Rowan University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit awards and competitive scholarships
- Garden State and out-of-state tuition options
- Honors College benefits and top-tier scholarships
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~78%
- Middle 50% ACT: 21–27
- Middle 50% SAT: 1070–1280
- Average HS GPA (middle 50%): 3.4–3.9
Source: Rowan University Common Data Set 2024–25 and BigFuture overview. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Rowan University at a Glance
Last verified: October 18, 2025
Rowan University offers generous merit aid and strong academic support for both in-state and out-of-state students. High-achieving applicants can earn competitive merit awards, while most admitted students are automatically considered for academic merit based on GPA and test scores.
Combined with New Jersey’s Garden State Guarantee and Rowan’s test-optional policy, families can find multiple pathways to lower the cost of a nationally respected public education.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Rowan University is test-optional through 2026, and students are automatically considered for merit based on GPA and class rank.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 21–27; SAT: 1070–1280 (for students who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? About $22,237/year after aid. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? No regional reciprocity, but strong merit awards significantly reduce OOS costs. In-state students may qualify for the Garden State Guarantee.
https://admissions.rowan.edu/financing-education/scholarships.html
https://admissions.rowan.edu/financing-education/out-of-state.html
https://admissions.rowan.edu/admissions-process/freshman-requirements/standardized-scores.html
https://sites.rowan.edu/financial-aid/tuition-free/
https://sites.rowan.edu/financial-aid/tuition-free/garden-state-guarantee.html
https://sites.rowan.edu/financial-aid/help/faq.html
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/rowan-university/admissions
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?184782-Rowan-University=
💰 Cost of Attendance at Rowan University
| Expense Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–17 credits) | $17,622 | $24,724 |
| Housing & Meals (average on-campus) | $16,228 | $16,228 |
| Estimated Total (Before Aid) | $33,850 | $40,952 |
Figures reflect full-time undergraduate costs for 2025–2026. Housing and meal rates use a standard double room with an average meal plan. Personal, transportation, and book costs vary by student and are not included here because they are indirect expenses, not direct payments to the university.
- Rowan Opportunity Program (ROP): Covers tuition and fees for NJ residents with household AGI ≤$65,000 during the first two years (0–59 credits).
- Garden State Guarantee (GSG): Covers tuition and fees for NJ residents with household AGI ≤$65,000 during the junior and senior years (60–128 credits). Note: Higher income tiers were discontinued for new students starting Fall 2025.
Example: An in-state junior with a $17,622 tuition and fee charge would see that reduced to $0 if family income is ≤$65,000 and all FAFSA/state aid deadlines are met.
FAQ on Tuition-Free Programs
Who qualifies? New Jersey residents with an adjusted gross income of $65,000 or less who file both FAFSA and NJ state aid forms on time.
How much does it cover? Full in-state tuition and mandatory fees (not housing or meals).
Do you need to apply? No separate application is required—just submit FAFSA and NJ state aid by the annual priority deadlines.
University COA page — https://sites.rowan.edu/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance/annual-coa-2526.html
Tuition & Fees — https://sites.rowan.edu/bursar/tuitionfees/2025-26-tuition-and-fees/2025-26-undergraduate-tuition-and-fees/
Garden State Guarantee — https://sites.rowan.edu/financial-aid/tuition-free/garden-state-guarantee.html
Rowan Opportunity Program — https://sites.rowan.edu/financial-aid/tuition-free/
College Scorecard — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?184782-Rowan-University=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Rowan reviews every admitted student for merit aid. These awards are tied directly to your admissions application—no extra paperwork needed. The exact amounts vary depending on GPA, course rigor, test scores (if submitted), and the competitiveness of the year’s applicant pool.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rowan University Scholars Program | $1,000–$12,000/yr (rare full-tuition awards) | All admitted frosh (in/out-state), full-time required | No | Yes (2.5 GPA; 8 semesters) | Est. UW GPA 3.3+; higher awards: 3.8+/1400+ SAT or top test-optional rigor* | Jan 31 (priority) |
| Brown & Gold Scholarship (OOS only) | $3,000–$8,500/yr | First-year, out-of-state frosh | No | Yes (eligible, 4 years) | OOS students, strong academic & course record, stackable | Jan 31 (priority) |
| International Student Merit | $10,000–$19,000/yr | International, full-time frosh | No | Yes | Strong academic record among international admits | Jan 31 (priority) |
Note: Rowan does not publish a fixed GPA/SAT/ACT grid for automatic merit. The GPA/test score bands and ranges above are estimates based on past award patterns and Rowan’s admitted profile. Thresholds shift year-to-year based on funding/applicant pool.
FAQ on Automatic Merit
Do I need to apply? No—admissions app alone. Submit by Jan 31 for best scholarship chance.
Are test scores required? No. Rowan is test-optional; merit is possible either way. High test scores can help.
Do they superscore? Yes. Rowan superscores SAT/ACT for scholarship review, so submitting multiple results can help you qualify for more aid.
Why do awards vary? Holistic review: two students with the same GPA may get different amounts based on rigor, tests, and pool strength. Plan for average; hope for upper tier.
Can these stack with other aid? Yes—Brown & Gold can combine with merit, need-based aid, and state programs. Some state programs cover tuition first, with Rowan merit offsetting other costs.
rowan.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
rowan.edu/admissions/
nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
rowan.edu/international/admissions/undergraduate/scholarships/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These scholarships aren’t automatic—they require an extra application, essay, or are offered only to a limited number of students. They can be especially rewarding for motivated students who go beyond the basics of the admissions process.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rowan University Foundation Scholarships | $500–$5,000/yr (some higher) | Admitted & current students; criteria: major, GPA, service, leadership, etc. | Yes—via Scholarship Universe portal | Sometimes (depends on donor) | 3.3+ GPA, strong essays, departmental involvement/service | Varies; portal opens spring, largest close by Feb/March |
| Edelman Scholars | Full tuition + $17,000 bonus at 4-year grad | First-year cohort, highly selective (few slots) | No public app; Rowan selects from admits | Yes (if standards met) | Typically 6/yr—near-perfect GPA, top rigor, major leadership/service | Not published |
Disclaimer: Award amounts, selection numbers, and recipient profiles are based on the most recent data and past cohorts. Rowan does not guarantee these each year; actual awards may vary with donor funding and university priorities.
FAQ on Competitive Scholarships
What makes these “competitive”? They require extra steps—essays or matching to donor funds—and are not guaranteed even if you appear to qualify.
How many Edelman Scholars are chosen? Usually just a handful—recent years have had roughly 6 per entering class out of thousands of freshmen.
When are deadlines? Scholarship Universe portal opens spring; biggest awards close Feb–March.
Can they stack with automatic merit? Yes—in most cases. Foundation and donor awards can often be combined with Rowan’s automatic merit.
rowan.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
rowan.edu/admissions/
rowan.edu/scholarships/foundation/
nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
🎖️ Honors College
The John H. Martinson Honors College at Rowan offers high-achieving students the chance to go beyond the standard degree. With smaller classes, a close-knit community, and opportunities for research and leadership, it’s a strong fit for motivated students who want to make the most of their Rowan experience.
High school GPA around 3.7+, rigorous coursework (AP, IB, dual enrollment), strong writing ability, and involvement in leadership or service. Test scores are optional but can strengthen an application.
- Priority registration for classes
- Access to Honors housing and learning community
- Smaller, discussion-based seminars
- Faculty mentorship and research opportunities
- Dedicated advising for national fellowships (Fulbright, Goldwater, Boren)
Honors-Related Scholarships and Opportunities
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rowan University Scholars Program | Up to $12,000/yr (rare full-tuition) | Top PD merit-based; Honors admits are leading recipients | No (automatic with admission) | Yes (GPA/continuation) | Honors-level academics, 3.8+/1400+ SAT or equivalent | Jan 31 (priority) |
| Edelman Scholars (CCCA) | Full COA + $17k grad bonus | CCCA majors, Honors-level profile; app + interview | Yes | Yes (standards met) | Top creative/comm majors, service, essays | March 1 |
| Martinson Summer Scholars | Paid summer research (stipend varies) | Current Honors; research proposal with faculty | Yes | No (summer only) | Active Honors, strong proposal/faculty mentor | April 1 |
| National Fellowship Advising | Prestige (award amounts vary) | Honors with faculty-level support for national awards | Yes (for specific awards/fellowships) | Depends on fellowship | Honors students with high GPAs/service/research | Varies by fellowship |
Admission model: Students apply directly to Honors after Rowan admission. Additional essay required, and the process is competitive and holistic.
Renewal: Stay in good standing by maintaining GPA (about 3.3) and active Honors participation.
Adds time? No. Honors fits within normal four-year plans and satisfies many major/general ed requirements.
FAQ on Rowan Honors
Is admission automatic? No—separate application and essay required for Honors College.
Extra cost? No. Honors charges no extra tuition or fees.
Are scholarships Honors-specific? Yes—see above; research stipends, top merit, and major fellowships.
Adds time? No—Honors courses are degree-applicable and keep you on track for graduation.
rowan.edu/honors/
rowan.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
rowan.edu/admissions/
rowan.edu/scholarships/foundation/
rowan.edu/ccca/
⭐ College Specialty
Rowan isn’t just another public university in New Jersey—it’s become a rising name nationally for its mix of engineering, health sciences, and hands-on opportunities like the Edelman Fossil Park. For families, this means your student can get a nationally recognized degree in fields where Rowan has real strength, while still paying an in-state price if you qualify. Rowan is officially classified as an R2: High Research Activity university, which signals strong growth in research funding and opportunities for undergraduates.
Rowan’s Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering is consistently ranked among the Top 25 undergraduate engineering programs in the nation (U.S. News & World Report). Known for small class sizes and a clinic-style approach, it gives students hands-on industry projects from the very first year.
- Medicine & Health: Rowan is one of the few universities nationally to house two medical schools (Cooper Medical School & RowanSOM) plus a nursing & health professions college—expanding clinical pathways for undergrads.
- Edelman Fossil Park & Museum: A nationally profiled site for paleontology and STEM education, offering rare research opportunities for undergrads.
- Veterinary Medicine: Home to New Jersey’s first School of Veterinary Medicine, opening Fall 2025—making Rowan one of fewer than 40 vet schools nationwide.
- Business & Entrepreneurship: The Rohrer College of Business is AACSB-accredited and highlighted statewide for its entrepreneurship program, with strong ties to South Jersey’s startup community.
🔗 Official Links
- 📎 Rowan University Homepage
- 📎 John H. Martinson Honors College
- 📎 Scholarships & Merit Aid
- 📎 Financial Aid Office