Business Administration, Management and Operations at Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University's business program produces graduates who start slightly above the state median at $47,000 but make impressive strides in subsequent years. That 32% earnings growth trajectory—reaching nearly $62,000 by year four—suggests graduates are gaining traction in their careers, even if they don't match the starting salaries at Bryant University ($65,000) or URI ($55,000).

The $21,553 in typical debt is notably lower than both the state median ($27,000) and national average ($26,000), which matters given the modest starting salary. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46, meaning graduates can realistically pay down loans while building their careers. Within Rhode Island's business program landscape, Roger Williams sits squarely in the middle—neither the premium option nor the budget choice.

For families prioritizing affordability and steady career progression over immediate earning power, this works. But understand the tradeoff: your graduate will likely spend their first few years catching up to peers from higher-ranked programs. If your child can gain admission to URI or Providence College and the cost difference is minimal, those programs offer stronger immediate earning potential. Roger Williams becomes most compelling when you're choosing between it and Rhode Island College, where the debt load is comparable but career momentum appears slower.