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Head-to-head comparison

Providence College vs Roger Williams University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Providence RI · vs · Private nonprofit, Bristol RI

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Providence, RI

Providence College

Net price / year
$48,523
Earnings, 10 years
$87,054
Payback
5 yrs

Option B Bristol, RI

Roger Williams University

Net price / year
$37,999
Earnings, 10 years
$70,266
Payback
6.9 yrs
The verdict

Providence College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $194,092 in 5 years versus 6.9 years at Roger Williams University, on median earnings of $87,054 vs $70,266 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureProvidence CollegeRoger Williams University
Net price / yr$48,523$37,999
Total net cost$194,092$151,996
Median earnings, 10 yrs$87,054$70,266
Median debt$27,000$26,940
Payback5 yrs6.9 yrs
20-year net return$579,788$286,124

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, Providence College or Roger Williams University?

Roger Williams University, at $37,999 a year after aid versus $48,523 — a gap of $10,524 a year, or $42,096 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do Providence College or Roger Williams University graduates earn more?

Providence College graduates report a median $87,054 ten years after entry, $16,788 more than the $70,266 at Roger Williams University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, Providence College or Roger Williams University?

Roger Williams University: its completers carry a median $26,940 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Providence College, a difference of $60. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

86% of students finish at Providence College, against 69% at Roger Williams University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Providence College vs Roger Williams University: frequently asked questions

Is Providence College or Roger Williams University a better value?
Providence College. It clears its $194,092 net cost in about 5 years versus 6.9 years at Roger Williams University, on median earnings of $87,054 vs $70,266 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Providence College or Roger Williams University?
Roger Williams University: $37,999/yr net price after aid versus $48,523/yr at Providence College — a difference of $10,524 a year, or about $42,096 over four years.
Do Providence College or Roger Williams University graduates earn more?
Providence College graduates earn a median $87,054 ten years after entry, versus $70,266 at Roger Williams University — a $16,788 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.