Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Providence, RI & Boston, MA
When students choose between Wentworth Institute of Technology and Brown University, they're comparing two fundamentally different educational paths. Wentworth is a specialized engineering school in Boston serving working-class students.
Brown is an Ivy League liberal arts university in Providence serving affluent families. The data reveals a striking pattern: Wentworth consistently beats earnings expectations while Brown underperforms them.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$11,428
federal loans
$25,028
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$48,245
borrowed by parents
$65,597
borrowed by parents
Wentworth is predominantly engineering-focused, with 46% of graduates earning degrees in engineering fields. Brown has a more balanced liberal arts mix with 20% in social sciences as the largest category.
Wentworth's largest programs include Construction Management (122 graduates), Mechanical Engineering (113), and Computer Science (94). Brown's top programs include Computer Science (229), Economics (203), and Applied Mathematics (178).
These program concentrations create different career trajectories and earning potentials.
For students pursuing engineering careers from working-class backgrounds, Wentworth delivers exceptional institutional effectiveness despite higher costs and debt burdens. Brown offers an Ivy League experience, superior graduation rates, and broader career flexibility — making it the better choice for affluent families seeking liberal arts education with prestige benefits.
The data points to fundamentally different value propositions rather than one clear winner. Choose Wentworth for focused technical training that overdelivers on outcomes; choose Brown for comprehensive education with elite networking and graduate school preparation.
Your family income and career goals should drive this decision.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
