Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,502
74th percentile
Median Debt
$27,000
1% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.68
Manageable
Sample Size
27
Limited data

Analysis

Johnson & Wales University's online Health Sciences bachelor's program outperforms three-quarters of similar programs nationally, though the limited data (fewer than 30 graduates) means these results should be viewed cautiously. First-year graduates earn $39,502—about $4,200 above the national median for this field—while taking on essentially average debt levels. The 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, meaning graduates owe less than 70% of their first-year salary.

The program matches the Rhode Island median for health sciences degrees and sits alongside the in-person Providence campus among the state's top earners in this field, well ahead of Rhode Island College's $34,995 outcome. For parents weighing online versus traditional options, these numbers suggest Johnson & Wales delivers comparable value regardless of format. The university serves a substantial population of Pell Grant recipients (36%), indicating experience supporting students from various financial backgrounds.

The key caveat: with such a small graduating class, outcomes could swing significantly year-to-year. However, the combination of above-average earnings and moderate debt positions graduates to manage their loans comfortably while building careers in healthcare support roles. If your child is specifically interested in the flexibility of online learning and this field appeals to them, the financial fundamentals look solid—just recognize you're working with limited outcome data.

Where Johnson & Wales University-Online Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all health services/allied health/health sciences bachelors's programs nationally

Johnson & Wales University-OnlineOther health services/allied health/health sciences programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Johnson & Wales University-Online graduates compare to all programs nationally

Johnson & Wales University-Online graduates earn $40k, placing them in the 74th percentile of all health services/allied health/health sciences bachelors programs nationally.

Compare to Similar Programs in Rhode Island

Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Rhode Island (5 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Johnson & Wales University-Online$39,502—$27,0000.68
Johnson & Wales University-Providence$39,502—$27,0000.68
Rhode Island College$34,995—$27,0000.77
National Median$35,279—$26,6900.76

Other Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences Programs in Rhode Island

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Rhode Island schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Johnson & Wales University-Providence
Providence
$40,408$39,502$27,000
Rhode Island College
Providence
$10,986$34,995$27,000

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Johnson & Wales University-Online, approximately 36% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 27 graduates with reported earnings and 44 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.