Finance and Financial Management Services at Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Johnson & Wales University-Providence's finance program sits squarely in the middle of the pack nationally but trails other Rhode Island options by a meaningful margin. While first-year earnings of $53,555 match the national median almost exactly, they fall $3,200 short of what other Rhode Island finance programs deliver—landing this program at just the 40th percentile statewide. For comparison, Bryant University graduates earn $61,993, and Providence College grads pull in $64,427.

The bright spot here is debt: at $27,000, graduates borrow slightly more than the national median but benefit from exceptional value relative to debt load, ranking in the 5th percentile nationally (meaning 95% of programs saddle students with more debt). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 is manageable, and the 24% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests solid career progression. That said, even with this growth, four-year earnings of $66,440 remain below what competitors deliver right out of the gate.

For families prioritizing affordability in Rhode Island, this program delivers reasonable outcomes without crushing debt. But if your student can gain admission to Bryant or Providence College—and the extra cost isn't prohibitive—those programs offer a significant earnings advantage that could justify the investment. Johnson & Wales works as a solid backup option, particularly for students who value the university's hands-on approach and need to keep borrowing in check.