Undergraduate Cost of Attendance

Knowing the costs associated with an RWU education can help students and families from all income levels plan ahead and find appropriate financial support.

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What exactly is the "cost of attendance?"

The cost of attendance (COA)—sometimes referred to as the "student budget"—is an estimate of what it costs a typical student to attend a college or university for one academic year. Don't be startled by the COA you see on your financial aid offer from the Roger Williams University. A student’s cost of attendance doesn't only include tuition; it also takes your basic living expenses into account. This COA serves two purposes:

1. to give you an estimate of the cost to attend RWU for one year, and
2. to set a limit on the amount of financial aid you can receive during the academic year (which federal regulations require us to do).

What's included in my COA?

A student's cost of attendance is made up of two different types of costs: direct and indirect.

Direct or Billed Costs

Tuition and Fees: These figures reflect the cost of tuition and fees for a student taking 12-19 credits during each of the fall and spring semesters of the respective academic year (which is considered full-time). Day students who have written authorization to take more than 19 credits (overload) will be charged the per credit rate for each additional credit over 19.

Housing and Food (Resident): The number reflected here is the cost of a double-occupancy residence hall on campus and the 230-block meal plan. Full Meal Plans are mandatory for traditional residence halls and North Campus suites. All meal plans are optional for Almeida, Bayside, North Campus apartments and commuter students.

Please note: The account may incur additional fees including but not limited to lab fees, parking fees, single room fees, health insurance etc.

* Health Insurance is charged to every student's bill but is not included as part of a standard budget during the awarding process since it can be waived if a student already has health insurance coverage. All full-time undergraduate students (both residential and commuter) and all international students must be covered by an adequate health insurance policy. Those who are covered under an existing health insurance plan may waive the University sponsored student health insurance. To waive, submit proof of adequate coverage at: dos5.net/go/insurance no later than August 19, 2024. 

Indirect Estimated Costs

Indirect estimated costs do not appear on student accounts (bills) and vary based on the individual student. These costs include books, personal expenses and possibly travel. Students may experience different levels of indirect expenses; however, the values listed represent allowances provided for the academic year.

Books and Supplies: This is an estimate of the cost of books and supplies for a typical student for the entire academic year. Students will not be billed directly by RWU for books or supplies.

Average Loan Fees: There is an origination fee of 1.057% for Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized student loans, which is taken out of the loan before funds are sent to RWU. The $69 listed above is the average fee for students who borrow these loans. Actual fees will depend on the amount you borrow (if any).

Transportation: This is an estimate of the cost for transportation needed to commute to and from campus, a job or internship, the cost of operating and maintaining a vehicle, and/or distance travelled to your home on scheduled breaks. Unless you buy an RWU parking permit, you will not be billed directly for transportation costs.

Miscellaneous: The standard allowance is based on estimated costs incurred for personal expenses during the academic year including clothing, laundry, toiletries, cell phone expenses, entertainment, local transportation, additional educationally-related supplies, and other incidentals. The allowance can serve as a planning tool to help students determine how much money to have available for these expenses. These items will not appear on a student’s RWU bill.

Housing and Food (Commuter/Off-Campus): Includes an allowance for housing expenses (household operations, supplies, furnishings and equipment) and utilities (electric, water, cable, internet, and phone). Food estimates are based on the Cost of Food at Home Data published by the United States Department of Agriculture, adjusted for regional Cost of Living Index and inflation.

Additional Indirect Costs to Consider

Dependent Care: Students who incur costs for dependent care or have disability-related expenses may request a cost of attendance adjustment by contacting Student Financial Aid.

Licensures and Certifications: Students who are in an academic program that prepares them to enter a profession that requires licensure, certification, or a first credential, and who have costs associated with obtaining such a qualification, may request a cost of attendance adjustment by contacting Student Financial Aid.

Computer Purchase: The cost of a computer is not automatically included in the cost of attendance. However, if you do not have a computer and need to purchase one, please contact our office to see if we can help.

The cost of attendance can be increased to include the one-time purchase of a reasonably priced computer. University policies will determine the amount that is considered reasonable. Funding will be provided only once during your academic career and, generally, only if you don't already have a computer.