Median Earnings (1yr)
$66,780
93rd percentile (60th in RI)
Median Debt
$26,873
7% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.40
Manageable
Sample Size
31
Adequate data

Analysis

Roger Williams University's accounting graduates start at $66,780—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 ahead—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

Roger Williams UniversityOther accounting 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 Roger Williams University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Roger Williams University graduates earn $67k, placing them in the 93th percentile of all accounting 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

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

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Roger Williams University$66,780$79,634$26,8730.40
Providence College$69,044$83,682$27,0000.39
Bryant University$64,665$78,868$27,0000.42
University of Rhode Island$57,529$68,563$23,8010.41
Rhode Island College$48,921$57,587$18,8810.39
Johnson & Wales University-Providence$45,450$62,088$27,0000.59
National Median$53,694$25,0000.47

Other Accounting Programs in Rhode Island

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Rhode Island schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Providence College
Providence
$60,848$69,044$27,000
Bryant University
Smithfield
$51,169$64,665$27,000
University of Rhode Island
Kingston
$16,408$57,529$23,801
Rhode Island College
Providence
$10,986$48,921$18,881
Johnson & Wales University-Providence
Providence
$40,408$45,450$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 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.