At $32,478/yr net price, Johnson & Wales University-Providence graduates earn $43,418/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,418/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $32,478 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $129,912 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,418/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,418/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 13.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $28,488/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $29,394/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $31,538/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $33,740/yr |
| $110,001+ | $35,008/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $105,585 | $114,625 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $87,604 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $56,641 | $27,000 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $55,512 | $27,000 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $50,677 | $34,341 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Bachelor | $50,439 | |
| Engineering, Other. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $46,254 | $26,229 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $39,369 |
The Risk Factor
54.9% of students at Johnson & Wales University-Providence graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Johnson & Wales University-Providence delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $43,418 after graduation barely justifying the $32,478 annual net price and $26,000 typical debt load.
The Allied Health programs stand out as the clear financial winner, generating $105,585 in median earnings, though you'll carry $114,625 in debt to get there. Finance, Computer Engineering, and Electrical Engineering Technologies also show solid returns in the $52,000-$57,000 range with manageable $27,000 debt loads. Educational Administration pays well at $87,604 but targets working professionals seeking advanced credentials.
The major financial risk here is program selection. While JWU-Providence markets itself heavily around hospitality and culinary programs, these traditional strengths don't appear among the top earners. The 55% graduation rate compounds this risk, meaning nearly half of students pay without finishing.
You should consider JWU-Providence if you're targeting one of the high-earning programs listed above and can handle the debt load. The school works best for students with clear career focus in profitable fields. Skip this school if you're undecided on major or interested in hospitality management, where regional competition is fierce and starting salaries typically lag behind the debt you'll carry.
With only 30% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited. The $32,478 net price suggests most students pay close to sticker price, making this an expensive option for uncertain returns in many programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Johnson & Wales University-Providence worth the high tuition cost?
With a net price of $32,478 and 10-year median earnings of $43,418, Johnson & Wales University-Providence offers below-average financial returns for most students. The low graduation rate of 55% adds significant risk to the investment.
What are the highest paying programs at Johnson & Wales University-Providence?
Allied Health programs lead with median earnings of $105,585, followed by Educational Administration at $87,604. Most other programs, including the popular culinary and hospitality fields, generate much lower returns relative to the cost.
How much debt do Johnson & Wales University-Providence graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $26,000, which is manageable compared to their net price. However, with starting salaries around $43,000, loan payments will consume a significant portion of income for most graduates.
Should I attend Johnson & Wales University-Providence for culinary arts or hospitality?
While Johnson & Wales University-Providence is known for these programs, they typically lead to lower-paying careers that may not justify the $32,478 annual cost. Consider more affordable culinary schools or community college programs for better ROI in these fields.