Top 10 Reasons to Choose JWU

Besides having two beautiful campuses in Providence, Rhode Island, and Charlotte, North Carolina, there are so many reasons why you should choose JWU. We managed to narrow them down to a list of the top 10:

1. JWU is a diverse community.

If you're looking for a school where you can meet people from all over the world, discover new perspectives and make interesting friends — look no further. Universitywide, we currently have 8,182 students representing 54 different countries. Our JWU Global office also supports our diverse student body with International Student Services, educational programs, cultural events, and social activities designed to promote international and intercultural awareness.

2. JWU has 100+ undergraduate and graduate program options for you to choose from.

From Accounting to Sports, Entertainment, Event — Management, there’s something for everyone among our 100+ programs. If you’re undecided, there’s multiple options for that, too: explore your interests in business and hospitality in the Undeclared: Business Explorations program, or explore a broader range of interests in the Undeclared: University Explorations program. The possibilities are endless.

3. We work hard to make education more affordable — 98.5% of on-ground JWU students receive aid.

JWU is committed to making a quality education as accessible and affordable as possible, and we’ve taken proactive steps to manage student debt by increasing institutional aid over the past several years. Approximately 98% of all JWU on-ground students receive institutional scholarships and/or grants from the university, often making an education at JWU more affordable than other universities.

4. JWU’s Career Outcomes Rate

The Career Outcomes Rate is a nationally recognized way to calculate student success. It reflects the percentage of students who are either employed, continuing their education, enlisted in military service, or performing voluntary service within six months of graduation. JWU’s rate has historically been higher than the national average because our students graduate already equipped with the skills and experience employers are looking for. That’s what our experiential approach to education can do for you. Which brings us to reason number five…

5. JWU has pioneered and perfected experiential education.

Our approach to education is based on hands-on projects, courses, and internships to help students develop the experience and skills that employers are seeking in candidates. Our industry partnerships connect our students with real clients to produce real work that will have an impact. We even have a dedicated Experiential Education & Career Services office to help students with resume-building workshops, career management courses, career fairs to connect students with internships, and so much more. 

6. JWU faculty teach from experience.

Taking our experiential education a step further, our faculty brings a lot of industry experience to the classroom. Many of them have spent decades in their field before coming to JWU, and many are still currently active in their fields — which offers a lot of networking opportunities for their students. 

“It’s important to demonstrate the principles I teach in class within my own active projects to help students understand why certain steps are important,” said Associate Professor Evan Villari. As a filmmaker, his experience has come in handy when teaching the production courses offered in the Media & Communication program. “My work outside of the classroom helps me be a better educator.”

7. JWU offers small class sizes — we don’t do lecture halls.

Want to learn from a professor who actually knows your name? Our small class sizes ensure you’ll have the opportunity to connect and interact with your professor and classmates, get the support you need, and have a more engaging classroom experience. Universitywide, our average student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1.

8. It is so easy to get involved at JWU.

Beyond the classroom, you’ll find there are plenty of ways to make your mark on JWU. With 27 teams in 15 varsity athletic sports, and over 100 different student clubs and organizations, there’s really something for everyone. And, if you can’t find a club or organization that suits you, you can start your own!

9. JWU students take classes in their major from the very first semester.

Nobody wants to wait until their junior year to start taking core classes in their major. At JWU, students get to dive into their major in their first year with core classes and related electives in addition to their general studies. 

10. From your application to your graduation (and beyond), JWU offers the support you need.

From the start, our personal academic and financial planners help you navigate the admissions process to set you up for success. Once you’re here, Accessibility Services are available to ensure you have any reasonable accommodations you need, while a personal faculty mentor works with you one-on-one during your entire academic experience. Health Services, Counseling Services, Health Education, and the Gender Equity Center are here to provide inclusive, confidential professional services and support for students to manage their emotional and physical well-being. The Experiential Education & Career Services office is here to help you workshop your resume, practice interviewing, connect with an internship and more. View the full list of Support Services available at both JWU campuses. Basically, no matter what you need, JWU has your back.

Do we sound like the right school for you? Explore JWU from home to learn even more about us, or start your application today!

Visit JWU Transfer to JWU

All statistics are the most current as of January 2023.