About Johnson & Wales University-Providence
Johnson & Wales University-Providence built its reputation training the next generation of chefs and hospitality professionals. The 3,913-student university operates in midsize Providence, where culinary arts and business programs dominate campus life. Notable graduates include celebrity chefs Emeril Lagasse and Tyler Florence, who learned their craft in the same kitchens current students use today. The 83% acceptance rate welcomes students ready for hands-on career training rather than traditional liberal arts education.
Students pay an average net price of $32,478 after aid, which represents solid value for career-focused programs. Graduates earn a median of $43,418 ten years after graduation while carrying typical debt of $26,000. The monthly loan payment of $276 remains manageable against these earnings. The 96% employment rate shows employers actively recruit Johnson & Wales graduates for restaurant, hotel, and business positions.
The student body tilts 62% female and draws heavily from out-of-state, with only 17% from Rhode Island. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures plenty of individual attention in specialized labs and kitchens. While the 55% graduation rate lags traditional universities, students often leave early for attractive job offers in their fields.
Students pay an average net price of $32,478 after aid, which represents solid value for career-focused programs. Graduates earn a median of $43,418 ten years after graduation while carrying typical debt of $26,000. The monthly loan payment of $276 remains manageable against these earnings. The 96% employment rate shows employers actively recruit Johnson & Wales graduates for restaurant, hotel, and business positions.
The student body tilts 62% female and draws heavily from out-of-state, with only 17% from Rhode Island. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures plenty of individual attention in specialized labs and kitchens. While the 55% graduation rate lags traditional universities, students often leave early for attractive job offers in their fields.
Academics & Faculty
Johnson & Wales built its reputation as a culinary powerhouse, producing celebrity chefs like Emeril Lagasse and Tyler Florence. The university specializes in hands-on career training for the food service and hospitality industries. Students work directly with industry professionals in state-of-the-art kitchens and mock hotel operations. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means plenty of individual attention during cooking labs and business simulations. However, the 55% four-year graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of these intensive programs. Beyond culinary arts, the school offers strong business and hospitality management degrees. Students gain real-world experience through internships at top restaurants and hotels, preparing them for immediate entry into competitive industries.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 56.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 54.9%
- Retention Rate
- 76.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,418
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $105,585 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $87,604 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $56,641 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $55,512 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $50,677 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Bachelor | $50,439 |
| Engineering, Other. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $46,254 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $39,369 |
Campus Life
Johnson & Wales sits in the heart of Providence, just an hour from Boston and three hours from New York City. The campus blends historic brick buildings with modern culinary labs across downtown Providence. With housing capacity for 2,248 students and total enrollment of 3,913, about 57% of students live on campus. You'll definitely need a winter coat for Rhode Island's snowy winters and chilly springs.
Students spend weekends exploring Federal Hill's authentic Italian restaurants or hitting up Thayer Street near Brown University. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where professors know your name. Campus culture revolves around food, with students constantly experimenting in the culinary labs and hosting pop-up restaurants. The 375 student-athletes compete in 16 Division III sports as the Wildcats. Many students work part-time in Providence's restaurant scene, gaining real experience while earning money. With 84% of students from out-of-state, the campus has a diverse, tight-knit community where culinary competitions and food festivals dominate social life.
Students spend weekends exploring Federal Hill's authentic Italian restaurants or hitting up Thayer Street near Brown University. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where professors know your name. Campus culture revolves around food, with students constantly experimenting in the culinary labs and hosting pop-up restaurants. The 375 student-athletes compete in 16 Division III sports as the Wildcats. Many students work part-time in Providence's restaurant scene, gaining real experience while earning money. With 84% of students from out-of-state, the campus has a diverse, tight-knit community where culinary competitions and food festivals dominate social life.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 2,248 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
20 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–38°F
- July Avg
- 65°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 36.6"
Student Demographics
Johnson & Wales draws students from across the country who are serious about careers in food and hospitality, with 83% coming from out-of-state. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the strong interest in culinary arts and hospitality management programs. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the university attracts working-class students who see culinary school as a path to professional success. The diverse student mix includes significant Hispanic and Black representation, mirroring the multicultural nature of the restaurant and hospitality industries these students plan to enter.
- Men
- 38.1%
- Women
- 61.9%
- White
- 60.0%
- Black
- 10.9%
- Hispanic
- 14.7%
- Asian
- 4.0%
- In-State Students
- 16.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 30.2%
Location
Providence sits as Rhode Island's capital and largest city, home to over 190,000 residents. The campus lies just 50 miles south of Boston and 180 miles northeast of New York City. Providence blends historic New England charm with urban energy, featuring cobblestone streets in Federal Hill's Little Italy and the revitalized downtown arts district. The city's food scene thrives with over 400 restaurants, making it an ideal training ground for culinary students. Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design create a active college atmosphere throughout the city. Students considering colleges in Rhode Island may also compare Johnson & Wales University-Providence with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Providence, Rhode Island 02903-3703
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-Providence?
Johnson & Wales University-Providence accepts 83.43% of applicants, making it fairly accessible for students interested in culinary and hospitality careers. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 940-1190 on the SAT, reflecting the school's focus on hands-on learning over test scores.
How much does Johnson & Wales University-Providence cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $32,478 annually, down from the full cost of $60,384 including room and board. About 30% of students receive institutional grants averaging $23,144, helping offset the career-focused education costs.
What is Johnson & Wales University-Providence known for academically?
The university is famous for its culinary arts and hospitality programs, producing professional chefs and restaurant managers. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, students get intensive hands-on training in state-of-the-art kitchens and labs.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Johnson & Wales University-Providence?
Graduates have a 96.3% employment rate, though median earnings start at $33,862 after one year. The career-focused curriculum in culinary arts and hospitality leads to industry-specific jobs where experience matters more than starting salary.
Where do students live at Johnson & Wales University-Providence?
The campus houses 2,248 students in Providence, a mid-size city known for its food scene. With 84% of students coming from out of state, the residential community creates a diverse culinary and hospitality network.
Is Johnson & Wales University-Providence worth the debt for culinary students?
Graduates typically leave with $26,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $276, which is manageable for a specialized field. Notable alumni like celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse demonstrate the career potential, though the 55% six-year graduation rate suggests the intensive programs aren't for everyone.
