Head-to-head · 2026
Johnson & Wales University-Providence vs University of Rhode Island
Compare average net price ($31,027 at Johnson & Wales University-Providence; $21,440 at University of Rhode Island), ROI score (3.50 vs 8.13), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($43,418 vs $69,743), and admissions selectivity (88.4% acceptance at Johnson & Wales University-Providence; 72.2% at University of Rhode Island) 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 | University of Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 3.50 | 8.13 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $31,027 | $21,440 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $124,108 | $85,760 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $42,419 | $16,942 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $42,419 | $37,146 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $43,418 | $69,743 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 88.4% | 72.2% |
| Graduation rate | 55.4% | 73.3% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 82% | 83.6% ✓ |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $22,250 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 3,868 | 13,381 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1050 | 1160 |
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 | University of Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $25,530 | $14,368 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $25,443 | $12,923 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $28,088 | $17,803 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $31,803 | $23,394 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $35,464 | $28,460 ✓ |
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 | University of Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 5.6% | 6% |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services | 9% | 0.4% |
| Psychology, General | 2% | 4.9% |
| Communication and Media Studies | 1% | 3.9% |
| Biology, General | 0.5% | 4.1% |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | 1.3% | 2.8% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 1.2% | 2.6% |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services | 1.9% | 1.8% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
University of Rhode Island reports the lower average net price by $9,587 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $38,348 difference over four years ($85,760 vs $124,108).
University of Rhode Island reports $26,325 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($69,743 vs $43,418). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 82% at Johnson & Wales University-Providence and 83.6% at University of Rhode Island. Median federal debt among completers is $26,000 vs $22,250, 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.
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Frequently asked
Johnson & Wales University-Providence vs University of Rhode Island, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Rhode Island is cheaper — average net price $21,440 per year vs $31,027 at Johnson & Wales University-Providence. The annual difference of $9,587 adds up to about $38,348 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Rhode Island reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $69,743 vs $43,418 at Johnson & Wales University-Providence. The gap in the federal data is $26,325. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Rhode Island is more selective at 72.2% acceptance vs 88.4% at Johnson & Wales University-Providence.
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.