Roger Williams University
Roger Williams University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Roger Williams University at a Glance
Roger Williams University (RWU) is a private university in Bristol, Rhode Island, United States. Founded in 1956, it was named for theologian and Rhode Island cofounder Roger Williams. The school enrolled approximately 4,400 undergraduate and graduate students and employs over 480 academic staff as of 2022.
1956
70 years old
$99M
$98.7 million (2025)
4,397
4,103 undergrad · 294 grad
489
140 acres
Identity
Is Roger Williams University Worth It?
At a value score of 31/100, Roger Williams University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $70,266 — 31% above average — while paying $37,999/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.2-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 68% graduation rate means roughly 32% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Roger Williams University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Roger Williams University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #71 of 80 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 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #2 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #3 | Regis University | 60 | $18,397 | $72,105 |
| #4 | Pacific Lutheran University | 60 | $19,589 | $66,990 |
| #5 | Niagara University | 59 | $17,248 | $56,196 |
| #6 | University of Portland | 59 | $28,210 | $82,804 |
| #71 | Roger Williams University | 31 | $37,999 | $70,266 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Roger Williams University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Roger Williams University
The highest-earning program at Roger Williams University is Construction Management at $65,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology at $23,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Construction Management graduate from Roger Williams University earns $65,100, while a Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology graduate earns $23,800. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Construction Management graduates carry $26,185 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $37,999/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Management | $65,100 | $65,100 | $26,185 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $61,100 | $61,100 | $26,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $58,100 | $58,100 | $27,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $47,200 | $47,200 | $24,091 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $44,300 | $44,300 | $27,000 |
| Architecture | $43,500 | $43,500 | $27,000 |
| Marketing | $43,100 | $43,100 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $42,300 | $42,300 | $27,000 |
| Legal Support Services | $41,500 | $41,500 | N/A |
| Graphic Communications | $38,200 | $38,200 | $27,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $36,900 | $36,900 | $22,375 |
| Psychology, General | $32,600 | $32,600 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $27,100 | $27,100 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General | $26,300 | $26,300 | $26,000 |
| Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology | $23,800 | $23,800 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in RI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Bristol, RI
- Student Body
- 3,946 students
- Admission Rate
- 88%
- Graduation Rate
- 68%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $37,999
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $70,266
- Median Student Debt
- $26,940