For many students and families, affordability is one of the most important factors when choosing a college. At Rowan University, providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education is a top priority. Through a wide range of financial aid options, scholarships, and tuition guarantees, Rowan makes it possible for students from all backgrounds—whether in-state, out-of-state, or international—to pursue higher education without overwhelming debt.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Rowan University’s financial aid system, including merit and need-based scholarships, tuition costs by residency, and how the university supports first-generation and underserved students.
Types of Scholarships at Rowan University
Rowan offers a robust scholarship program to reward academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. These awards fall into two main categories:
🎓 Merit-Based Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded based on academic performance (GPA, test scores, class rank), and often do not require a separate application. They’re automatically considered with your admission application.
Popular merit scholarships include:
- Rowan Scholars Award
- Presidential Scholarship
- Honors College Scholarships
- Transfer Trustee Scholarships (for transfer students)
Amounts vary, but many scholarships range from $2,000 to full tuition annually.
💰 Need-Based Aid
Students who complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) are automatically considered for need-based financial aid, including:
- Federal Pell Grants
- New Jersey Tuition Aid Grants (TAG) (for NJ residents)
- Federal Work-Study
- Rowan Opportunity Program – covers full tuition for eligible low-income NJ residents.
Visit financialaid.rowan.edu to explore current opportunities and eligibility criteria.
Cost of Attendance: In-State vs. Out-of-State & International Students
Rowan University offers competitive tuition rates, especially for New Jersey residents. Here’s a general comparison of estimated annual costs (2025–2026 academic year):
| Student Type | Tuition & Fees | Room & Board | Total (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-State (NJ) | ~$14,400 | ~$13,000 | ~$27,400 |
| Out-of-State (US) | ~$24,900 | ~$13,000 | ~$37,900 |
| International | ~$26,000+ | ~$13,000 | ~$39,000+ |
🔒 Tuition Guarantee: Rowan locks in tuition for each academic year, helping students and families better plan for their entire college journey.
Special Aid for First-Generation & Underserved Students
Rowan is deeply committed to educational equity. Several initiatives are in place to support first-generation college students, low-income students, and those from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
Notable Programs Include:
- EOF (Educational Opportunity Fund): Financial and academic support for NJ residents with economic and educational disadvantages.
- Rowan Opportunity Program: Covers full tuition and fees for students with household incomes under $65,000.
- First-Generation Mentorship & Scholarships: Dedicated programs that pair first-gen students with advisors and provide financial awards.
These initiatives go beyond financial support—they help students navigate college life, access internships, and build strong academic foundations.
Grants, Loans, and Work-Study
In addition to scholarships, Rowan offers federal and state-funded options to meet additional financial needs:
🏛 Grants:
- Federal Pell Grant
- SEOG (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant)
- NJ TAG (Tuition Aid Grant)
💳 Loans:
- Federal Direct Subsidized & Unsubsidized Loans
- PLUS Loans for Parents
- Private Educational Loans (available through lenders)
👨💼 Work-Study:
Many students qualify for federal work-study, which allows them to work part-time on campus to help pay for educational expenses.
Applying for Financial Aid at Rowan
To be considered for financial aid, students should:
- Submit the FAFSA as early as possible (available Oct 1 each year).
- Use Rowan’s Net Price Calculator to estimate aid and costs.
- Monitor your Rowan Admissions portal for updates and financial aid award letters.
- Review any scholarships that may require separate applications, such as Honors or program-specific awards.
External Link Resources:
Conclusion
Rowan University stands out not just for academic excellence, but for its genuine dedication to making education affordable and accessible. With a strong mix of merit and need-based aid, scholarships for diverse backgrounds, and in-state affordability, Rowan ensures that students can focus more on learning—and less on finances.
Whether you’re a New Jersey resident, an out-of-state applicant, or an international student, Rowan’s financial aid programs can help make your academic goals achievable.