Johnson & Wales University-Providence
Providence, Rhode Island 02903-3703
Data last updated: May 29, 2026
Campus Vibe
Known for business
Johnson & Wales University-Providence is a private urban institution in Providence, Rhode Island. The school is accessible to a wide range of students, with an average SAT of 1107.
A mid-sized campus of 3.9K undergraduates with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
55% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $43,418 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $32,478.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1107
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Action
November 15
Decision by December 15
Regular Decision
rolling
Decision by rolling
Financial Aid
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
26.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
5.1%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$16,334
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
31
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Academics
Programs (82)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
76%
Campus Life
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Dining
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Notable Alumni
Emeril Lagasse
Celebrity chef, restaurateur, and television personality
Tyler Florence
Celebrity chef and Food Network host
Michelle Bernstein
Award-winning chef and restaurateur
Graham Elliot
Celebrity chef and former MasterChef judge
Chris Santos
Celebrity chef and Chopped judge
Stephanie Cmar
Chef and Top Chef contestant
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Wildcats
History & Fun Facts
- •Wales Johnson Wales Business School was founded in September 1914 in Providence, Rhode Island.
- •The school opened with one student and one typewriter on Hope Street in Providence.
- •The school soon moved to a larger site on Olney Street, and later moved downtown to 36 Exchange Street to better serve returning soldiers after World War I.
- •1947–1963 In June 1947, founders Johnson and Wales, facing old age and illness, sold Johnson Wales Business School to partners (and Navy buddies) Edward Triangelo and Morris Gaebe.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from RI state average + city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Walkability
Urban campus in downtown Providence with easy access to city amenities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Nearby Attractions
Providence Downcitywalkable
Vibrant downtown with restaurants, arts, and WaterFire installations
Federal Hillwalkable
Historic Italian neighborhood with restaurants and shops
RISD Museumwalkable
World-class art museum at Rhode Island School of Design
Providence Performing Arts Centerwalkable
Historic theater hosting Broadway shows and concerts
Roger Williams Park
Large park with zoo, gardens, and lakes
Thayer Streetwalkable
Brown University area with shops and dining
Transfer Admission
International Students
English Proficiency Requirements
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