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Head-to-head comparison

University of Rhode Island vs Roger Williams University: which has better ROI?

Public, Kingston 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 Kingston, RI

University of Rhode Island

Net price / year
$21,440
Earnings, 10 years
$69,743
Payback
4 yrs

Option B Bristol, RI

Roger Williams University

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

University of Rhode Island has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $85,760 in 4 years versus 6.9 years at Roger Williams University, on median earnings of $69,743 vs $70,266 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Rhode IslandRoger Williams University
Net price / yr$21,440$37,999
Total net cost$85,760$151,996
Median earnings, 10 yrs$69,743$70,266
Median debt$22,250$26,940
Payback4 yrs6.9 yrs
20-year net return$341,900$286,124

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

The short answer

Which is cheaper, University of Rhode Island or Roger Williams University?

University of Rhode Island, at $21,440 a year after aid versus $37,999 — a gap of $16,559 a year, or $66,236 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 University of Rhode Island or Roger Williams University graduates earn more?

Roger Williams University graduates report a median $70,266 ten years after entry, $523 more than the $69,743 at University of Rhode Island. 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, University of Rhode Island or Roger Williams University?

University of Rhode Island: its completers carry a median $22,250 in federal loans versus $26,940 at Roger Williams University, a difference of $4,690. 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?

73% of students finish at University of Rhode Island, 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.

University of Rhode Island vs Roger Williams University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Rhode Island or Roger Williams University a better value?
University of Rhode Island. It clears its $85,760 net cost in about 4 years versus 6.9 years at Roger Williams University, on median earnings of $69,743 vs $70,266 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Rhode Island or Roger Williams University?
University of Rhode Island: $21,440/yr net price after aid versus $37,999/yr at Roger Williams University — a difference of $16,559 a year, or about $66,236 over four years.
Do University of Rhode Island or Roger Williams University graduates earn more?
Roger Williams University graduates earn a median $70,266 ten years after entry, versus $69,743 at University of Rhode Island — a $523 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.