Head-to-head · 2026
Johnson & Wales University-Providence vs Rhode Island College
Compare average net price ($31,027 at Johnson & Wales University-Providence; $9,478 at Rhode Island College), ROI score (3.50 vs 14.85), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($43,418 vs $56,318), and admissions selectivity (88.4% acceptance at Johnson & Wales University-Providence; 91.8% at Rhode Island College) 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-Providence | Rhode Island College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 3.50 | 14.85 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $31,027 | $9,478 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $124,108 | $37,912 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $42,419 | $11,300 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $42,419 | $27,299 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $43,418 | $56,318 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 88.4% | 91.8% |
| Graduation rate | 55.4% ✓ | 48.1% |
| Retention rate | 82% ✓ | 73.3% |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $20,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 3,868 | 5,049 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1050 | 990 |
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-Providence | Rhode Island College |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $25,530 | $6,378 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $25,443 | $6,989 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $28,088 | $8,701 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $31,803 | $12,809 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $35,464 | $15,681 ✓ |
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-Providence | Rhode Island College |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General | 2% | 9.2% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 5.6% | 4.5% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 4.1% | 3.6% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 1.2% | 4.4% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 1.5% | 3.9% |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | 1.3% | 3.8% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 0.7% | 4.4% |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | 2% | 3% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Rhode Island College reports the lower average net price by $21,549 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $86,196 difference over four years ($37,912 vs $124,108).
Rhode Island College reports $12,900 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($56,318 vs $43,418). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 82% at Johnson & Wales University-Providence and 73.3% at Rhode Island College. Median federal debt among completers is $26,000 vs $20,500, 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-Providence vs Rhode Island College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Rhode Island College is cheaper — average net price $9,478 per year vs $31,027 at Johnson & Wales University-Providence. The annual difference of $21,549 adds up to about $86,196 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Rhode Island College reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $56,318 vs $43,418 at Johnson & Wales University-Providence. The gap in the federal data is $12,900. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Johnson & Wales University-Providence is more selective at 88.4% acceptance vs 91.8% at Rhode Island College.
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.