Understanding Tuition and Fees at Roger Williams University School of Law
For prospective students and their families, understanding the financial aspects of higher education is crucial. Roger Williams University (RWU) and its School of Law recognize the significant impact of educational costs. This article breaks down the tuition, fees, and associated costs for attending RWU School of Law, offering a comprehensive overview to aid in financial planning.
Tuition Rates for Law Programs
RWU Law offers a Juris Doctorate (JD) program. For the academic year, the tuition is $47,400 per year. This equates to $23,700 per semester for full-time enrollment, defined as 12 to 16 credits. Students taking fewer than 12 credits are charged per credit at a rate of $1,975. Those exceeding 16 credits also pay $1,975 for each additional credit.
RWU Law also offers a Master of Studies in Law (MSL) degree. The cost for the MSL program is $977 per credit.
Cost of Attendance (COA) Explained
The Cost of Attendance (COA), sometimes referred to as the "student budget," is an estimated total cost for a typical student to attend the Roger Williams University School of Law for one academic year. It's important not to be surprised by the COA presented in financial aid offers, as it includes not only tuition and fees but also basic living expenses. The COA serves two main purposes:
- Providing an estimate of the cost to attend RWU School of Law for one year.
- Setting a limit on the amount of financial aid a student can receive during the academic year, as required by federal regulations.
A student's cost of attendance is divided into two categories: direct and indirect costs.
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Direct Costs
These are costs that appear on the student's bill and are paid directly to the university.
- Tuition and Fees: These figures reflect the cost of tuition and fees for a student taking 12 credits during the fall and spring semesters. Students in the Master of Architecture program are charged per credit if enrolled in less than 12 or more than 19 credits, while all other graduate students are charged the per-credit rate.
- Housing and Food (On Campus): This figure represents the cost of a shared 2-bedroom apartment at Almeida Residential Community.
It is important to note that additional fees may apply, including parking fees, health services, and health insurance.
Indirect Estimated Costs
These costs do not appear on student accounts and vary based on individual circumstances. They include:
- Books and Supplies: This is an estimated cost of books and supplies for the entire academic year. Students are not billed directly by RWU School of Law for these items.
- Average Loan Fees: Federal Direct Unsubsidized student loans have an origination fee of 1.057%, which is deducted before the funds are disbursed to RWU. The average fee is around $216, but the actual amount depends on the loan amount.
- Transportation: This estimate covers the cost of commuting to and from campus, jobs, internships, and travel to home during breaks. It includes expenses related to operating and maintaining a vehicle. Unless a parking permit is purchased, students are not billed directly for transportation costs.
- Miscellaneous: This allowance covers personal expenses such as clothing, laundry, toiletries, cell phone expenses, entertainment, local transportation, and other incidentals.
- Housing and Food (Off-Campus): This 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 data from the United States Department of Agriculture, adjusted for regional cost of living and inflation.
6-2027 Cost of Attendance (COA) Budget for Law Students
Understanding the breakdown of direct and indirect costs can provide a clearer picture of the overall financial commitment.
Direct Costs
| Expense | On-Campus Housing | Off-Campus Housing |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $48,584 | $48,584 |
| Student Fees | $1,720 | $1,720 |
| Housing | $17,476 | N/A |
| Total Direct Costs | $67,780 | $50,304 |
Indirect Costs
| Expense | On-Campus Housing | Off-Campus Housing |
|---|---|---|
| Books & Supplies | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Average Loan Fees | $216 | $216 |
| Transportation | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Miscellaneous | $1,650 | $4,400 |
| Housing | N/A | $15,000 |
| Food | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| Total Indirect Costs | $10,866 | $28,616 |
Total Cost of Attendance
| Expense | On-Campus Housing | Off-Campus Housing |
|---|---|---|
| Direct + Indirect Costs | $78,646 | $78,920 |
It's worth noting that 3L students' cost of attendance budget in their spring semester will include an increase of $1,005 to cover the cost of one bar exam.
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Additional Fees and Expenses
Beyond tuition, fees, and the cost of attendance, students should be aware of other potential expenses.
Health Insurance
All full-time law students must have adequate health insurance coverage. Students already covered by a health insurance plan may waive the university-sponsored student health insurance by providing proof of coverage by the specified deadline. For the Health Insurance Rate is $3,418 per year or $1,920 for the spring semester only.
Mandatory and Service Fees
RWU Law has several mandatory and service fees. Student fees are $845 per semester, and a parking permit costs $150 per year. There is also a $100 Applied Legal Reasoning Course Fee. Late payment fees are $325, and there is a $30 fee for each returned check.
Undergraduate Supplemental Fees
Undergraduate students may face supplemental fees, such as an Architectural Studio fee of $2,437 per semester for non-architecture students, an audit charge of $549 per course, and a laboratory fee of $275 per course. Music Lab/Instrument and/or Voice Lessons range from $727 on-campus to $967 off-campus.
Housing and Meal Plan Rates for Undergraduates
For undergraduate students, housing and meal plan rates vary based on the type of accommodation and meal plan chosen.
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Housing Rates
| Building | Room Type | Term | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar, Maple, Stonewall, Willow | Traditional Residence Hall Double | $4,982 | $9,964 |
| Cedar, Maple, Stonewall, Willow | Traditional Residence Hall Single | $6,032 | $12,064 |
| Bayside | 2 Person Apartment Shared | $6,776 | $13,552 |
| Bayside | 3 Person Apartment Shared | $6,776 | $13,552 |
| Bayside | 4 - 6 Person Apartment Shared | $6,776 | $13,552 |
| Bayside | 5 Person Apartment Private | $7,432 | $14,864 |
| Bayside | Private Apartment Private | $7,838 | $15,676 |
| Almeida | 2 Person Apartment Shared Double | $6,776 | $13,552 |
| Almeida | 3 Person Apartment Shared Double | $7,432 | $14,864 |
| Almeida | 3 Person Apartment Single | $6,776 | $13,552 |
| North Campus | Suite Single | $6,252 | $12,504 |
| North Campus | Suite Double | $5,196 | $10,392 |
| North Campus | Apartment Private | $7,838 | $15,676 |
| North Campus | 3 Person Apartment Shared | $6,858 | $13,716 |
| North Campus | Apartment Shared | $6,858 | $13,716 |
Meal Plan Rates
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.
| Meal Plan | Term | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 200 Block | $4,284 | $8,568 |
| 225 Block | $4,406 | $8,812 |
| 230 Block | $4,284 | $8,568 |
| 125 Block Plus | $2,196 | $4,392 |
| Commuter Plan | $638 | $1,276 |
Multiple Sibling Tuition Discount
Roger Williams University and Roger Williams University School of Law offer a multiple sibling tuition discount to ease the financial burden on families with more than one child in higher education.
Policy Details
If two or more siblings or step-siblings from a blended family are simultaneously enrolled as full-time students at Roger Williams University (undergraduate or graduate) and/or at the Roger Williams University School of Law, a tuition discount will be granted.
Discount Schedule
- One student enrolled â no discount
- Two students enrolled â 10% discount for each student
- Three students enrolled â 10% discount for the first two students; 20% discount for the third student
- Four or more students enrolled - 10% discount for the first two students; 20% discount for the third student; 25% discount for each of the fourth and any additional students
The discount is applied based on the year of enrollment, with the first student to enroll receiving the discount first. Siblings are eligible for the discount before the age of twentyâfour (24) for the undergraduate program and before the age of twenty-six (26) for the graduate program and the School of Law. Any financial aid awarded to a sibling would reflect the discount prior to being awarded the financial aid. The discount shall not be applied retroactively and cannot be combined with any other published tuition discounts.
Managing Law School Expenses
RWU Law provides resources and guidance to help students manage their expenses during law school.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Students can reduce expenses by:
- Paying off prior consumer debt.
- Sharing housing.
- Limiting eating out.
- Using the universityâs athletic facility.
- Buying used books.
- Seeking summer employment.
- Purchasing school-sponsored medical insurance.
- Utilizing the free university shuttle service.
- Taking advantage of the law schoolâs computer lab.
Resources and Support
RWU Law partners with AccessLex Institute to offer MAX by AccessLex, a personal finance program designed for law students. AccessConnex by AccessLex provides on-demand, one-on-one loan repayment and financial education information.
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