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 sits in expensive territory. A near-$38,000 yearly net price against median earnings of about $70,000 a decade out means you pay a lot up front for a return that lands solidly but not spectacularly. The 66.6% graduation rate matters here: if you don't finish, you carry the cost without the payoff.
The engineering and construction management programs are where the money is. Construction management graduates clear roughly $68,600 while carrying under $26,000 in debt, so the debt-to-earnings math works in your favor. Civil and mechanical engineering land close behind. New England's building and infrastructure market rewards these credentials, and the numbers show it.
Finance is the weak spot among the listed programs. At around $51,600, finance graduates earn about $17,000 less than construction management peers while borrowing a similar amount. If you're paying full price for a finance degree here, the return is thin. Accounting holds up better and stays close to the engineering tier.
The net price tiers barely move for lower-income families. If your family earns under $30,000, you still pay close to $29,500 a year, and the gap to the highest-income tier is only about $11,500. That flat curve means aid does not scale down much as income drops, so a working-class family shoulders nearly the same burden as a wealthy one. Four years near $30,000 annually is a heavy load for a $70,000 median outcome.
This school pays off if you commit to construction management or engineering and finish on time. If you're drawn to lower-earning majors or need the net price to bend sharply with your income, look elsewhere. The debt is manageable at roughly $27,000 median, but only the top programs clearly justify the sticker.
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.