. They are a private university with a public purpose committed to making higher education accessible and affordable. Their campuses in Bristol and Providence offer unique opportunities for students, and their School of Law is nationally recognized for its commitment to public interest law. They continue to grow and expand their programs, always striving to provide the best possible education for their students.
Admissions
Roger Williams University School of Law offers several pathways for 2025 applicants, including first-year J.D. admission, transfer options for students currently attending another ABA-accredited law school, and routes for international candidates with academic records from outside the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico. The school also provides a Master of Studies in Law program for professionals who want to deepen their understanding of legal issues without becoming practicing attorneys, as well as part-time and accelerated J.D. options for students who need added flexibility or wish to complete their degree ahead of schedule.
The admissions committee uses a holistic review process to understand each applicant beyond traditional numbers. Your academic background, personal statement, resume, and letters of recommendation all play an important role, along with any addenda that help give context to your journey. The committee is interested in life experiences, personal background, and professional exposure that demonstrate who you are and how you might contribute to the school community. They value applicants who show motivation, clarity about their goals, and an understanding of the profession, especially those drawn to hands-on learning such as clinics and externships. Because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in December, submitting early can strengthen your overall review and improve scholarship consideration.
Applicants for the 2025 cycle submit their materials through the LSAC Credential Assembly Service, using the school’s designated code. Decisions are typically released in the spring for early applicants, though later submissions are usually evaluated within several weeks after all materials are complete. Earlier applications tend to receive more favorable scholarship review, so planning your timeline carefully is important.
Financially, the school describes itself as one of the more affordable private ABA-accredited law schools in the Northeast. Merit-based scholarships are available and can cover significant portions of tuition, including full-tuition awards for highly qualified candidates. Applicants are encouraged to prepare early by evaluating both tuition and living costs in Bristol, Rhode Island, and by ensuring that all required components are submitted promptly to maximize eligibility for aid.
RWU Law is known for its clinical guarantee, ensuring that every student receives meaningful, hands-on practice experience before graduation through clinics or externships. The curriculum emphasizes real-world readiness, encouraging students to develop their skills through practical work that aligns with their career goals. With campuses in Bristol and Providence, students benefit from a New England setting paired with proximity to courts, law firms, government agencies, and public interest organizations. The school encourages students to become active participants in their communities and to approach legal education with a strong sense of professional purpose.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 147-150-154 | 146-149-153 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 2.93-3.30-3.65 | 3.1-3.44-3.71 |
| Acceptance rate | 67.3% | 67.7% |
| Applications received | 951 | 928 |
| Acceptances | 620 | 628 |
| Matriculants | 146 | 147 |
For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle, the entering class profile shows LSAT scores ranging from the 25th to the 75th percentile at 146 to 153, while the corresponding undergraduate GPA range spans from 3.13 to 3.71. The law school received a total of 928 applications for this cycle and offered admission to 628 applicants, resulting in an acceptance rate of 67.7 percent. Out of those accepted, 147 students ultimately matriculated into the program.
Application Review and Decision
The Admissions Committee reviews applications holistically in making admissions decisions. The applicant's undergraduate grade point average (UGPA) and the LSAT score are two essential factors, in addition to the other required application components, including the personal statement, resume, letter(s) of recommendation, optional diversity statement, and any appendices submitted with the application. Work experience, involvement in undergraduate extracurricular activities, the rigor of undergraduate courses, community involvement, life experiences, and other appropriate considerations are also considered when reviewing an application. The Admissions Committee releases decisions from December through July of each year. Most decisions are mailed in March and April, or, for applications submitted late in the process, 6 - 8 weeks after file completion. Applicants are notified promptly by U.S. Mail when a decision has been reached. RWU School of Law is committed to establishing a diverse student population. It encourages members of minority groups, women, and other traditionally under-represented groups in the legal profession to apply for admission.
To apply to the School of Law, students must submit an electronic application through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). Application Components as follows :
CAS Registration
To apply to RWU Law, you must first register with the CAS. The CAS report includes your LSAT score and transcripts from all the undergraduate and graduate schools you have attended. The RWU Law code number is 3081.
To take the LSAT and register for CAS, contact Law Services at P.O. Box 2000, Newtown, PA 18930-0998 or online at www.lsac.org. If you received your undergraduate degree outside of the United States, Puerto Rico, or Canada, be sure to review the requirements for international students first. Admission to RWU Law is contingent upon completing your baccalaureate degree.
LSAT
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a test that is offered several times throughout the year. They recommend you take the LSAT by January of the year you plan to enroll. However, they will accept a March score if you apply for the fall 2021 term. A June score will be accepted case-by-case, but they encourage you to take an earlier test for admission and scholarship consideration. They will not accept a July score in the year you intend to matriculate. LSAT scores are considered stale after five years.
Personal Statement
The Admissions Committee values the statements made in this supplement, which should not exceed three pages and should address the following: a. Why do you want to pursue the study of law? b. What educational, employment, or family experiences would be relevant to your application? c. What unique factors in your background would enrich the RWU Law classroom experience? These statements will help review your application.
Letter(s) of Recommendation
Your application to the School of Law requires a letter of recommendation. The school welcomes additional letters, but they must be submitted directly to LSAC and will be forwarded to the school with your CAS report. The school prefers at least one academic recommendation if you have been enrolled in an academic program within the last three years. Positive and meaningful recommendations concerning your analytical skills, communication, and writing abilities often prove helpful in the Committee's decision-making. Therefore, the school advises submitting letters of recommendation from college professors who can attest to your ability to enter a competitive professional program. If you have been out of school for some time, letters from a supervisor or co-worker can be helpful.
The School of Law requires that letters be submitted through LSAC's Letter of Recommendation Service, which is included in the CAS Registration Subscription. Letters will be copied and sent to the Office of Admissions along with your CAS report.
Resume
Please submit a resume that outlines your academic and professional experience. The resume will be uploaded as an attachment through the LSAC application.
Diversity Essay (Optional)
The School of Law seeks to admit a class of individuals from various backgrounds and experiences. We believe that exposure to various people, ideas, cultures, and viewpoints helps prepare students to develop the skills and sensitivity necessary to succeed in today's classroom environment.
Character & Fitness
To be admitted to the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction, an applicant must pass a bar examination and meet other character and fitness requirements. Applicants need to research and understand the specific requirements of any jurisdiction where they hope to practice law. The National Conference of Bar Examiners provides contact information for all relevant agencies.
Tuition Fee
RWU Law’s tuition for full-time J.D. students in the 2025–26 academic year is $47,400 for the fall and spring terms combined. Students enrolled in fewer than 12 credits in a semester are charged on a per-credit basis at $1,975 per credit. With this tuition level, RWU Law describes itself as “the best-priced ABA-accredited private law school in the Northeast—and one of the best legal-education values on the entire East Coast.” In terms of financial aid, RWU Law maintains that every student should have access to legal education regardless of financial status. The financial-aid office provides information about funding sources and awards merit-based scholarships at the time of admission. Aid covers full attendance cost, including direct costs (tuition, books, fees, supplies) and indirect costs (housing, food, transportation, loan-fees, etc.). Altogether, the 2025 figures indicate that the law school is emphasizing affordability and accessibility, while still delivering the experiential, practice-oriented legal education for which it is known.
2025–2026 Cost of Attendance
For the 2025–2026 academic year, full-time J.D. students at Roger Williams University School of Law can expect an annual tuition cost of $47,400 for 12 to 16 credits per semester. Students taking fewer than 12 credits will be billed at a per-credit rate of $1,975. In addition to tuition, students are responsible for mandatory university fees, course-related fees, and the annual health-insurance charge of $3,418, unless they qualify for a waiver. When planning a realistic budget, students should also include indirect costs such as housing, utilities, food, transportation, books, supplies, and personal expenses. While these living expenses vary by individual circumstances and location, they typically form a significant portion of the yearly law-school budget. Together, tuition, fees, and estimated living costs create the total cost of attendance for the academic year and provide students with a full financial picture of what to expect while pursuing their J.D. studies.
| Category | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (Full-Time, Annual) | $47,400 | Covers 12–16 credits per semester |
| Per-Credit Rate (Part-Time) | $1,975 per credit | Applies if enrolled in fewer than 12 credits |
| Mandatory Fees | Varies | Includes student fees and program specific fees |
| Health Insurance | $3,418 | Required unless waived with proof of outside coverage |
| Books & Supplies (Estimated) | $1,500–$2,000 | Typical range for law students |
| Housing & Utilities (Estimated) | $12,000–$18,000 | Depends on living situation in Rhode Island |
| Food (Estimated) | $4,000–$6,000 | Varies by lifestyle and meal planning |
| Transportation (Estimated) | $1,500–$3,000 | Depends on commute and vehicle expenses |
| Personal Expenses (Estimated) | $2,500–$4,000 | Includes clothing, toiletries, technology, and other personal items |
Financial Aid
RWU Law believes that every person should have access to legal education, regardless of their financial status. The Financial Aid office provides information about and access to various funding sources to supplement each student's available funds and any merit-based scholarships awarded at the time of admission. Major sources of funds include the Federal Government, private loan providers, and private foundations.
Financial aid is available for the full attendance cost, including direct costs (tuition, books, fees, and supplies) and indirect costs (housing, utilities, food, transportation, loan fees, etc.) of attending law school.
Transfer
RWU Law is happy to accept applications from transfer students. Transfer students can take advantage of our Clinical Guarantee and affordable tuition while utilizing both of our campuses in Bristol and Providence.
Academics and Curriculum
The Roger Williams University School of Law seeks to enroll a diverse class of first-year J.D. students from across the United States and the world. The law school is committed to providing an excellent legal education to students from all walks of life. They believe a diverse student body is essential for preparing future lawyers to work in a global society. They are proud to offer their students a wide range of opportunities, including international study programs, clinics, and externships. They know that legal education is the foundation for a successful career and are committed to providing their students with the best possible experience.
They believe that to succeed as a law student, it is important to maintain dignity, quality, diversity, and success as a priority. The Academic Excellence Program is designed to help students discover their individual needs and learning styles, equip them with the tools they need to be successful in law school and encourage them to monitor their progress. They want their students to develop a deep understanding of the law and earn grades reflecting their best efforts. Their program teaches students how to become the kind of lawyer they want to represent themselves.
The Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree provides many opportunities for a career in law. You can work in private law practice, government, public interest, or in-house at a company. With a J.D., you can do many different things with your career. You are limited only by your drive and ingenuity.
Corporate Counsel Clinical Externship Program
Students can earn academic credit while training in the corporate legal offices of prominent for-profit and not-for-profit companies. Depending on availability, students can train two, three, or five days weekly.
Clinical Externships
Their Clinical Externship Programs allow students to gain experience in a legal setting by working under the supervision of public interest lawyers, corporate counsel, or judges. The externship programs offered include Corporate Counsel & Government, Environmental & Land Use Law, Judicial, Prosecution, Public Interest, New York Pro Bono Scholars, and Washington D.C. Semester-In-Practice.
The Clinical Externship is a program where students train under the supervision of attorneys or judges. In the Clinical Externship, students are given projects that deepen their substantive knowledge and skill base. The Field Clinic is a program where students train under the supervision of attorneys or judges, but they are located in a different area than the law school. The In-House Clinic is a program where students train under the supervision of attorneys or judges and are located at the law school.
- Corporate Counsel & Government Clinical Externship
- Environmental & Land Use Law Clinical Externship
- Judicial Clinical Externship
- Prosecution Clinical Externship
- Public Interest Clinical Externship
- Washington D.C. Semester-In-Practice Program
- New York Pro Bono Scholars Program
New York Pro Bono Scholars Program (NYPBSP)
The New York Pro Bono Scholars Program (NYPBSP) is a program in New York State for qualifying third-year law students. Third-year law students can spend 12 weeks of their final spring semester in law school providing full-time pro bono legal assistance to low-income people while participating in a required 2-credit weekly seminar. In exchange, these students will be permitted to take the New York Bar Exam in February of their third year of law school and, assuming a passing score as well as successful completion of the New York Pro Bono Scholars Program and all graduation requirements, be admitted to practice as a member of the New York Bar or the Bar of any Uniform Bar Exam jurisdiction, as soon as possible after the completion of the program. RWU Law must approve participation, Pro Bono placements, and supervising attorneys. New York Pro Bono Scholars can participate in graduation ceremonies in May but will receive their diplomas in June.
Joint Degree Programs
Typically, a law student interested in a joint degree would apply to the relevant program at the end of their first year of law school. Applications should be submitted sufficiently early in the application deadline to ensure adequate processing time at both institutions. A student who matriculated in either the JD or MS program could apply to the other institution to pursue the dual degree before the end of the first year of study.
Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
For the 2025 cycle, Roger Williams University School of Law presents a mixed but informative picture of how graduates fare after earning their J.D. The most recent graduating-class data show that about three-quarters of students secured employment soon after graduation, with the majority of those positions being full-time, long-term roles. Just under sixty percent of all graduates obtained jobs that required bar admission, while a meaningful portion accepted roles where a J.D. was considered an advantage rather than a requirement. One strength of the school is its strong presence in public interest careers, where it has been nationally recognized for the high percentage of graduates entering nonprofit, community-based, or government-focused legal work. This tends to align well with the school’s mission-driven, experiential learning approach, especially for students who want purpose-driven careers over traditional law-firm pathways.
Bar Passage
Bar passage remains a more challenging area. Recent results show that RWU Law’s first-time bar passage rate is significantly below the national average for ABA-accredited law schools. While many students ultimately pass the bar on their second attempt or within two years, the first-time pass rate underscores the need for extensive bar exam preparation, strong academic discipline, and proactive engagement with faculty and support services. Students who plan to take the bar immediately after graduation should be prepared to take advantage of the school's bar-prep programs, workshops, and individualized guidance. Taken together, the employment and bar-passage data suggest that RWU Law provides meaningful career outcomes for motivated students, especially in public interest and community-oriented work, but also underscores the importance of structured bar preparation for those pursuing traditional attorney roles.
Quality of Life
RWU School of Law is Rhode Island's only law school. This gives you access to the legal community that is unmatched by any other institution. Whether you are studying at Bristol waterfront or Providence experiential campus, you will have the opportunity to learn from some of the best legal minds in the state.
RWU Law is a great place to go to school. There are plenty of academic resources, and the student culture is dynamic. You'll never get bored here because plenty of extracurricular activities keep you busy. If you're feeling mentally exhausted after class, the Recreation Center is just a few steps away and has everything you need. The weather is nice here, so take advantage of the outdoor activities available.
RWU Law offers many different dining options to its students, including the RWU Dining Commons and the Law School Bistro. The RWU Dining Commons is an impressive facility that offers a variety of dining options that will cater to every taste. The RWU Dining Commons focuses on organic and locally grown foods. The Law Library is a great place to study if you need to return to work. It is a state-of-the-art library with plenty of space for students to study and work. There are also many nooks scattered through the law school building where students can find a quiet place to study. Many student groups at RWU Law cater to every legal, political, and personal interest. Some examples of these groups include the Multi-Cultural Law Students Association and the Federalist Society.
Law-related extracurricular activities are abundant. Some examples include writing and editing for the Roger Williams University Law Review, practicing appellate advocacy skills on the Moot Court Board, and competing in national moot court competitions. These opportunities allow students to hone their legal skills and compete against some of the best in the country.
Living at RWU Law is an excellent opportunity if you want to live in a beautiful and historic town. Bristol, Rhode Island, is full of charming and exciting places to eat, drink, and shop. The town is also close to Providence, with even more things to do, including theaters, museums, and art galleries. If you're looking for a seaside city to live in, Newport is only a short drive away.
Synopsis
The Roger Williams University School of Law offers unparalleled access to connections and experience, which helps law students have a more significant impact today. The law school has the attention of the state bench and bar, as well as an excellent faculty and supportive alum network. These advantages give students a unique edge in the legal market. Hear what their students and members of the bench and bar have to say about RWU Law.
Contact Information
Roger Williams University School of Law
Admissions Office
Ten Metacom Avenue
Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: 401-254-4555
Email: lawadmissions@rwu.edu
Summary
| Established | 1990 |
| Location | Bristol, RI 02809 |
| Dean | Bowman, Gregory W. |
| 2025 US News Ranking | 169 |
| LSAT Median Score | 149 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.44 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 57.9% (2025) |
| Employment Rate | N/A (2025) |
| Cost | $48,064 |
| Average Debt | N/A |
| Application Deadline | N/A |
Forum and Discussion
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Reference
Roger Williams University School of Law
Ranked #169
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