Median Earnings (1yr)
$66,780
93rd percentile
60th percentile in Rhode Island
Median Debt
$26,873
7% above national median

Analysis

Roger Williams University's accounting graduates start at $66,780β€”nearly $10,000 above the Rhode Island median and substantially ahead of national benchmarks. That places them in the 93rd percentile nationally, though within Rhode Island's competitive accounting landscape, they land in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile. They're earning more than URI graduates but trailing Providence College and Bryant, the state's top programs. The $26,873 in median debt sits right at typical levels, yielding a manageable 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio that suggests graduates can handle their loans comfortably.

The earnings trajectory looks solid, climbing 19% to nearly $80,000 by year four. That growth rate outpaces inflation and positions graduates well for long-term financial stability. The moderate sample size adds some uncertainty, but the pattern holds: Roger Williams delivers above-average outcomes without the premium debt load you might expect from a stronger brand.

For a family weighing options, this program offers strong value if your student gained admission to Roger Williams but not to Providence or Bryant. The debt is reasonable, starting salaries exceed what most accounting graduates earn, and the school's 88% admission rate makes it accessible. If cost is a primary concern, Rhode Island College delivers similar credentials for presumably less tuition, but Roger Williams graduates start $18,000 aheadβ€”a gap that could justify the investment over a career.

Where Roger Williams University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Roger Williams University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Roger Williams University$66,780$79,634+19%
Providence College$69,044$83,682+21%
Bryant University$64,665$78,868+22%
University of Rhode Island$57,529$68,563+19%
Johnson & Wales University-Providence$45,450$62,088+37%

Compare to Similar Programs in Rhode Island

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Rhode Island (8 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Roger Williams UniversityBristol$42,666$66,780$79,634$26,8730.40
Providence CollegeProvidence$60,848$69,044$83,682$27,0000.39
Bryant UniversitySmithfield$51,169$64,665$78,868$27,0000.42
University of Rhode IslandKingston$16,408$57,529$68,563$23,8010.41
Rhode Island CollegeProvidence$10,986$48,921$57,587$18,8810.39
Johnson & Wales University-ProvidenceProvidence$40,408$45,450$62,088$27,0000.59
National Medianβ€”$53,694β€”$25,0000.47

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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 Roger Williams University, approximately 16% 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 31 graduates with reported earnings and 36 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.