At $38,123/yr net price, Roger Williams University graduates earn $70,266/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $36,266/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $38,123 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $152,492 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $70,266/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$36,266/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 66.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,940 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $29,475/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $29,765/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $34,861/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $38,086/yr |
| $110,001+ | $41,052/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $68,618 | $25,745 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $64,493 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,749 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $62,154 | $26,121 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $53,219 | $122,459 |
| Architecture. | Master | $52,941 | $61,236 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $51,607 | $24,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,600 | $21,500 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $45,383 | $26,293 |
| Architecture. | Bachelor | $45,221 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
66.6% of students at Roger Williams University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 33% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Roger Williams University delivers mixed financial returns with median post-graduation earnings of $70,266 against a steep $38,123 annual net price. The numbers work better for some programs than others.
Construction Management and the engineering programs offer your strongest ROI potential. Construction Management graduates earn $68,618 with relatively modest debt loads of $25,745. Civil and Mechanical Engineering also provide solid returns, though you'll face higher borrowing. These technical programs align well with New England's infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.
Accounting graduates earn $62,154 with manageable debt, making it another financially sound choice. However, the Law program presents serious financial risks with graduates carrying $122,459 in debt while earning just $53,219 initially. That debt-to-income ratio makes law school at RWU financially dangerous unless you have clear career plans that justify the investment.
The 66.6% graduation rate means one in three students won't finish, creating significant financial risk if you're not academically prepared. The 78.7% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the academic transition or find the cost unsustainable.
You're a good financial fit for RWU if you're targeting their strong technical programs and can handle the high sticker price. The low 16.33% financial aid rate means most students pay close to full price, making this school primarily accessible to families with substantial resources.
Look elsewhere if you're considering liberal arts programs not listed among the top earners, need significant financial aid, or are exploring the law program without clear career planning. The combination of high costs and modest aid makes RWU financially risky for students outside their strongest programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Roger Williams University worth the cost?
With a net price of $38,123 and graduates earning $70,266 after 10 years, Roger Williams offers moderate returns compared to other private universities. The 67% graduation rate and $26,940 median debt are concerning factors that prospective students should weigh carefully.
What are the best paying majors at Roger Williams University?
Construction Management leads with $68,618 in early career earnings, followed by Civil Engineering at $64,493 and Mechanical Engineering at $63,749. These programs offer the strongest financial returns and help justify the university's cost.
How much debt do Roger Williams University graduates typically have?
The median debt is $26,940, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, with only 67% of students graduating, many borrowers may struggle to complete their degree and pay off loans.
Does Roger Williams University have good financial aid?
The $38,123 net price suggests limited financial aid effectiveness for most families. With a 91% acceptance rate, the university admits most applicants but doesn't offer the generous aid packages found at more selective schools.