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), 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. Rhode Island College has a narrow 4-3 metric-level edge. Rhode Island College has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
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 | 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 |
| Metric advantages | 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.