Degree Dividend
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Brown University vs Bryant University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Providence RI · vs · Private nonprofit, Smithfield RI

The verdict

Brown University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $100,736 in 2.2 years versus 4 years at Bryant University, on median earnings of $93,487 vs $90,008 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureBrown UniversityBryant University
Net price / yr$25,184$41,219
Total net cost$100,736$164,876
Median earnings, 10 yrs$93,487$90,008
Median debt$11,428$26,849
Payback2.2 yrs4 yrs
20-year net return$801,804$668,084

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Brown University or Bryant University?

Brown University, at $25,184 a year after aid versus $41,219 — a gap of $16,035 a year, or $64,140 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Brown University or Bryant University graduates earn more?

Brown University graduates report a median $93,487 ten years after entry, $3,479 more than the $90,008 at Bryant University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Brown University or Bryant University?

Brown University: its completers carry a median $11,428 in federal loans versus $26,849 at Bryant University, a difference of $15,421. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

96% of students finish at Brown University, against 80% at Bryant University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Brown University vs Bryant University: frequently asked questions

Is Brown University or Bryant University a better value?
Brown University. It clears its $100,736 net cost in about 2.2 years versus 4 years at Bryant University, on median earnings of $93,487 vs $90,008 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Brown University or Bryant University?
Brown University: $25,184/yr net price after aid versus $41,219/yr at Bryant University — a difference of $16,035 a year, or about $64,140 over four years.
Do Brown University or Bryant University graduates earn more?
Brown University graduates earn a median $93,487 ten years after entry, versus $90,008 at Bryant University — a $3,479 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.