Prospective Parents & Families
You play an important role in your student’s college search process. And, if your student is accepted to JWU, you’ll also have an important role in our Wildcat community. We encourage families to stay connected with us throughout their student’s JWU journey — from application to graduation.
Help Your Student Apply to JWU
The application process is simple, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Here’s what you and your student should do to start the admissions process and make sure JWU is the right fit.
1. Explore our majors and campuses.
We have more than 50 undergraduate majors to choose from across our two campuses in Providence, Rhode Island, and Charlotte, North Carolina. Talk with your student about their goals, where they would like to live and what they’re interested in studying.
If they’re still on the fence about majors, they can take advantage of our Undeclared University Explorations or Business Explorations programs, which will help them select a major by the end of their first year.
2. Submit a free application.
The JWU application is free, or your student can also apply using the free Common App. For deadlines, requirements and additional info, head to our Apply page.
3. Plan a visit to campus.
The best way to determine if JWU is right for your student is to come see campus. You and your student can take a guided tour or attend an open house to learn more about JWU and get your questions answered.
4. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
You will most likely be a contributor on your student’s FAFSA form, meaning you will have to provide some information and complete the form with them. The FAFSA will help us determine your student’s financial aid package, so it’s a key step that you must complete.
If your household income is below $200,000, you may also qualify for JWU Pledge, an initiative that can cover up to 100% of tuition for your student.
5. Connect with your JWU financial planner.
Once your student applies to JWU, they will be paired with a personal financial planner who can assist you with the FAFSA and answer any questions you may have about paying for college.
If your student is accepted to JWU, the planner will also break down their financial aid award and explain what your student is eligible for. They will also help your family build a financial plan that works for you.
What Families Should Know About JWU
Sending your student off to college is a big deal — they will be on their own for the first time, and this can be nerve-wracking for parents. If your student is coming to JWU, we want to put your mind at ease and make sure you know:
We will keep your student safe.
Our Campus Safety & Security office patrols campus 24/7. They’re also available to escort your student around campus through our Safe Walk initiative. Additionally, every JWU building is protected with security cameras and a key card access system that is monitored around the clock. Emergency blue light phones are also positioned around campus for students to quickly get in touch with Campus Safety & Security. Your student will live and learn in a safe community.
Your student will be supported.
Every JWU student has access to a full suite of services to help with their academics, financial planning, mental and physical health, cultural and spiritual exploration, and accessibility needs.
For academic support, students can take advantage of free tutoring, writing support and study skills workshops at the Academic Success Center on campus. They can also visit Student Academic Services office to meet with their personal academic advisor for assistance with course planning and registration, academic counseling and more.
For health and wellness, your student can visit Health Services to receive health care or get referrals to specialists if needed. To support mental health, Counseling Services are available if your student needs individual counseling, a mental health screening or crisis intervention.
If your student requires any special assistance or exceptions in the classroom, their residence hall or for transportation around campus due to a disability or chronic illness, the Providence or Charlotte Accessibility Services team will work closely with you and your student to ensure appropriate accommodations are in place.
Your student will have access to nutritious food.
Our dining halls offer a wide range of nutritious options so your student will always find something they like. All first-year students and returning students living on campus in residence halls are required to have a meal plan, which ensures students always have access to healthy food.
Is your student already accepted and ready to enroll at JWU?
That officially makes you a part of the Wildcat community! There’s a lot more to learn about life at JWU.