As a New Jersey resident checking out colleges in-state, you’ve probably heard great things about Rowan University. Nestled in the south Jersey town of Glassboro, this public university has developed quite a reputation over the past couple decades.
So when your guidance counselor suggested you consider Rowan among your options for next fall, you were intrigued. What makes this school stand out so much that it’s earned the nickname “Public Ivy”?
In this guide to Rowan University, you’ll take a deep dive into life as a Profs student. From academics and campus culture to noteworthy alumni and tips for getting in, we’ll cover everything you need to decide if Rowan’s right for you.
An Overview of Rowan University
Rowan University is a public research university located in Glassboro, New Jersey, with two satellite campuses in Camden and Stratford. Established in 1923 as a normal school, Rowan has since grown into a comprehensive university that offers over 80 bachelor’s, 40 master’s, and 3 doctoral degree programs across 13 colleges and schools.
Rowan has a student population of over 19,000, with students coming from 32 states and 35 countries. The university has a 16:1 student-faculty ratio and over 2,700 faculty and staff. Rowan’s campus in Glassboro spans over 190 acres, with state-of-the-art facilities for academics, athletics, housing, dining, and recreation. The university places a strong emphasis on undergraduate research, civic engagement, and experiential learning.
Some of the most popular majors at Rowan include:
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Education and Teaching
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Business
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Communication and Journalism
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Health Professions and Related Programs
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Psychology
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Biology
Rowan has over 200 student organizations, clubs, and activities on campus, as well as NCAA Division III athletics. Notable alumni include educators, scientists, athletes, and entertainers.
Rowan University has a selective admissions process. Admission is based on high school GPA, class rank, SAT/ACT scores, personal essays, extracurricular activities, and more. Out-of-state students make up 20% of the student body. Students can apply for merit scholarships and need-based financial aid.
If you’re looking for a high-quality yet affordable education in the Mid-Atlantic region, Rowan University deserves strong consideration. With small class sizes, world-class facilities, and a thriving campus community, Rowan provides opportunities for personal and intellectual growth in a supportive environment.
Academic Programs at Rowan University
Rowan University offers over 100 undergraduate majors, concentrations and certificate programs as well as dozens of master’s and doctoral programs across its academic colleges. No matter your interests or career goals, you’re sure to find a challenging and rewarding program of study.
Colleges and Schools
The university is comprised of nine colleges and schools:
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College of Communication & Creative Arts
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College of Education
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College of Engineering
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College of Health Sciences
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College of Humanities & Social Sciences
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College of Performing Arts
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Rohrer College of Business
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School of Earth & Environment
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School of Science & Mathematics
Within each college, you’ll find departments offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide range of disciplines. For example, the College of Health Sciences encompasses degrees in nursing, nutrition, physical therapy and athletic training among others. The Rohrer College of Business is home to majors such as accounting, finance, management, marketing and entrepreneurship.
Undergraduate Programs
As an undergraduate, you can choose from Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees. Popular majors include psychology, biology, education, journalism, engineering and business administration. You can also design your own interdisciplinary program of study through the College of Humanities & Social Sciences.
Graduate & Doctoral Programs
At the graduate level, Rowan offers Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. Areas of study include education, management, counseling, computer science, physics and history.
With a wide range of high-quality and accredited programs, Rowan University has something for everyone. You’ll receive a well-rounded education that provides both depth and breadth of knowledge in your chosen field of study.
Student Life at Rowan University
As a student at Rowan University, there are so many opportunities to get involved and experience life outside the classroom. With over 200 clubs and organizations, you’ll have no trouble finding your people and pursuing your interests.
Get Involved in Clubs and Organizations
If you have a hobby, interest or passion, chances are there’s a club for that at Rowan. Everything from a cappella groups to volunteering organizations to club sports are options. Joining a few clubs is a great way to make new friends, gain valuable experiences and round out your college experience.
Catch an Event
There’s always something going on at Rowan, from comedians and magicians to educational speakers and cultural events. Student programming boards put on events throughout the year like movie nights, game nights and concerts. Attending campus events is a simple way to take a study break, learn something new and feel connected to your school.
Explore the Campus
The Rowan campus has lots to offer when you need to get outside. Go for a stroll through the arboretum and gardens, play some frisbee on the open lawn, walk or jog the campus loop trail, or just grab a snack at the food trucks. The campus comes alive when the weather is nice, with students playing volleyball, sunbathing and enjoying the fresh air. Getting to know the campus will make you feel right at home.
Beyond the Campus
While Rowan has plenty to keep you busy, exploring off-campus is also part of the college experience. Nearby towns like Glassboro and Pitman offer dining, shopping and entertainment options. Philadelphia is only 30 minutes away for a fun weekend trip. Many students also take part in alternative spring break trips to volunteer locally or in other states. There are lots of opportunities for adventure if you want to spread your wings.
College is what you make of it, so take advantage of all the opportunities at Rowan University to learn, grow and shape your experience. By getting involved in campus life, you’ll create memories and make connections that last far beyond your time at Rowan.
Athletics and Extracurriculars at Rowan
Rowan University has a lot to offer outside the classroom. With over 200 student clubs and organizations, as well as Division III athletics, there are plenty of ways to get involved and pursue your interests.
Sports Teams
Rowan competes in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) and fields 15 men’s and women’s athletic teams. The Profs (short for Professors) have a long-standing rivalry with nearby rival schools like The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) and Montclair State University. Rowan’s football, field hockey and lacrosse teams are perennial contenders for conference titles. In the fall, you can catch football at Coach Richard Wackar Stadium or field hockey at Coach Joe Boath Field.
Clubs and Organizations
Whether you’re interested in volunteering, gaming, cultural groups or student government, Rowan has a club for you. Some of the popular clubs include:
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Student Government Association (SGA): Represents the student body and provides funding for campus events.
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Program Board: Plans fun events like comedians, musicians and other entertainment on campus.
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Habitat for Humanity: Help build homes for those in need.
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Asian Cultural Association: Celebrate Asian culture and heritage.
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Rowan Gaming Club: For students interested in gaming, esports and game design.
With over 200 recognized student clubs and organizations, and the ability to start your own, there are so many ways for students to pursue their interests, gain valuable leadership experience and connect with others on campus.
Recreation and Fitness
The Recreation Center, known as the Rec Center, has facilities for swimming, rock climbing, fitness classes, intramural sports leagues and more. Use the cardio equipment, weights, basketball courts or go for a swim in the Olympic-sized pool. With membership included in your student fees, it’s easy to stay active and relieve stress.
Between athletics, clubs, organizations and fitness options, students at Rowan University have endless opportunities to enhance their college experience outside the classroom. Discover your interests and passions at Rowan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rowan University
What type of school is Rowan University?
Rowan University is a public research university located in Glassboro, New Jersey. Established in 1923 as a normal school, Rowan has since grown into a comprehensive university granting bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across its colleges and schools. Rowan is classified among “Doctoral Universities: Higher Research Activity” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
What majors and programs does Rowan offer?
Rowan offers over 70 undergraduate majors and 50 master’s and doctoral programs of study across various disciplines like:
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Business and management
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Engineering
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Education
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Performing arts
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Sciences
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Health and medical fields
Popular majors include education, business administration, biological sciences, engineering, and communication studies. Rowan also has highly ranked programs in pharmacy, nursing, osteopathic medicine, and music.
How much does it cost to attend Rowan University?
For the 2020-2021 academic year, annual undergraduate tuition and fees for in-state residents are around $13,000 and out-of-state tuition is $23,000. The total cost of attendance including room, board, and additional fees is estimated to be $27,000 for in-state students and $37,000 for out-of-state students. Over 80% of Rowan undergraduates receive some form of financial aid.
Rowan offers merit-based scholarships for incoming freshmen like the Rowan Select and Achievement Award. Need-based aid is also available through state and federal grant programs. Student loans, student employment on campus, and private scholarships can help make a Rowan education affordable.
What is student life like at Rowan?
With over 19,000 students, Rowan has an active campus life. There are more than 200 student clubs and organizations, as well as Greek life, recreational sports, and on-campus events. Rowan has Division III athletics and students can attend football, basketball, and baseball games for free.
The campus has modern amenities like a recreation center, student center, dining halls, dorms, and a Barnes & Noble bookstore. The surrounding town of Glassboro also has shopping, dining, entertainment within walking distance or a short drive from campus.
Conclusion
So there you have it, an insider’s look at life at Rowan University. As one of New Jersey’s up and coming schools, Rowan offers top academics with a personal touch. Between the vibrant campus life, strong academics, and affordability, it’s no wonder Rowan is considered a Public Ivy. As you wrap up your college search, keep Rowan in mind – you just may find your perfect fit with the Profs at this growing gem of a university. With a close-knit community and professors who really care, your college experience at Rowan promises to equip you for success while giving you memories to cherish for years to come.
