Engineering Studies at Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Providence, RI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Engineering, Other
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
43
Optimistic
41
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $49,233/yr (-30% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Medium (29,400 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #16 of 16 Engineering, Other programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Engineering Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $583K $574K $530K
Earnings Multiple 3.6x 3.6x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 49%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 41 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$161,632
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$129,912
20% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,552
21% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $49,233/yr fall 30% below the $69,929 national median for Engineering Studies. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 3.6x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Engineering Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $27,000 against $49,233/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #16 ranking among 16 Engineering Studies programs places Johnson & Wales University-Providence in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 21% earnings increase from $49,233 to $59,552 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Johnson & Wales University-Providence has a 84% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 3,913 students in Providence, RI.

See all programs and financial aid at Johnson & Wales University-Providence →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Engineers, all other $117,750/yr
Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors $109,660/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Engineering Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Engineering Studies at Johnson & Wales University-Providence?
At 41/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Engineering Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Engineering Studies at Johnson & Wales University-Providence?
The 48% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Johnson & Wales University-Providence a good choice for Engineering Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Johnson & Wales University-Providence's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →