Head-to-head · 2026
Brown University vs Johnson & Wales University-Online
Compare average net price ($25,184 at Brown University; $20,252 at Johnson & Wales University-Online), ROI score (9.28 vs 5.36), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($93,487 vs $43,418), and admissions selectivity (5.4% acceptance at Brown University; 91% at Johnson & Wales University-Online) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Brown University | Johnson & Wales University-Online |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 9.28 ✓ | 5.36 |
| Avg net price | $25,184 | $20,252 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $100,736 | $81,008 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $71,412 | $13,365 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $71,412 | $13,365 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $93,487 ✓ | $43,418 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 91% |
| Graduation rate | 95.7% ✓ | 0% |
| Retention rate | 98.8% ✓ | 52.2% |
| Median debt | $11,428 ✓ | $26,000 |
| Enrollment | 7,226 | 2,202 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1546 | — |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Brown University | Johnson & Wales University-Online |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | -$420 ✓ | $19,916 |
| Family income $30–48k | $2,031 ✓ | $20,580 |
| Family income $48–75k | $5,858 ✓ | $19,319 |
| Family income $75–110k | $16,219 | — |
| Family income $110k+ | $44,937 | $25,364 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Brown University | Johnson & Wales University-Online |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 1.5% | 24.5% |
| Computer Science | 10.3% | 0.4% |
| Human Resources Management and Services | 0% | 9% |
| Public Health | 4.8% | 1.6% |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | 1.5% | 3.6% |
| Political Science and Government | 2.1% | 0.1% |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | 0.1% | 0.6% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Johnson & Wales University-Online reports the lower average net price by $4,932 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $19,728 difference over four years ($81,008 vs $100,736).
Brown University reports $50,069 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($93,487 vs $43,418). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 98.8% at Brown University and 52.2% at Johnson & Wales University-Online. Median federal debt among completers is $11,428 vs $26,000, respectively.
7 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
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Frequently asked
Brown University vs Johnson & Wales University-Online, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Johnson & Wales University-Online is cheaper — average net price $20,252 per year vs $25,184 at Brown University. The annual difference of $4,932 adds up to about $19,728 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Brown University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $93,487 vs $43,418 at Johnson & Wales University-Online. The gap in the federal data is $50,069. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Brown University is more selective at 5.4% acceptance vs 91% at Johnson & Wales University-Online.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.