If you’re looking for the inside scoop on Rowan University, you’ve come to the right place. With nearly 20,000 students, this public research university in Glassboro, New Jersey has a lot going on. As a prospective or current student, you probably want the real deal on life at Rowan – the good, the bad, and everything in between. In this article, I’ll give you an unfiltered look at the academics, campus culture, food, housing, athletics, extracurriculars, and more. You’ll get the highlights as well as honest reviews from yours truly. I’ve spent four years at Rowan, so I know all the ins and outs. Get ready for a behind-the-scenes tour you won’t find in any college brochure!
An Overview of Rowan University
Rowan University is a public university located in Glassboro, New Jersey, about 20 minutes southeast of Philadelphia. Established in 1923 as a normal school, Rowan has since grown into a comprehensive university offering bachelor’s through doctoral degrees across many fields of study.
Rowan’s main campus spans over 200 acres in the suburban town of Glassboro. Its historic Hollybush Mansion and other early 20th-century buildings sit alongside modern academic halls, student housing, and athletic facilities. Beyond the main campus, Rowan also operates satellite locations throughout South Jersey.
Rowan offers over 80 undergraduate and 50 graduate programs within its six academic colleges:
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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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Rohrer College of Business
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College of Performing Arts
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College of Science & Mathematics
Popular majors include education, business, engineering, communication, and the sciences. Rowan is also well-known for its music and theater programs.
Outside the classroom, Rowan has over 150 student organizations and clubs to join, as well as NCAA Division III sports teams. On weekends, students often travel into Philly or head to the Jersey Shore.
Rowan continues to expand through partnerships, acquisitions and new construction. Recent additions include Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, located in Camden, and the School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford. Construction is also underway for several new academic buildings, dorms and athletic facilities on the main campus.
With growing enrollment and opportunities, Rowan University is an exciting place to be. Whether you’re interested in undergraduate study or pursuing a graduate degree, Rowan has a lot to offer. Check out their website to learn more and schedule a campus visit. You just might find yourself becoming a Proud Rowan Owl!
Academics at Rowan: Majors, Rankings and More
At Rowan University, you’ll find over 70 undergraduate majors and 50 graduate programs across six colleges: Business, Communication & Creative Arts, Education, Engineering, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Science & Mathematics. No matter your interests or career goals, Rowan has you covered.
Rowan is particularly well-known for engineering, education and business. The College of Engineering is home to cutting-edge facilities and seven undergraduate engineering majors, as well as master’s and Ph.D. programs. The College of Education prepares future teachers and leaders in education. The Rohrer College of Business is accredited by the AACSB, the premier accrediting body for business schools worldwide.
According to U.S. News & World Report, Rowan ranks in the top tier of northern regional universities. Several programs also rank highly, including engineering, education, business and nursing.
Class sizes at Rowan are small, with an average of just 20 students, so you’ll get to know your professors and receive individualized attention. Rowan values hands-on learning, with opportunities for internships, co-ops, clinical work, student teaching, and research.
Rowan has a thriving campus life with over 200 student clubs and organizations, as well as Division III athletics. The school spirit is palpable, especially at football and basketball games. On the weekends, students often head into Philadelphia, just 30 minutes away.
With strong academics, high rankings, small class sizes, opportunities for experiential learning, an active campus life and proximity to Philly, Rowan University has everything you could want in a college experience. If you’re looking for a school that will prepare you for career and life success, Rowan deserves your consideration.
Student Life on Campus: Clubs, Greek Life and Athletics
Clubs and Organizations
As a Rowan student, you’ll have the opportunity to join over 200 clubs and organizations to pursue your interests and passions. Whatever you’re into, there’s a club for that. Some of the popular clubs include:
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Student Government Association (SGA): The SGA represents the student body and advocates for students’ needs and interests.
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Programing Board (PB): PB hosts events like comedians, musicians, cultural events, and more.
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Academic clubs like the American Marketing Association, Biology Club, and Chemistry Club.
Fraternities and Sororities
Rowan has over 30 fraternities and sororities, also known as Greek life, providing leadership, service, and social opportunities. Rush week, when fraternities and sororities recruit new members, is a big event. Some of the Greek organizations on campus include:
-Interfraternity Council (IFC) fraternities: Groups like Tau Kappa Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and Sigma Phi Epsilon.
-Panhellenic Conference (Panhel) sororities: Groups such as Alpha Sigma Alpha, Delta Phi Epsilon, and Zeta Tau Alpha.
Athletics
As a Division III school, Rowan offers 15 men’s and women’s varsity sports. Student athletes compete in sports like football, basketball, track and field, soccer, and more. Home games are free for students, so head out to the stands and cheer on the Profs! Rowan also has club and intramural sports if you want to get involved in a casual, recreational way. With so many options, you’re sure to find a team or sport that interests you.
Between the clubs, Greek life, and sports teams, there are endless ways to get involved in campus life at Rowan. You’ll make new friends, gain valuable experiences, and create memories that will last long after your time at Rowan.
Off-Campus Living and Transportation in Glassboro
Choosing to live off-campus during your time at Rowan opens up more independent living options. Glassboro and surrounding towns have a variety of apartments, houses, and other rentals perfect for students.
Finding a Place to Live
There are many ways to search for off-campus housing. Check sites like Apartments.com, Zillow, and Trulia for listings from landlords and property managers. You can also find “For Rent” signs in the neighborhoods around campus. Drive or walk around and you may spot some not advertised online. Ask upperclassmen if they know of any vacancies in their apartment complex or neighborhood. Some students have had success posting on Facebook Marketplace that they’re looking for a place to rent.
Once you find some options you like, contact the landlords to schedule viewings. Be prepared to fill out applications and undergo background/credit checks. Most places require a security deposit, first/last month’s rent, and a year-long lease. Plan ahead and budget accordingly!
Getting Around Without a Car
You don’t necessarily need a car to live off-campus, even though Glassboro isn’t the most walkable town. Rowan provides shuttle services to help students get to essential places. The East-West shuttle runs through Glassboro, stopping near many student housing areas and connecting to the Rowan Blvd shuttle which goes directly to campus.
Glassboro also has a public bus system called the Greater Glassboro Transit System with reasonable fares for students. It offers routes all over town that link up to the Rowan shuttles. Between these options, you can easily get to campus, shopping areas, restaurants, entertainment, and more without needing your own vehicle.
For longer trips, consider carpooling with roommates or using a ride-sharing service. With good planning and by utilizing all available public transit and shuttle choices, living car-free in Glassboro is completely doable as a Rowan student.
FAQs About Rowan University: Answering All Your Questions
Rowan University likely has a lot of questions swimming around in your head. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help put you at ease.
What kind of school is Rowan?
Rowan University is a public research university located in Glassboro, New Jersey. It was founded in 1923 as a normal school for training teachers and has since grown into a comprehensive university offering over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 17 academic colleges and schools.
What majors does Rowan offer?
Rowan offers a wide range of majors and areas of study. Some of the most popular majors include:
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Engineering (Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical & Computer, Mechanical)
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Business Administration
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Psychology
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Computer Science
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Education (Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary)
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Communication Studies
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Nursing
No matter your interests, Rowan has a program for you.
What is campus life like?
Campus life at Rowan is vibrant and active. There are over 200 clubs and organizations to join, as well as NCAA Division III athletics and an active Greek life. The campus itself features beautiful historic buildings, as well as new, state-of-the-art facilities. There are also lots of opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, and study abroad.
How much does Rowan cost?
As a public university, Rowan offers affordable tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students. For the 2020-2021 school year, annual tuition and fees were:
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In-state: $13,438
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Out-of-state: $22,236
Over 85% of Rowan students receive some form of financial aid. Rowan offers generous scholarships, grants, student employment opportunities, and loans to help make your education affordable.
Hope this helps answer some of your questions about Rowan University! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Conclusion
So there you have it, an inside look at life at Rowan University. With a beautiful campus full of green spaces, a lively mix of on-campus activities, a growing selection of academic programs, and professors who really care about teaching, Rowan offers a lot for students looking for a high-quality education paired with a true college experience. As you wrap up your college search and consider where to apply or enroll, keep Rowan in mind as a place where you’ll be supported, challenged, and prepared for whatever comes next after graduation. Wherever you end up, enjoy this exciting time exploring colleges and imagining the adventure ahead once you step onto campus as a freshman. The next four years will fly by faster than you can imagine!
