Head-to-head · 2026
Johnson & Wales University-Providence vs Rhode Island College
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Johnson & Wales University-Providence, 4 for Rhode Island College — Rhode Island College has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Johnson & Wales University-Providence | Rhode Island College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 3.50 | 14.85 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $31,027 | $9,478 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $43,418 | $56,318 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 88.4% ✓ | 91.8% |
| Graduation rate | 55.4% ✓ | 48.1% |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $20,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 3,868 | 5,049 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1050 ✓ | 990 |
| Wins | 3 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Johnson & Wales University-Providence costs $21,549 more per year than Rhode Island College ($31,027 vs $9,478). Rhode Island College graduates report $12,900 higher median earnings after ten years ($56,318 vs $43,418). On EduGradify's model that puts Rhode Island College ahead on projected ROI (14.85 vs 3.50, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Rhode Island College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Johnson & Wales University-Providence is accessible at 88.4% acceptance versus 91.8% (accessible) at Rhode Island College.
Frequently asked
Johnson & Wales University-Providence vs Rhode Island College, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Johnson & Wales University-Providence or Rhode Island College the better value?
Rhode Island College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (14.85 vs 3.50), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
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 median earnings ten years after entry: $56,318 vs $43,418 at Johnson & Wales University-Providence. The annual gap in the federal data is $12,900.
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.
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; Rhode Island College reports A.