Rowan University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
If your student is looking at Rowan, you’ll find a mix of options: New Jersey’s tuition-free programs, automatic merit for strong grades and test scores, competitive donor awards, and plenty of hidden gems. This page pulls everything into one parent-friendly guide—so you can see the real costs, the aid that’s automatic, and where extra effort could pay off. Don’t forget: New Jersey also has its own state aid programs, which stack with Rowan’s scholarships.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Rowan University
| Expense Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (12–17 credits) | $17,622 | $24,724 |
| Housing (average) | $11,286 | $11,286 |
| Meal Plan (average) | $4,942 | $4,942 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,094 | $1,094 |
| Transportation | $2,056 | $2,056 |
| Personal/Miscellaneous | $2,812 | $2,812 |
| Total (before aid) | $39,812 | $46,914 |
Tuition-Free Programs in New Jersey: Rowan participates in two big state initiatives that can cut tuition & fees to $0 for many families:
- Rowan Opportunity Program (ROP): Covers tuition/fees for NJ residents with household AGI ≤$65k in the first two years (0–59 credits).
- Garden State Guarantee (GSG): Covers tuition/fees for NJ residents with household AGI ≤$65k in 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/fee charge would see it reduced to $0 if family income is ≤$65,000 and all deadlines are met.
FAQ on Tuition-Free Programs
Who qualifies? New Jersey residents with adjusted gross income of $65,000 or less, filing FAFSA and 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—just complete FAFSA and NJ state aid by the priority deadlines each year.
✅ 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rowan University Scholars Program | ≈$1,000–$12,000/yr (rare full-tuition awards) |
All admitted freshmen (in-state or OOS), full-time enrollment | No | Yes (2.5 GPA; up to 8 semesters) | *Est. UW GPA 3.3+; higher awards often 3.8+/1400+ SAT or test-optional rigor* |
| Brown & Gold Scholarship (OOS only) | $3,000–$8,500/yr | First-year out-of-state freshmen | No | Yes (maintain eligibility; up to 4 yrs) | Competitive OOS students with strong academics; stacks with other aid |
| International Student Merit | ≈$10,000–$19,000/yr | International freshmen, full-time enrollment | No | Yes | Strong academic profiles among international admits |
Note: Rowan does not publish a fixed GPA/SAT/ACT grid for automatic merit. The GPA/test score bands and ranges listed above are estimates based on past award patterns and Rowan’s admitted student profile. Actual thresholds can shift year to year depending on funding and the applicant pool.
FAQ on Automatic Merit
Do I need to apply? No—the admissions application is enough. Submit by January 31 for priority merit consideration.
Are test scores required? No. Rowan is test-optional, and merit is awarded with or without scores. Submitting strong scores can still boost the award.
Do they superscore? Yes. Rowan superscores the SAT and ACT, meaning they combine your student’s best section scores from multiple test dates to maximize their composite. This can push a student into a higher scholarship bracket.
Why do award amounts vary so much? Because Rowan uses a holistic review, two students with the same GPA might get different offers depending on course rigor, test scores, or how competitive the applicant pool is that year. A good planning rule: expect a midrange award, then treat anything higher as a bonus.
Can these stack with other aid? Yes—Brown & Gold can be combined with other merit and need-based aid. State programs like the Garden State Guarantee cover tuition first, then Rowan merit may offset housing or other costs.
🏆 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rowan University Foundation Scholarships | ≈$500–$5,000/yr (some higher) | Admitted & current students; criteria vary (major, GPA, service, leadership) | Yes — via Scholarship Universe portal | Sometimes (depends on donor fund) | Most awards go to students with a 3.3+ GPA, strong departmental involvement, and essays that show leadership or service. Competitive but attainable if you actively apply in the portal. |
| Edelman Scholars | Full tuition + $17,000 bonus at 4-year graduation | First-year cohort, highly selective (very limited slots) | Not a public app; students are selected by Rowan | Yes (covers full duration if standards met) | Extremely selective. In 2023, only six freshmen received the award. Recipients typically have near-perfect GPAs (3.9–4.0 UW), rigorous coursework (AP/IB), and strong leadership or service profiles. |
Disclaimer: Award amounts, selection numbers, and recipient profiles are based on the most recent publicly available information and past cohorts. Rowan does not guarantee these outcomes every year. The actual number of scholarships and award amounts may change depending on donor funding and university priorities.
FAQ on Competitive Scholarships
What makes these “competitive”? They require extra steps—like essays or matching to donor funds—and are limited in number. They’re not guaranteed even if you qualify on paper.
How many Edelman Scholars are chosen? Very few—recent cohorts have had around 6 students. That’s out of thousands of incoming freshmen.
When are deadlines? The Scholarship Universe portal usually opens in the spring, with deadlines that vary by fund. Some of the biggest awards close as early as February or March.
Can they stack with automatic merit? Yes, in most cases. For example, a student can earn the Brown & Gold award and also pick up a donor-funded scholarship through the Foundation.
⭐ 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.
🎖️ 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
- Rowan University Scholars Program: The university’s most prestigious merit award. While not Honors-only, many Honors admits are top candidates because of their strong academic profiles. Automatic consideration if you apply by January 31.
- Edelman Scholars (CCCA): Covers full cost of attendance plus a $17,000 graduation bonus. Not exclusive to Honors, but Honors-level students are ideal applicants. Requires a separate application and interview.
- Martinson Summer Scholars Program: Paid summer research opportunities for Honors students to work independently with faculty mentors.
- National Fellowship Advising: Honors provides one-on-one support to help students apply for highly competitive awards like Fulbright, Goldwater, and Boren—prestigious opportunities that can launch graduate school or global experiences.
Admission model: Students apply directly to the Honors College after being admitted to Rowan. Applications typically require an essay and are reviewed holistically. The program is not automatic—acceptance is competitive.
Renewal: Once admitted, students must maintain a minimum GPA (around 3.3) and stay active in Honors coursework and activities to remain in good standing.
Does Honors add time to a degree? No—the Honors concentration is designed to integrate with Rowan majors, so students graduate on time.
FAQ on Rowan Honors
Is admission automatic? No. Students must submit a separate Honors application with essays.
Does Honors cost extra? No. There’s no differential tuition; instead, Honors provides extra support and opportunities.
Are there Honors-specific scholarships? Yes. The Martinson Summer Scholars Program funds research projects, and Honors students are strong candidates for Rowan’s top merit and external fellowships.
Does Honors add time to graduation? No. Honors courses count toward degree requirements, so students graduate on schedule.
🔗 Official Links
- 📎 Rowan University Homepage
- 📎 John H. Martinson Honors College
- 📎 Scholarships & Merit Aid
- 📎 Financial Aid Office
✨ Final Thoughts
Rowan may not have the national name recognition of the Ivy League, but it’s built a strong reputation in engineering, health sciences, and research that families across New Jersey know and trust. Between the state’s tuition-free programs, Rowan’s automatic merit, and a wide range of hidden scholarships, there are many ways to make the numbers work. If your student is the kind who thrives with extra support, the Martinson Honors College adds even more opportunities—without adding extra time or cost. For first-gen families, that combination of affordability and guidance can be a real game-changer.
✅ Last updated: August 31, 2025