Johnson & Wales University-Providence
Johnson & Wales University-Providence — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Johnson & Wales University-Providence Worth It?
At a value score of 19/100, Johnson & Wales University-Providence is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $43,418 — 19% below average — while paying $31,027/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.9-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 55% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $26,000 representing 60% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Johnson & Wales University-Providence has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Johnson & Wales University-Providence compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #31 of 38 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #2 | Mercy University | 43 | $14,072 | $52,055 |
| #3 | Mercyhurst University | 36 | $19,444 | $47,452 |
| #4 | Loyola University New Orleans | 35 | $23,696 | $52,927 |
| #5 | Davenport University | 34 | $17,707 | $45,099 |
| #6 | University of Northwestern Ohio | 32 | $21,807 | $50,968 |
| #31 | Johnson & Wales University-Providence | 19 | $31,027 | $43,418 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Johnson & Wales University-Providence's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Johnson & Wales University-Providence
The highest-earning program at Johnson & Wales University-Providence is Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at $44,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services at $19,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications graduate from Johnson & Wales University-Providence earns $44,300, while a Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services graduate earns $19,300. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $31,027/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications | $44,300 | $44,300 | N/A |
| Accounting and Related Services | $44,000 | $44,000 | $26,100 |
| Marketing | $35,500 | $35,500 | $27,000 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $35,000 | $35,000 | $23,875 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | $34,900 | $34,900 | $20,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $34,800 | $34,800 | $27,000 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $34,600 | $34,600 | $25,330 |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations | $33,900 | $33,900 | $26,100 |
| International Business | $32,000 | $32,000 | $27,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $31,700 | $31,700 | $27,000 |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management | $31,600 | $31,600 | $27,000 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services | $31,100 | $31,100 | $26,250 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | $28,800 | $28,800 | $25,286 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services | $28,200 | $28,200 | $14,000 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology | $27,300 | $27,300 | $27,000 |
| Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services | $19,300 | $19,300 | $26,215 |
Similar Colleges in RI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Providence, RI
- Student Body
- 3,868 students
- Admission Rate
- 88%
- Graduation Rate
- 55%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $31,027
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $43,418
- Median Student Debt
- $26,000