In recent years, Rowan University has experienced a remarkable transformation—rising from a respected regional college to a nationally recognized public research institution. Located in Glassboro, New Jersey, Rowan is now making headlines for its commitment to research, innovation, and real-world impact. In 2025, it continues to rank among the fastest-growing universities in the Northeast, thanks to strategic partnerships, STEM expansion, and a student-focused mission.
This article explores the key reasons Rowan University is becoming a powerhouse in research and education, and why students, faculty, and investors are paying attention.
🚀 1. Rapid Rise in Research Funding
Rowan’s designation as a Carnegie-classified R2 research institution marked a turning point. In just the last decade, Rowan has more than tripled its research expenditures, crossing the $50 million mark in funded research projects in areas like engineering, biomedical science, sustainability, and healthcare.
Key highlights include:
- NSF, NIH, and DoD grants supporting advanced research
- Collaborative projects with major organizations such as NASA and Lockheed Martin
- Expansion of research centers like the Rowan Center for Research & Education in Advanced Transportation Engineering Systems (CREATES)
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🧠 2. Strategic Partnerships Driving Innovation
Rowan’s aggressive expansion is backed by smart, long-term partnerships:
- Rowan–Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (Rowan-Virtua SOM) is at the forefront of medical education and research
- Joint research initiatives with Cooper University Health Care
- Partnerships with South Jersey industries, giving students real-world research opportunities
These collaborations not only elevate Rowan’s reputation but also generate valuable internships, jobs, and academic resources for students.
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🏗️ 3. Investment in STEM and Infrastructure
Rowan has poured hundreds of millions into campus expansion and research infrastructure, including:
- New engineering labs and research facilities
- State-of-the-art health sciences buildings
- Advanced AI and data science labs to meet the demands of today’s tech-driven world
These developments attract top-tier faculty and graduate researchers from around the country, further fueling Rowan’s growth.
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👨🎓 4. Student Research Opportunities at Every Level
One of Rowan’s defining characteristics is its commitment to undergraduate research. Unlike many large research institutions, Rowan encourages hands-on research as early as freshman year.Students benefit from:
- Faculty-mentored research projects
- Paid research assistant positions
- National conference presentations and publication opportunities
This creates a culture of innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence, positioning Rowan students as leaders in their fields upon graduation.
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🌍 5. Impact on the South Jersey Region and Beyond
Rowan isn’t just growing for the sake of prestige—it’s creating impact:
- Boosting economic development across South Jersey
- Providing local businesses with research expertise and talent pipelines
- Solving real-world problems through community-driven innovation
From renewable energy projects to healthcare solutions, Rowan is making a name as a change-making university with a strong regional and global footprint.
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🏁 Final Thoughts: Rowan University’s Future Is Just Beginning
As Rowan University continues to expand its research capabilities and academic reach, it’s becoming one of the most exciting public universities in the nation. In 2025, it’s clear that Rowan is not just growing—it’s leading. For students, faculty, and partners who want to be part of something impactful, Rowan is the place to be.