Foods, Nutrition, at Johnson & Wales University-Providence
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Johnson & Wales University-Providence's nutrition program delivers solid value with one standout feature: exceptionally manageable debt levels. At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry significantly less burden than the typical nutrition student nationally, ranking in just the 5th percentile for debt—meaning 95% of similar programs saddle students with more debt.
The earnings picture is reasonably encouraging. Starting salaries of $32,586 essentially match the national median, and the program ranks in the 60th percentile among Rhode Island's limited nutrition programs. More importantly, graduates see meaningful income growth, with earnings jumping 16% to $37,900 by year four. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.83 is quite reasonable, meaning graduates typically earn back their debt load in less than a year of work.
While this won't be a high-earning field—nutrition programs generally start modestly nationwide—Johnson & Wales positions students well by keeping debt low while delivering market-rate outcomes. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence these numbers are reliable. For families concerned about college debt, this program offers a practical path into nutrition careers without the crushing loans that plague many college graduates today.
Where Johnson & Wales University-Providence Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all foods, nutrition, bachelors's programs nationally
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-Providence graduates compare to all programs nationally
Johnson & Wales University-Providence graduates earn $33k, placing them in the 53th percentile of all foods, nutrition, bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Rhode Island
Foods, Nutrition, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Rhode Island (2 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson & Wales University-Providence | $32,586 | $37,900 | $27,000 | 0.83 |
| Johnson & Wales University-Online | $32,586 | $37,900 | $27,000 | 0.83 |
| National Median | $32,286 | — | $25,256 | 0.78 |
Other Foods, Nutrition, Programs in Rhode Island
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Rhode Island schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson & Wales University-Online Providence | $13,365 | $32,586 | $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-Providence, approximately 30% 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 692 graduates with reported earnings and 764 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.