Roger Williams University vs Rhode Island School of Design: which has better ROI?
Roger Williams University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $151,996 in 6.9 years versus 10.2 years at Rhode Island School of Design, on median earnings of $70,266 vs $68,140 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Roger Williams University | Rhode Island School of Design |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $37,999 | $50,507 |
| Total net cost | $151,996 | $202,028 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $70,266 | $68,140 |
| Median debt | $26,940 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 6.9 yrs | 10.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $286,124 | $193,572 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Roger Williams University or Rhode Island School of Design?
Roger Williams University, at $37,999 a year after aid versus $50,507 — a gap of $12,508 a year, or $50,032 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Roger Williams University or Rhode Island School of Design graduates earn more?
Roger Williams University graduates report a median $70,266 ten years after entry, $2,126 more than the $68,140 at Rhode Island School of Design. 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, Roger Williams University or Rhode Island School of Design?
Roger Williams University: its completers carry a median $26,940 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Rhode Island School of Design, a difference of $60. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
89% of students finish at Rhode Island School of Design, against 69% at Roger Williams 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.