Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Providence, Rhode Island |
| Online | jwu.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize City |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Johnson & Wales University's main campus occupies multiple blocks in downtown Providence, Rhode Island, situated near the state capitol building and within walking distance of the city's arts and cultural district. The urban campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings spread throughout the Knowledge District, maintaining close ties to Providence's hospitality and culinary industries. Founded in 1914 as a business school, JWU has evolved into a career-focused university recognized for its College of Food Innovation & Technology, College of Hospitality Management, and College of Business programs. The university provides traditional residence halls and apartment-style housing across its downtown campus, accommodating both first-year and returning students. As a NCAA Division III institution, JWU Providence's athletic teams, known as the Wildcats, compete in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Johnson & Wales University-Providence is rated within the lower 45% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Johnson & Wales University Providence within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#684 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#456 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#8 in Best Colleges in Rhode Island
#7 in Best Private Colleges in Rhode Island
#8 in Best Value Colleges in Rhode Island
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 970/1230 |
| ACT | 20/26 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $616 |
| Room and Board | $18,776 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,758 |
| Total One Year Cost | $62,142 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 34% |
| Personal and Culinary Services | 34% |
| Work and Family Studies | 12% |
| Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 7% |
| Computer and Information Sciences | 4% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Johnson & Wales University-Providence are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=217235 IPEDS survey data for Johnson & Wales University Providence.
Current students may use the Johnson & Wales University Providence GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025