Head-to-head · 2026
Johnson & Wales University-Providence vs Providence College
Compare average net price ($31,027 at Johnson & Wales University-Providence; $48,523 at Providence College), ROI score (3.50 vs 4.49), ten-year median earnings ($43,418 vs $87,054), and admissions selectivity (88.4% acceptance at Johnson & Wales University-Providence; 50.9% at Providence College) using federal College Scorecard data. Providence College has a 5-2 metric-level edge. Providence College 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 | Johnson & Wales University-Providence | Providence College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 3.50 | 4.49 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $31,027 ✓ | $48,523 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $43,418 | $87,054 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 88.4% | 50.9% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 55.4% | 85.8% ✓ |
| Median debt | $26,000 ✓ | $27,000 |
| Enrollment | 3,868 | 4,229 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1050 | 1346 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Providence College costs $17,496 more per year than Johnson & Wales University-Providence ($48,523 vs $31,027). Providence College graduates report $43,636 higher median earnings after ten years ($87,054 vs $43,418). On EduGradify's model that puts Providence College ahead on projected ROI (4.49 vs 3.50, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Providence College) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Johnson & Wales University-Providence is accessible at 88.4% acceptance versus 50.9% (selective) at Providence College.
Frequently asked
Johnson & Wales University-Providence vs Providence College, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Johnson & Wales University-Providence or Providence College the better value?
Providence College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (4.49 vs 3.50), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Johnson & Wales University-Providence is cheaper — average net price $31,027 per year vs $48,523 at Providence College. The annual difference of $17,496 adds up to about $69,984 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Providence College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $87,054 vs $43,418 at Johnson & Wales University-Providence. The annual gap in the federal data is $43,636.
Which school is harder to get into?
Providence College is more selective at 50.9% acceptance vs 88.4% at Johnson & Wales University-Providence.
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. Johnson & Wales University-Providence reports a D value grade; Providence College reports D.