Head-to-head · 2026
Johnson & Wales University-Providence vs Rhode Island School of Design
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Johnson & Wales University-Providence, 4 for Rhode Island School of Design — Rhode Island School of Design 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 School of Design |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 3.50 ✓ | 3.37 |
| Avg net price | $31,027 ✓ | $50,507 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $43,418 | $68,140 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 88.4% | 18.7% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 55.4% | 88.8% ✓ |
| Median debt | $26,000 ✓ | $27,000 |
| Enrollment | 3,868 | 2,084 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1050 | 1473 ✓ |
| Wins | 3 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Rhode Island School of Design costs $19,480 more per year than Johnson & Wales University-Providence ($50,507 vs $31,027). Rhode Island School of Design graduates report $24,722 higher median earnings after ten years ($68,140 vs $43,418). On EduGradify's model that puts Johnson & Wales University-Providence ahead on projected ROI (3.50 vs 3.37, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Johnson & Wales University-Providence) 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 18.7% (selective) at Rhode Island School of Design.
Frequently asked
Johnson & Wales University-Providence vs Rhode Island School of Design, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Johnson & Wales University-Providence or Rhode Island School of Design the better value?
Johnson & Wales University-Providence has the higher EduGradify ROI score (3.50 vs 3.37), 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 $50,507 at Rhode Island School of Design. The annual difference of $19,480 adds up to about $77,920 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Rhode Island School of Design reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $68,140 vs $43,418 at Johnson & Wales University-Providence. The annual gap in the federal data is $24,722.
Which school is harder to get into?
Rhode Island School of Design is more selective at 18.7% 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; Rhode Island School of Design reports D.