Head-to-head · 2026
Community College of Rhode Island vs Johnson & Wales University-Online
Compare average net price ($6,513 at Community College of Rhode Island; $20,252 at Johnson & Wales University-Online), ROI score (16.37 vs 5.36), ten-year median earnings ($42,659 vs $43,418), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Community College of Rhode Island; 91% at Johnson & Wales University-Online) using federal College Scorecard data. Community College of Rhode Island has a 4-1 metric-level edge. Community College of Rhode Island leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Community College of Rhode Island | Johnson & Wales University-Online |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 16.37 ✓ | 5.36 |
| Avg net price | $6,513 ✓ | $20,252 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $42,659 | $43,418 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 91% |
| Graduation rate | 26.2% ✓ | 0% |
| Median debt | $10,920 ✓ | $26,000 |
| Enrollment | 11,171 | 2,202 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Johnson & Wales University-Online costs $13,739 more per year than Community College of Rhode Island ($20,252 vs $6,513). Johnson & Wales University-Online graduates report $759 higher median earnings after ten years ($43,418 vs $42,659). On EduGradify's model that puts Community College of Rhode Island ahead on projected ROI (16.37 vs 5.36, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Community College of Rhode Island) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Johnson & Wales University-Online reports 91% acceptance; Community College of Rhode Island does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Community College of Rhode Island vs Johnson & Wales University-Online, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Community College of Rhode Island or Johnson & Wales University-Online the better value?
Community College of Rhode Island has the higher EduGradify ROI score (16.37 vs 5.36), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Community College of Rhode Island is cheaper — average net price $6,513 per year vs $20,252 at Johnson & Wales University-Online. The annual difference of $13,739 adds up to about $54,956 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Johnson & Wales University-Online reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $43,418 vs $42,659 at Community College of Rhode Island. The annual gap in the federal data is $759.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Community College of Rhode Island reports a A+ value grade; Johnson & Wales University-Online reports D.