Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Roger Williams University's business program carries an estimated $26,500 in debt—above the national median for business degrees—while projected first-year earnings of $50,740 sit right at the national middle. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 means graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary, a manageable but not trivial burden that translates to several years of focused repayment.
The challenge here is uncertainty. Both figures come from peer institutions nationally rather than Roger Williams' own graduate outcomes, so there's no way to know if this school's business program performs better or worse than the typical pattern. At an 88% admission rate with moderate selectivity, Roger Williams occupies middle ground in Rhode Island's higher education landscape—not the most competitive option, but not open-access either. That context matters when projecting career outcomes.
For parents weighing this investment, the estimated numbers suggest neither a bargain nor a red flag. If your student is specifically drawn to Roger Williams' campus, location, or program features, these projections indicate the financial risk is moderate. But without actual graduate data, consider whether comparable business programs at schools with transparent outcomes might offer more certainty about return on investment. The $26,500 debt load is real; the earnings potential remains an educated guess.
Where Roger Williams University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business, management, marketing, bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Business, Management, Marketing, bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $42,666 | $50,740* | — | $26,500* | — | |
| $13,120 | $82,115* | — | $29,062* | 0.35 | |
| $16,450 | $80,842* | — | $15,697* | 0.19 | |
| $41,010 | $73,382* | $78,432 | $27,000* | 0.37 | |
| $59,070 | $72,850* | $89,485 | $26,500* | 0.36 | |
| $58,150 | $70,365* | $89,440 | $26,000* | 0.37 | |
| National Median | — | $50,740* | — | $26,000* | 0.51 |
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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 31 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.