Marketing at Roger Williams University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Roger Williams marketing graduates experience remarkable earnings growth, jumping from $44,506 in their first year to $69,280 by year four—a 56% increase that outpaces most business programs. That trajectory matters because while starting salaries land squarely at the national median, the four-year mark positions graduates well above typical marketing majors. Within Rhode Island's small market of eight programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, trailing Bryant and Providence College but outperforming URI after the initial years.
The debt picture strengthens the value proposition considerably. At $26,698, graduates carry less debt than 80% of marketing programs nationally, despite the private school tuition structure. The 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio means first-year salary covers the debt load comfortably, and by year four, that ratio becomes almost trivial. This combination of manageable debt and strong earnings acceleration creates meaningful financial flexibility early in graduates' careers.
For parents evaluating Roger Williams against Rhode Island alternatives, the key insight is trajectory over starting point. While Bryant commands higher initial salaries, the steep growth curve here suggests graduates develop marketable skills that employers increasingly value. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these patterns without the volatility of smaller cohorts.
Where Roger Williams University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
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 $45k, placing them in the 49th percentile of all marketing 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
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Rhode Island (8 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roger Williams University | $44,506 | $69,280 | $26,698 | 0.60 |
| Providence College | $58,434 | $76,266 | $27,000 | 0.46 |
| Bryant University | $50,727 | $70,098 | $27,000 | 0.53 |
| University of Rhode Island | $46,394 | $66,017 | $22,089 | 0.48 |
| Salve Regina University | $42,044 | $53,783 | $27,000 | 0.64 |
| Johnson & Wales University-Online | $41,544 | $49,290 | $26,675 | 0.64 |
| National Median | $44,728 | — | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Other Marketing Programs in Rhode Island
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Rhode Island schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providence College Providence | $60,848 | $58,434 | $27,000 |
| Bryant University Smithfield | $51,169 | $50,727 | $27,000 |
| University of Rhode Island Kingston | $16,408 | $46,394 | $22,089 |
| Salve Regina University Newport | $47,930 | $42,044 | $27,000 |
| Johnson & Wales University-Online Providence | $13,365 | $41,544 | $26,675 |
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 90 graduates with reported earnings and 105 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.