Providence College vs Johnson & Wales University-Providence: which has better ROI?
The verdict
Providence College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $194,092 in 5 years versus not at all at Johnson & Wales University-Providence, on median earnings of $87,054 vs $43,418 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Providence College | Johnson & Wales University-Providence |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $48,523 | $31,027 |
| Total net cost | $194,092 | $124,108 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $87,054 | $43,418 |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $26,000 |
| Payback | 5 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $579,788 | -$222,948 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Providence College vs Johnson & Wales University-Providence: frequently asked questions
Is Providence College or Johnson & Wales University-Providence a better value?
Providence College. It clears its $194,092 net cost in about 5 years versus no clear payback at Johnson & Wales University-Providence, on median earnings of $87,054 vs $43,418 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Providence College or Johnson & Wales University-Providence?
Johnson & Wales University-Providence: $31,027/yr net price after aid versus $48,523/yr at Providence College — a difference of $17,496 a year, or about $69,984 over four years.
Do Providence College or Johnson & Wales University-Providence graduates earn more?
Providence College graduates earn a median $87,054 ten years after entry, versus $43,418 at Johnson & Wales University-Providence — a $43,636 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.