Rowan University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 18, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~78%
- Middle 50% ACT: 24
- Middle 50% SAT: 1175
- Average GPA: 3.65
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Rowan University at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Edelman Scholars & Garden State Guarantee (GSG))
Average Net Price
$22,237/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$1,000–$19,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
17 opportunities
3 automatic · 2 competitive · 10 hidden gem · 2 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3.3+; ACT TBD+ / SAT TBD+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 1 • FAFSA: Apr 15
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Edelman Scholars & Garden State Guarantee (GSG)
Honors College
Honors Program Available
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at Rowan University (Read This First)
- Most scholarships are automatic but relatively modest—larger awards and full-tuition opportunities are competitive and not guaranteed.
- The Brown & Gold Scholarship helps out-of-state students, but it usually won’t fully close the cost gap compared to in-state tuition.
- The biggest savings come from New Jersey programs like the Garden State Guarantee—out-of-state families won’t qualify for those benefits.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Rowan University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 24; SAT: 1175.
Average net price? About $22,237/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in none.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Rowan University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$17,622 |
$24,724 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$16,228 |
$16,228 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$33,850 |
$40,952 |
Average Federal Net Price: $22,237 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Tuition-Free Programs in New Jersey: Rowan participates in two major state
initiatives that can cut tuition and mandatory fees to
$0 for qualifying
families:
-
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.
Sources:
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.
Automatic
Brown & Gold Scholarship (OOS Freshmen)
📅 Deadline: Jan 31 · 📢 Results: With admission if awarded
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
$3,000–$8,500/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can be combined with other merit- or need-based aid; based on academic record and available funds.
💡
Strategic Detail
Available to both OOS freshmen and transfers (2-year). Merit determined by applicant qualifications.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Academically strong out-of-state freshmen; admissions uses GPA and course rigor; max $8,500/year.
Automatic
International Student Merit Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 31 · 📢 Results: With admission if awarded
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA)
$10,000–$19,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awarded competitively based on academic qualifications, applicant pool, and available funding.
💡
Strategic Detail
No separate application; includes IB Diploma awards up to $32,000 over four years.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Admitted international students with strong academic profiles.
Automatic
Rowan University Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: Jan 31 · 📢 Results: With admission if awarded
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
$1,000–$12,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.3+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Award varies by academic rigor, GPA, and test-optional criteria. Rare full-tuition scholarships available for top-tier admits.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award amount is determined by admissions based on academic factors, pool competitiveness, and funding.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: UW GPA 3.3+; more for GPA 3.8+/1400+ SAT or equivalent academic rigor. Strongest freshmen in/out-state.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
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.
Sources:
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.
Full RideAutomaticgeographicneed_based
Edelman Scholars
📅 Deadline: Not published
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
full ride + bonus
✘ Not stackable
⚠ NC residents only with very low SAI (about –1500) and ≥3.0 GPA can qualify for a four‑year package that covers standard COA with grants, work‑study, and small subsidized loans; excellent for qualifying families but tightly income‑gated
👥 ~6 per year winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Rows full cost of attendance, not stackable with other university merit awards.
💡
Strategic Detail
Covers all tuition, fees, room, board, books; grad bonus paid on 4-year completion.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Only 6 first-years annually; near-perfect GPA, top rigor, leadership/service, select from overall admit pool. $17,000 graduation bonus.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Rowan University Foundation Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Feb/March
✓ Renews
$500–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.3+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Depends on donor/department. Can be combined with other merit aid unless otherwise posted.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through Scholarship Universe portal after admission. Complete a student profile, answer matching questions, and submit required materials for matched donor and departmental scholarships.
Selection criteria: Departmental/donor-specific requirements
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Most Foundation scholarships are renewable if donor terms are met; wide range of award types & eligibility.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with at least 3.3 GPA, strong essays, major/service fit, and departmental or donor-specific criteria.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
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.
Sources:
rowan.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
rowan.edu/admissions/
rowan.edu/scholarships/foundation/
nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
These awards don’t always make the front page, but they can make a big difference. Many are tied to income, identity, service, research, or special opportunities like study abroad and ROTC. They often stack on top of other aid.
App Required
A-Team Scholars (Exploratory Studies)
📅 Deadline: Aug 1
✓ Renews
Holistic / Status Based
📄
How to Apply
Invited Exploratory Studies freshmen complete A-Team application/interest form at start of year; active engagement and GPA benchmarks.
Selection criteria: Program engagement
💡
Strategic Detail
Provides stipends for textbooks and personalized advising.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Exploratory Studies frosh invited by program; strong advising engagement and academic progress.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Department & College-Specific Awards
📅 Deadline: Feb–Mar
✓ Renews
$500–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.3+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Many awards for first-gen, BIPOC, or strong department GPA.
📄
How to Apply
Apply via Scholarship Universe or through the department; eligibility varies by college (ENG, SCI, MUS, etc.), GPA and involvement crucial.
Selection criteria: Department/donor review
💡
Strategic Detail
Includes many department and donor-funded opportunities.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Majors with 3.3+ GPA, stand-out department record, active involvement. Range across colleges.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF)
📅 Deadline: April 1
✓ Renews
$200–$1,500/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Includes supportive services, can stack with other aid.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to Rowan's EOF program with separate EOF application, demonstrate NJ residency, income/academic eligibility, and complete required pre-college Summer Institute.
Selection criteria: EOF eligibility
💡
Strategic Detail
Priority given to early applicants, based on State of NJ EOF guidelines.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-gen/low-income; supports retention and academics.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Flying First (First-Gen) Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Feb–Mar
✓ Renews
$1,000–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Apply via Rowan Scholarship Universe (admitted/enrolled); indicate first-gen status and complete short questionnaire/essay if required.
Selection criteria: First-gen status, academic record
💡
Strategic Detail
Multiple donors support awards; part of wider Flying First support program.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-generation students with strong academics/involvement, preference for select majors.
Full TuitionAutomatic⚠ Junior Onlygeopraphicneed_based
Garden State Guarantee (GSG)
📅 Deadline: Sept 15 (FAFSA/HESAA)
✓ Renews (2 yrs)
Full Tuition
last-dollar tuition/fee grant
✘ Not stackable
⚠ For NJ juniors and seniors with AGI ≤$65k at Rowan, this state program guarantees free tuition and fees (but not housing or meals) after grants and scholarships.
🎓 Junior
✚
Stacking & Combining
Last-dollar—pays after other aid.
💡
Strategic Detail
Free tuition/fees for in-state AGI ≤$65K. Must maintain sap and 12 credits/semester.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: NJ juniors/seniors meeting credits, full-time, and income.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Pierce Leadership Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March 1
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Scholarship Universe application indicating need, department/ROTC/transfer/ASCEND nomination, and leadership record.
Selection criteria: Leadership and need
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with leadership/involvement and need, strong ROTC/transfer/first-gen consideration.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
RIPPAC Leadership Corps
📅 Deadline: May 1
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Complete cohort/program application; participate in RIPPAC events, internship, and academic service.
Selection criteria: Public service and engagement
💡
Strategic Detail
Multi-year public service and internship program; selective.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Leaders in service/public affairs; program active participation.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
ROTC Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Nov–Mar
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
ROTC national
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Apply for Army ROTC (hosted at Princeton University); complete national ROTC application meeting service/academic/fitness criteria.
Selection criteria: ROTC/fitness/service eligibility
💡
Strategic Detail
Pays up to full tuition, fees, books, stipend. Army ROTC hosted via Princeton.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Qualified STEM, leadership, or service-focused students making a service commitment.
Full TuitionAutomaticgeographicneed_based
Rowan Opportunity Program (ROP)
📅 Deadline: Sept 15 (priority)
✓ Renews
Full Tuition
last-dollar tuition/fee grant
✘ Not stackable
⚠ For NJ residents with AGI ≤$65k, this last‑dollar Rowan program makes tuition and fees free (and discounts them for AGI up to $80k), but room and board are still on the family.
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Pays after other aid; transitions to GSG once 60 credits reached.
💡
Strategic Detail
Covers first 2 years for qualifying NJ students.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Low-income NJ frosh/soph; full-time, maintain credits and sap.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Study Abroad Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Oct–Mar (varies by program)
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Apply for a Rowan or exchange study abroad program; submit scholarship application, meet minimum GPA, demonstrate academic fit.
Selection criteria: Academic fit and plan
💡
Strategic Detail
Exchange scholarships up to $1,000 per term for those with need; summer and semester awards possible.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: GPA 3.0–3.4+, purposeful study abroad plan, need-based for some exchange scholarships.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Undergrad Research (SURP/RSCA)
📅 Deadline: Oct–Mar
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Apply for faculty-mentored UG research project/SURP through College of Science & Math; submit SURP proposal; selected in spring.
Selection criteria: Faculty selection/research fit
💡
Strategic Detail
Stipend is $2,000 (5 weeks) or $4,000 (10 weeks); open to all disciplines.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Research-focused undergrads selected by faculty research mentors; all majors eligible.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
TheDream.US
📅 Deadline: Feb 29
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
DACA/undocumented students apply through TheDream.US national website; meet GPA, income, and service criteria.
Selection criteria: National partner eligibility
💡
Strategic Detail
External scholarship program; Rowan is a partner, application through TheDream.US.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Undocumented students with high academic achievement and need.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
FAQ on Hidden Gem Scholarships
Are these automatic? No—most require FAFSA/dept/proposal apps or special portals.
Can they stack? Yes—tuition programs (GSG/ROP) stack with department, study abroad, ROTC, and scholarships for leadership or research.
NJ only? Not all—GSG, ROP, EOF = NJ, but lots open to all.
How to find? Start with Scholarship Universe and departmental pages for updates and deadlines.
Sources:
rowan.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
rowan.edu/scholarships/foundation/
rowan.edu/admissions/
rowan.edu/campus-life/rotc/
go.rowan.edu/opportunity/
🎖️ 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.
What a Typical Rowan Honors Student Looks Like:
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.
Perks that Matter:
- 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
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
National Fellowship Advising (Honors)
📅 Deadline: Varies by fellowship
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Honors students interested in national/major fellowships receive faculty coaching, portfolio and application help. Separate application required for most national awards.
Selection criteria: National fellowship criteria
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Support for prestigious national and international awards, preparation, panel interviews.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Honors students with high GPAs, leadership, community service, or strong research pursuing competitive national fellowships (e.g., Fulbright, Goldwater, Boren, etc.).
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Martinson Summer Scholars
📅 Deadline: December 1
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Honors students apply with faculty-mentored summer research/creative project proposal (5 or 10 weeks); open to those graduating Dec 2025 or after.
Selection criteria: Proposal merit, faculty support
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
5 weeks: $2,000; 10 weeks: $4,000; includes poster session, community building.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Current Honors students with a strong project proposal and faculty mentor; no prior research needed.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
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.
Sources:
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.
Standout Program:
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.
✨ 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.
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