Education at Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University's education bachelor's program sits in an unusual position—peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $38,660, which would actually exceed what Brown University graduates report earning in Rhode Island's education market ($33,866). With estimated debt of $27,000, the 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within manageable territory for a teaching career, where typical national outcomes cluster around $26,500 in debt against similar starting salaries.

The catch is Rhode Island's teaching market itself. The state median for education bachelor's graduates is notably lower than the national figure—about $5,000 less annually. If Roger Williams graduates follow Rhode Island patterns rather than national ones, that debt becomes harder to manage on a $34,000 starting salary. Rhode Island only has two programs in this field, and both rely on small graduate cohorts that trigger data suppression, making it difficult to know whether Roger Williams performs closer to national peers or state norms.

For parents, the practical question is geographic flexibility. If your child plans to teach in Rhode Island long-term, comparable programs suggest starting salaries in the mid-30s with nearly $27,000 in debt—tight but workable with income-driven repayment plans. If they're willing to teach elsewhere, the national earning pattern looks more favorable. The uncertainty here matters because teaching salaries vary dramatically by state, and you're essentially betting on where your child will launch their career.