Head-to-head · 2026
Johnson & Wales University-Online vs Johnson & Wales University-Providence
Compare average net price ($20,252 at Johnson & Wales University-Online; $31,027 at Johnson & Wales University-Providence), ROI score (5.36 vs 3.50), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($43,418 vs $43,418), and admissions selectivity (91% acceptance at Johnson & Wales University-Online; 88.4% at Johnson & Wales University-Providence) 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 | Johnson & Wales University-Online | Johnson & Wales University-Providence |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 5.36 ✓ | 3.50 |
| Avg net price | $20,252 ✓ | $31,027 |
| 4-year avg net price | $81,008 ✓ | $124,108 |
| In-state tuition | $13,365 | $42,419 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $13,365 | $42,419 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $43,418 | $43,418 |
| Acceptance rate | 91% | 88.4% |
| Graduation rate | 0% | 55.4% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 52.2% | 82% ✓ |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $26,000 |
| Enrollment | 2,202 | 3,868 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | — | 1050 |
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 | Johnson & Wales University-Online | Johnson & Wales University-Providence |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $19,916 ✓ | $25,530 |
| Family income $30–48k | $20,580 ✓ | $25,443 |
| Family income $48–75k | $19,319 ✓ | $28,088 |
| Family income $75–110k | — | $31,803 |
| Family income $110k+ | $25,364 ✓ | $35,464 |
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 | Johnson & Wales University-Online | Johnson & Wales University-Providence |
|---|---|---|
| Culinary Arts and Related Services | 0.6% | 34% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 24.5% | 5.6% |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | 20.1% | 7.7% |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services | 12.7% | 9% |
| Human Resources Management and Services | 9% | 0.8% |
| Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management | 3.6% | 4.6% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 2.9% | 4.1% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 4.9% | 1.3% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Johnson & Wales University-Online reports the lower average net price by $10,775 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $43,100 difference over four years ($81,008 vs $124,108).
Both schools report school-wide median earnings of $43,418 ten years after entry.
First-year retention is 52.2% at Johnson & Wales University-Online and 82% at Johnson & Wales University-Providence. Median federal debt among completers is $26,000 vs $26,000, respectively.
8 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.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Johnson & Wales University-Online vs Johnson & Wales University-Providence, 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 $31,027 at Johnson & Wales University-Providence. The annual difference of $10,775 adds up to about $43,100 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Both schools report the same school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $43,418. Use price, debt, graduation rate and program fit to separate the choices.
Which school is harder to get into?
Johnson & Wales University-Providence is more selective at 88.4% 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.