Military Students
The Roger Williams University Military Educational Benefits Program Team is here to support you! Whether you are serving, have served, or both, RWU is excited to work with you on your next steps.
We collaborate and maintain partnerships with education officers throughout the military branches so we can best serve our military families and offer services and resources like military discounts and a Student Veteran Organization (SVO).
For more than 30 years, RWU has collaborated and maintained partnerships with education officers throughout the military branches and we offer military benefits like waived application fee, discounted tuition rates for both service members and their spouses, online program offerings, personal advising, academic support, and much more.
Our advisors understand where you've been and where you want to go, because some have military backgrounds and understand the culture and lingo that you're used to. We'll make it easy for you by helping you navigate the application process for tuition assistance, GI Bill ® benefits and other tuition benefits, including financial aid. Then while you're here we'll set you up with our career transition resources that helps translate your military experience into credits and in-demand careers.
Whether attending a local campus or working towards a degree online, a RWU experience is possible no matter where you are. We offer a wide range of programs at all levels — from associate through graduates.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Veterans Affairs web site.
Benefits
RWU supports the following benefits:
Program | Description | Eligibility | Benefit |
---|---|---|---|
Tuition Assistance | Tuition Assistance is a military benefit that pays the cost of tuition and some fees. | Virtually all military service members are eligible. However, criteria for eligibility is determined by each branch. | Tuition Assistance covers up to 100% Tuition and Fees not to exceed:
|
Post 9/11 GI Bill® | The Post 9/11 GI Bill® provides up to 36 months (4 regular school years) of education benefits to eligible service members and veterans for:
|
|
|
Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty & Veteran) | MGIB provides up to 36 months (4 regular school years) of education benefits to eligible veterans for:
|
| Up to $2,358 per month for full-time institutional education. |
Montgomery GI Bill (Selected Reserves) | Same as MGIB-AD at reduced rates. |
| Up to $466 per month for full-time institutional education. |
Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA) | Education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans. May be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. | You must be the son, daughter, or spouse of a service member who died, is missing, or was permanently disabled while on duty or as a result of a service-related condition. | Up to $1,488 per month for full-time institutional education. |
Work-Study Program | If you're a full-time or 3/4-time student in a college degree program, or a vocational or professional program, you can "earn while you learn" with a VA work-study allowance. | The VA work-study allowance is available to persons training under one of the VA benefit programs:
| You'll earn an hourly wage equal to the Federal minimum wage or your State minimum wage, whichever is greater. |
Apply Your Military Experience
Are you a learner who hopes to apply military experience toward a degree? If so, check out ACE Military Guide-
ACE Military Guide - Catalog Search (acenet.edu)
Contact
Brynna Turner, Assistant Registrar for Data and Compliance and Linda Gauvin, Senior Associate Registrar are the Primary and Secondary VA School Certifying Officials for RWU. Leside Torres is the Finance Manager and Lina Mejia is the Finance Assistant for the program.
The RWU Military Education Benefits Team can be reached at rwumilitary@messianicfamilyfellowship.com.
Law students please contact Karen Moniz, Academic and Business Services Coordinator at (401) 254-4657 or kmoniz@messianicfamilyfellowship.com.
Roger Williams University Departments
- Admissions - Extension School/Providence Campus
- Admissions - Bristol Campus
- Financial Aid
- Registrar
- Bursar
External Links - Military Sites
Academic Programs
Service members are eligible to enroll in any of the academic programs offered by RWU. Check out the various program and course offerings at the links below:
- Extension School Course Catalog
- RWU Course Catalog
- Graduate Studies Catalog
- Law School Course Catalog
- Accreditations and Credentials; NC-SARA
Extension School
RWU Extension School (RWU EXT), located at the RWU Providence campus, provides flexibility with part-time scheduling and on-line course offerings. Through enrollment with RWU EXT, military students are eligible to seek credit from their Joint Service Transcripts (JST), CLEP exams, DSST exams, credit from other accredited higher education institutions, and through the Credit Documentation process. The minimum residency requirement of thirty credits (10-three credit courses) applies to service members. Service members are subject to the academic and institutional rules and regulations which apply to all students at the University, as explicitly stated in the course catalog.
Military Benefits & Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020
At Roger Williams University, we know that you are juggling a demanding military career and personal life while making time to pursue your educational goals. Let us help.
As part of the Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 we are required to provide you important information regarding your education at Roger Williams University. This information is provided for you below:
Financial Information:
- Estimated Cost of Attendance base on full-time status: $17,746/yr
- Tuition and fees: $5,610
- Housing and meals: $9,270
- Books & supplies $676
- Other educational costs $2,190
Amount of Cost cover by VA:
Military Online & Day Courses (3 semester credit hours): $750
Other Types of Federal financial aid you may be eligible for:
Federal Pell Grants:
This program also uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine a student's eligibility.
There are several ways to file:
Online is faster and easier than using paper. If you need a paper FAFSA, you can download a PDF FAFSA or order a print-out of the PDF FAFSA by calling 1-877-4-ED-PUBS (1-877-433-7827). You can check the status of your FAFSA immediately after submitting it online.
You can check the status of a paper FAFSA after it has been processed (roughly 7–10 days from the date mailed).
Here’s how:
- Option 1: Go to the FAFSA website and log in.
- Option 2: Contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center. If your FAFSA is still being processed, we recommend that you wait a few days before checking the status again.
Federal Loan Options:
Students who meet specific criteria or have demonstrated financial need may be eligible for loans provided by the federal government. These loans have different qualifications, interest rates and requirements.
The following programs are available to students enrolled in full-time degree programs at Roger Williams University:
Any student applying for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be offered federal student loans through the Department of Education's Federal Direct Loan Program as part of your RWU financial aid award. This loan program is borrowed money that must be repaid. Lenders charge origination and interest fees on the borrowed amount for its use. Once you receive your award letter, you will have the opportunity to accept or decline the direct loan(s) in full or request a reduced borrowing amount.
Subsidized Federal Direct Loans
These are low interest loans that are awarded based on financial need. The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest that accrues on the loan during the in-school, grace and authorized deferment periods. The interest rate for the 2021/2022 year loan is 3.73% with a loan origination fee of 1.057% for undergraduate students. The maximum borrowing amount is $3,500 for freshmen, $4,500 for sophomores, and $5,500 for juniors and seniors with a maximum cumulative total of $23,000. Repayment of principal begins six months after the student stops attending school on at least a half-time basis. Interest on the loan starts once the student stops attending school on at least a half-time basis.
Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans
These are low interest student loans that are not awarded based on financial need. The U.S. Department of Education does not subsidize the interest; the student borrower is responsible for all interest that accrues on the loan from the date of the first disbursement. The interest rate for this loan for the 2021/2022 year is 3.73% with a loan origination fee of 1.057% for undergraduate students. Repayment begins six months after the student stops attending school on a half-time basis. Note: Based on student FAFSA results, students may be awarded a combination of subsidized and unsubsidized loan amounts. Regardless of the type of loan awarded, every student must complete an Entrance Interview and Master Promissory Note before receiving this loan.
Estimated Student Loan Debt:
$19,792
How to compare aid packages:
Your starting point is the college's cost of attendance (COA). The standard components of a college's COA are:
- Tuition and fees
- Room and board
- Books and supplies
- Local transportation
- Personal expenses
If the college does not show the components of its COA or does not show all components, ask the financial aid office for a full breakdown. Add up the components to get the complete COA.
For each award letter, identify every item as either gift aid (grants and scholarships) or self-help aid (loans and work-study). Then calculate the total amount of gift aid and the total amount of self-help aid. If it's not clear whether an award is gift aid or self-help aid, ask the college right away. For example, loans may not be clearly labeled.
Once you know each school's entire COA and the total amount of gift and self-help aid, you can compare the net price of each college. Simply subtract the total gift aid from each college's cost of attendance. Ignore what the award letter says you will pay and rely on your own calculations.
To understand how much debt, you might be signing up for, add up the loan self-help aid offered by each college, plus any other loans you might get in order to cover your cost.
Academic Information:
Transfer of Credits:
- 90 credits towards Bachelor’s Degree
- 45 credits towards an Associate’s Degree
Transfer of Military Credits:
Three years if college credit (90 credits) may be granted for military training and/or experience.
Additional requirements, training, experience or examinations for which the course prepares the individual:
Not Applicable
Graduation requirements & timeline:
All university coursework requirements must be completed by the time of graduation and your student account are in good standing with the university before diploma’s are issued. Undergraduate and graduate students must submit a degree application two semesters prior to expected graduation Information regarding completing a course at RWU: All university coursework requirements must be completed by the time of graduation and your student account are in good standing with the university before diploma’s are issued. Undergraduate and graduate students must submit a degree application two semesters prior to expected graduation.
Graduation Rate:
88%
RWU Contacts:
Academic Counseling: UC Admission Office 401-254-3838
Financial Counseling: Gina Rigby 401-254-3100
Disability Counseling: Student Accessibility Services 401-254-3841
RWU is able to offer a discounted tuition rate for members of the Armed Forces through University College. Most military students are eligible for government funding under the Post 9/11 GI Bill ®, Montgomery GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve, or the Reserve Educational Assistance Program and VRE. The discounted tuition rate and government funding may be applicable to your spouse and family members as well.
Roger Williams University offers you flexible scheduling based on your deployment and allows you to return to the program. In addition, your tuition gives you access to all of the services, course and program information regularly available to all on-campus students, including academic advisement, use of facilities, student services, access to course schedules, catalogs and more.
The RWU Military Educational Benefits team supports active duty and veteran's benefits.
IMPORTANT: All military students must seek approval for Tuition Assistance from their Educational Service Officer (ESO) or Military Service Counselor prior to registering for classes with RWU.
Per the RWU DoD MOU, paragraph 4.d.(1) Approved Courses. If an eligible Service member decides to use TA, educational institutions will enroll him or her only after the TA is approved by the individual’s Service. Service members will be solely responsible for all tuition costs without this prior approval. This requirement does not prohibit an educational institution from pre-registering a Service member in a course in order to secure a slot in the course. If a school enrolls the Service member before the appropriate Service approves Military TA, then the Service member could be responsible for the tuition. All Military TA must be requested and approved prior to the start date of the course. The Military TA is approved on a course-by-course basis and only for the specific course(s) and class dates that a Service member requests. If a military student “self-identifies” their eligibility and the Service has not approved the funding, then the Service member will be solely responsible for all tuition costs, not the Service.
VA Student Certification
All military students new or returning should first obtain approval from their respective Military Educational Benefits Educational Service Officer (ESO), Military Counselor, or the Student VA Hotline prior to meeting with the RWU Military Benefits Assistants. The RWU enrollment process cannot be started until the Military Benefits Assistant collects an updated VA Educational Eligibility Letter (COE) and the student submits a completed RWU Student VA Worksheet (required prior to the start of each semester that VA benefits will be used).
Note: VA Military Benefit amounts should be determined prior to applying for Financial Aid.
Click here to view the RWU financial aid allocation of military benefits policy. This policy ensures that GI Bill & VRE benefits, when combined with university funding, does not exceed direct tuition and fees.
Army Tuition Assistance
All TA for Active Duty, USAR, and ARNG Soldiers must be requested through the AI Portal.
Extension School
Tuition Rates - Part-time
- Evening Classroom Course (3 credits) $750
- Directed Seminar (3 credits) $750
- Online Course (3 credits) $750
General Fees
Extension School applicants may waive their application fee upon discussing their intent to apply with an admissions representative. Applicants & current students will pay only a one (1) time semester fee of $70 for each semester of attendance. This price is not per course you take.
Extension School students can take up to fourteen (14) college credits and pay the evening/online course rates. If you enroll for fifteen (15) or more credits, you must pay our day course rate.
Extension School tuition rates and fees.
Withdrawal policy, and refund schedule
Information regarding tuition rates and costs for programs offered at other RWU schools
Readmission for Military Servicemembers
Scope and Purpose
RWU acknowledges that students may be temporarily unable to attend classes or be required to suspend their studies in order to perform military service. RWU encourages such students to resume their education once a military service obligation has ended and adopts this policy to ensure the timely readmission of such students. The university will promptly readmit servicemembers who seek readmission to a program that was interrupted due to a uniformed service obligation.
Eligibility
A student is eligible for readmission under this policy if, during an absence, the student performs uniformed service, voluntary or involuntary, in the Armed Forces, including the National Guard or Reserve, active duty, active duty for training or full-time National Guard (under federal authority).
Notification
A student must provide oral or written notice of a uniformed service obligation to their respective advisor as far in advance as possible, unless precluded by military necessity. Such notice does not need to indicate when the student will return to the university. Immediately upon the student's return to school, the student must provide notice that he/she may be entitled to the tuition and enrollment benefits. The returning student may be required to provide supporting documentation.
Tuition and Fees
A returning student must be charged the same tuition and fees in effect during the last academic year the student attended, unless veterans' education benefits or other servicemember education benefits will pay the amount in excess. For subsequent academic years, the returning student may not be charged tuition and fees in excess of what other students in the program are charged.
Readmission Requirements
A returning student will be permitted to reenroll in the next class(es) scheduled in the same academic program, unless the student requests a later date of reenrollment or agrees to a different program. A returning student will be readmitted into the same academic program the student was enrolled in prior to the military service obligation. If the exact program no longer exists, the student must be admitted to the program that is most similar, unless the student requests or agrees to admission to a different program. Returning students will be reenrolled with the same enrollment status, number of completed credit hours, and academic standing as the last academic year of attendance.
This policy applies only to students receiving Military Tuition Assistance (TA). TA is awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of TA funds originally awarded. To comply with Department of Defense (DOD) policy, RWU will return any unearned TA funds on a prorated basis through at least 60% portion of the period for which the funds were provided. TA funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period. Any unearned TA funds – based upon when a student stops attending - will be returned directly to the military service from which the funds were provided, not to the service member.
Withdrawal & Refunds Military Tuition Assistance (TA) Refund Policy and Schedule
In instances when a service member stops attending due to a military service obligation, RWU will work with the affected service member to identify solutions that will not result in a student debt for the returned TA funds in compliance with the DOD policy.
To comply with the Department of Defense’s policy, RWU will return any unearned TA funds up to 60% of the semester on a prorated basis. The amount of unearned TA funds returned is based on the date of withdrawal. After 60% of the semester has passed, TA will not be evaluated for a return to the DOD.
- RWU currently offers 2 week, 3 week, 5 week, 6 week, 8 week, 10 week, 15 week and 16 week schedules.
Withdrawal Liability Charts:
16 Week
Effective Withdrawal Date | Return of TA% | TA% Earned |
---|---|---|
Before or during weeks 1-2 | 100% | 0 |
During weeks 3 to 4 | 75% | 25% |
During weeks 5 to 8 | 50% | 50% |
During week 9 | 40% (60% of course completed) | 60% |
During weeks 10 to 16 | 0% | 100% |
15 Week
Effective Withdrawal Date | Return of TA% | TA% Earned |
---|---|---|
Before or during weeks 1-2 | 100% | 0 |
During weeks 3 to 4 | 90% | 10% |
During weeks 5 to 6 | 75% | 25% |
During weeks 7 to 8 | 50% | 50% |
During week 9 | 40% (60% of course completed) | 60% |
During weeks 10 to 15 | 0% | 100% |
10 Week
Effective Withdrawal Date | Return of TA % | TA % Earned |
---|---|---|
Before or during week 1 | 100% | 0% |
During Week 2 | 80% | 20% |
During Week 3 | 70% | 30% |
During Week 4 | 60% | 40% |
During Week 5 | 50% | 50% |
During Week 6 | 40% (60% of course completed) | 60% |
During Weeks 7 – 10 | 0% | 100% |
8 & 6 Week
Effective Withdrawal Date | Return of TA % | TA % Earned |
---|---|---|
Before or during week 1 | 100% | 0% |
During Week 2 and 3 | 60% | 40% |
During Week 4 | 40% (60% of course completed) | 60% |
During Weeks 5 and 6 | 0% | 0% |
5 Week
Effective Withdrawal Date | Return of TA % | TA % Earned |
---|---|---|
Before or during week 1 | 100% | 0% |
During Week 2 | 60% | 40% |
During Week 3 | 40% (60% of course completed) | 60% |
During Weeks 4 and 5 | 0 | 100% |
3 Week
Effective Withdrawal Date | Return of TA% | TA % Earned |
---|---|---|
Before or during Day 1 | 100% | 0% |
During Day 2 | 90% | 10% |
During Day 3 | 86% | 14% |
During Day 4 | 81% | 19% |
During Day 5 | 76% | 24% |
During Day 6 | 71% | 21% |
During Day 7 | 67% | 33% |
During Day 8 | 62% | 38% |
During Day 9 | 57% | 43% |
During Day 10 | 52% | 48% |
During Day 11 | 48% | 52% |
During Days 12 to 13 | 40% (60% of course completed) | 60% |
Days 14 to 21 | 0% | 100% |
Note: The educational institution’s week of instruction is counted as 7 days
2 Week
Effective Withdrawal Date | Return of TA% | TA% Earned |
---|---|---|
Before or during Day 1 | 100% | 0% |
During Day 2 | 86% | 14% |
During Day 3 | 79% | 21% |
During Day 4 | 71% | 29% |
During Day 5 | 64% | 36% |
During Day 6 | 57% | 43% |
During Day 7 | 50% | 50% |
During Day 8 and Day 9 | 40% (60% of course completed) | 60% |
During Days 10 to 14 | 0% | 100% |
These schedules will be implemented via the RWU Academic Standards Petition Process:
Students are responsible for knowing and complying with the academic regulations of the University. Each College and School has an Academic Standards Committee that serves as the appeal committee for students requesting exceptions to academic policy. A petition obtained from the appropriate dean’s office must be completed and submitted to the dean of the college or school in which the student is enrolled. The dean of the college or school, if necessary, forwards the petition to the appropriate Academic Standards Committee.
Please contact us if you have any questions!
Roger Williams University
One Old Ferry Rd Bristol, RI 02809
E-mail: rwumilitary@messianicfamilyfellowship.com