Johnson & Wales University-Online: 67.5% Acceptance Rate

67.5%Acceptance

$13,365Tuition

1,980Students

$43,418Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindData: 2023-24

About Johnson & Wales University-Online

Johnson & Wales University-Online delivers career-focused training in business, hospitality, culinary arts, and technology to 1,980 students. The school operates from Providence but serves students nationwide through its online platform. Women make up 70% of the student body, with strong representation across racial backgrounds including 47% white, 23% Black, and 19% Hispanic students. Only 7% of students come from Rhode Island, reflecting the program's national reach. The financial picture shows reasonable costs for career training. Students pay an average net price of $21,611 after aid, with lower-income families paying around $18,449. Graduates earn a median of $43,418 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,000. Monthly loan payments average $276, manageable given the employment-focused curriculum. The 96% employment rate suggests strong job placement, though the 54% retention rate indicates the online format doesn't work for everyone. The school maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio despite its online delivery model. The 68% acceptance rate reflects selective but accessible admissions for students serious about career preparation.

Academics & Faculty

Johnson & Wales Online builds on the university's century-old reputation for career-focused education in business, hospitality, culinary arts, and technology. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means students get personalized attention in programs designed to launch careers, not just award degrees. However, the 54% retention rate suggests the online format and intensive career focus isn't right for everyone. The school attracts students seeking practical skills over theoretical study, with programs in fields like hotel management, criminal justice, and business administration. Faculty often bring real industry experience to virtual classrooms. Students value the flexibility of online learning combined with JWU's established connections to employers in hospitality and business sectors.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Retention Rate: 54.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $43,418
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$50,677
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Master	$39,369
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$37,054
Hospitality Administration/Management.	Bachelor	$36,275
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations.	Bachelor	$35,849
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management.	Bachelor	$34,153
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services.	Bachelor	$32,707

View all 59 programs →

Campus Life

The fully online format means you'll attend virtual classes from wherever you choose, with 1,980 students scattered across the country rather than gathering on a traditional campus. Only 7% of students are from Rhode Island, reflecting the program's national reach. Women make up 70% of the student body, creating a collaborative environment in the career-focused programs that Johnson & Wales is known for.

Your daily routine revolves around logging into virtual classrooms and completing hands-on projects designed for business, hospitality, and culinary careers. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller online class sizes and more personalized attention during video conferences. With a 54% retention rate, about half of your classmates will complete their programs alongside you. Weekends might involve virtual study groups or working on industry simulations that the school emphasizes. The employment rate of 96% reflects the practical, job-ready skills you'll develop through the online curriculum. Expect to engage with classmates through discussion boards and group projects, building professional networks despite the digital format.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 22°–38°F
July Avg: 65°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.5"
Annual Snowfall: 36.6"

Student Demographics

Johnson & Wales University-Online draws working adults seeking career advancement, with women making up about 70% of students. The strong female majority reflects the university's hospitality and business programs, which traditionally attract more women. Students come from across the country rather than focusing locally, showing the online format's national appeal. About one-third receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation college students and working professionals looking to upgrade their skills. The diverse student body includes significant Black and Hispanic representation, aligning with Johnson & Wales' mission to provide accessible career-focused education.

Men: 29.9%
Women: 70.1%
White: 46.9%
Black: 23.0%
Hispanic: 18.9%
Asian: 2.3%
In-State Students: 7.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 35.6%

Location

Johnson & Wales University-Online operates from Providence, Rhode Island, the state's capital and largest city with over 180,000 residents. The campus sits about 50 miles south of Boston, placing students within reach of major northeastern job markets. Providence combines historic New England charm with a thriving food scene that complements the university's culinary programs. The city hosts several colleges and maintains strong ties to both maritime industries and emerging tech sectors. Rhode Island's compact size means beaches are just 30 minutes away, while major cities like New York remain accessible by train. Students considering colleges in Rhode Island may also compare Johnson & Wales University-Online with similar schools in the region.

Address: Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Johnson & Wales University-Online campus

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $43,418
Median Earnings (5 years): $44,296
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $33,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 68.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $276/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $26,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Johnson & Wales University-Online?

Johnson & Wales University-Online accepts 67.5% of applicants. The university focuses on career-oriented programs in business, hospitality, culinary arts, and technology rather than being highly selective academically.

How much does Johnson & Wales University-Online cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $21,611 annually. The school charges the same $13,365 tuition rate regardless of residency status, making it accessible for students nationwide.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Johnson & Wales University-Online?

The student-faculty ratio is 11:1 across 1,980 enrolled students. This allows for personalized attention in the university's specialized career-focused programs.

How much do Johnson & Wales University-Online graduates earn after graduation?

Alumni earn a median salary of $43,418 ten years after graduation with a 96.3% employment rate. Graduates typically carry $26,000 in student debt, resulting in monthly loan payments of $276.

Where do Johnson & Wales University-Online students come from?

Only 6.98% of students are from Rhode Island, reflecting the online format's national reach. The student body is 70.1% women and diverse, with 46.92% White, 22.98% Black, and 18.89% Hispanic students.

Is Johnson & Wales University-Online good at keeping students enrolled?

The retention rate is 54.17%, which is relatively low compared to traditional universities. This reflects challenges common to online programs, though the school's career-focused approach appeals to working adults seeking practical skills.

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About This Data

Statistics on this page come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and IPEDS (2023–24 data year), with climate normals from NOAA and campus safety figures from Clery Act reports. CampusGuide does not estimate or adjust reported figures. Read our full methodology.