Home › Johnson & Wales University-Providence › Software Development

Software Development at Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Providence, RI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Computer Software and Media Applications
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
31
Optimistic
30
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,735/yr (-29% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (70% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (262,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #54 of 55 Computer Software and Media Applications programs

Program Analysis

While the career paths listed are high-paying tech roles, the earnings data suggests graduates from this specific program are not landing those elite software engineering jobs, at least not initially. Johnson & Wales is nationally known for hospitality and culinary arts, not for being a primary recruiting hub for major tech firms. This program's focus on "media applications" may also steer you toward lower-paying, tech-adjacent roles in digital marketing or content management rather than pure, high-demand software development. The Providence tech scene is growing but doesn't offer the same density of high-salary opportunities as nearby Boston. Your key action: Scrutinize the curriculum. You must confirm it provides the rigorous, theory-heavy computer science and advanced mathematics foundation that top software development, architecture, and data roles require.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Software Development graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $518K $515K $479K
Earnings Multiple 3.2x 3.2x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 30 36

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
9.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,127
47% growth from Year 1

About Johnson & Wales University-Providence

With 84% of applicants admitted, Johnson & Wales University-Providence prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 3,913 students in Providence, RI.

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

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr
Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 55 schools offering Software Development →

Software Development at Other Schools

University of Southern California ($103,071) University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ($98,117) Western Governors University ($95,292) Worcester Polytechnic Institute ($86,193) University of Phoenix-Arizona ($83,476) University of Phoenix-California ($83,476) University of Phoenix-Texas ($83,476) DigiPen Institute of Technology ($81,885)

Other Majors at Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians ($72,120) Computer Engineering ($62,056) Finance and Financial Management Services ($53,555) Engineering, Other ($49,233) Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication ($49,033) Human Resources Management and Services ($46,645) Accounting and Related Services ($45,450) Marketing ($41,544)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Software Development trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 30/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Software Development at Johnson & Wales University-Providence?
At 30/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Software Development programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Software Development at Johnson & Wales University-Providence?
The 70% 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 Software Development 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 →