Skidmore College vs Roger Williams University (RWU)

Skidmore College and Roger Williams University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Skidmore, a liberal arts college nestled in Saratoga Springs, New York, boasts a highly selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 33%. Its student body comprises 2,500 undergraduates, predominantly female, seeking a well-rounded education in the arts, sciences, and humanities. In contrast, Roger Williams University, located in Bristol, Rhode Island, is a comprehensive university with a more open admissions policy, reflected in its 75% acceptance rate. Its diverse student body of over 4,000 undergraduates pursues a wide range of programs, including business, engineering, and healthcare. While Skidmore prides itself on its strong liberal arts foundation, Roger Williams emphasizes experiential learning through internships and hands-on projects. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover further distinctions between these two exceptional institutions and determine which aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Roger Williams University	Skidmore College
Overview
Location	Bristol, Rhode Island	Saratoga Springs, New York
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Small
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
Students retention rate	81.0%	90.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	91.0%	30.6%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $50	$65
SAT range	N/A	1270 - 1440
ACT range	N/A	29 - 33
Students submitting SAT score		26.0%
Students submitting ACT score		11.0%
Total number of applicants	8,163	11,176
Total number of admissions given out	7,427	3,419
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,003	719
Yield rate	13.5%	21.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$55,774	$68,266
Average net price	$36,537	$31,553
Tuition	$39,264	$59,064
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,048 Meal plan: $6,964	Room/dormitory: $9,500 Meal plan: $6,568
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan Other alternative tuition plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $20,225	59.0% Average amount $43,391
Students receiving federal student loan	68.0% Average amount $3,862	39.0% Average amount $4,879
Students taking out private loans	25.0% Average amount $21,353	4.0% Average amount $26,954

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	4,207 Men 50.3% Women 49.7%	2,686 Men 40.8% Women 59.2%
Graduate students	322 Men 41.6% Women 58.4%	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	85.3%	68.4%
International students	0.8%	9.1%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Small
Dormitory capacity	2,992	2,188
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	New York Mississippi Connecticut New Jersey California

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Law Enforcement and Firefighting Architecture Legal Profession Education	Biological and Biomedical Sciences Social Sciences Visual & Performing Arts Education Foreign Languages and Literatures
Students to faculty ratio	14:1	8:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	70.3%	83.6%
Dropout rate	4.4%	3.5%
Transferred out	24.9%	12.6%
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	Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $49,572 Year 2: $46,087 Year 3: $67,188 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $50,235 Year 2: $43,575 Year 3: $56,001 International Relations and National Security Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $41,193 Year 3: $43,062 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,416 Year 2: $36,668 Year 3: $40,557 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $35,722 Year 2: $32,563 Year 3: $39,834 English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $18,677 Year 2: $26,933 Year 3: $37,589 Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $29,585 Year 2: $20,682 Year 3: $30,907 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $24,359 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $27,085 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Neurobiology and Neurosciences (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $25,194 Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in academic focus between Skidmore College and Roger Williams University?

Skidmore College emphasizes a broad liberal arts education with a strong focus on interdisciplinary studies and creative arts. It encourages students to explore diverse fields and develop critical thinking skills. Roger Williams University, while also offering a liberal arts foundation, is known for its professional programs, particularly in architecture, engineering, and law. It provides a more career-oriented approach with a focus on practical experience and industry connections.
How does the campus environment differ between Skidmore and Roger Williams?

Skidmore College boasts a more traditional, residential campus located in Saratoga Springs, New York, known for its vibrant arts scene and proximity to outdoor recreational activities. Roger Williams University has a coastal campus in Bristol, Rhode Island, offering a waterfront environment and a strong connection to the ocean. The campus is smaller and more focused on its immediate surroundings.
What are the strengths of Skidmore College's academic programs?

Skidmore excels in its liberal arts offerings, particularly in the arts (visual arts, music, theater), humanities, and social sciences. It is known for its strong faculty-student relationships, emphasis on undergraduate research, and opportunities for independent study. The college also has a well-regarded dance program.
What are the strengths of Roger Williams University's academic programs?

Roger Williams University is highly regarded for its architecture, engineering, and marine science programs. It provides hands-on learning experiences, including design studios, internships, and opportunities for practical application of knowledge. The university also has a strong law school.
How does the cost of attendance compare between Skidmore and Roger Williams?

Both Skidmore College and Roger Williams University have relatively high tuition costs. However, financial aid packages and scholarships can significantly reduce the net cost for eligible students. It's recommended to compare the net price calculators on each university's website to get a personalized estimate of your potential costs.
What is the student body like at Skidmore College?

Skidmore College attracts a diverse student body with a strong emphasis on creativity, intellectual curiosity, and social engagement. Students are often independent thinkers who are interested in exploring a wide range of interests. The college fosters a close-knit community with a focus on collaboration and personal growth.
What is the student body like at Roger Williams University?

Roger Williams University's student body is generally more focused on career preparation and practical skills. Students are often drawn to the university's professional programs and its location near coastal areas. The university fosters a sense of community through its campus activities and student organizations.
What are the opportunities for internships and career services at Skidmore?

Skidmore College provides robust career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and internship opportunities. The college leverages its alumni network and location near major cities to connect students with internships and job prospects in various fields, particularly in the arts, media, and non-profit sectors.
What are the opportunities for internships and career services at Roger Williams?

Roger Williams University emphasizes career preparation and offers extensive career services, including career fairs, internship programs, and industry-specific workshops. The university's location and strong connections with local businesses and organizations provide students with numerous opportunities for internships and job placements, especially in architecture, engineering, and legal fields.
How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

Skidmore's location in Saratoga Springs offers access to a vibrant arts and culture scene, outdoor recreation, and proximity to larger cities like Albany and New York City. Roger Williams' location in Bristol provides a coastal environment, access to beaches and boating, and proximity to Providence and Boston. The location influences the types of activities students engage in and the career opportunities available.
Which college is better for students interested in the arts?

Skidmore College is generally considered the stronger choice for students primarily interested in the arts. It has a well-established arts program with excellent facilities, faculty, and a strong emphasis on creative expression. While Roger Williams offers some arts programs, Skidmore's focus is more comprehensive.
Which college is better for students interested in architecture or engineering?

Roger Williams University is the better choice for students interested in architecture or engineering. It has highly regarded programs in these fields, with a focus on practical experience and industry connections. Skidmore does not have dedicated programs in these areas.
How do the campus cultures differ?

Skidmore fosters a culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and social awareness. The campus environment is known for its open-mindedness and emphasis on individual expression. Roger Williams has a more career-focused culture, with a strong emphasis on professional development and practical skills. The campus environment is generally more structured and geared towards preparing students for their chosen careers.
What are the athletic programs like at each university?

Both Skidmore and Roger Williams offer a range of NCAA Division III athletic programs. Skidmore competes in the Liberty League, while Roger Williams competes in the Commonwealth Coast Conference. The level of competition is similar, but the specific sports offered and the overall athletic culture may vary.

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