Compare 7 Public Finance. programs in Rhode Island. Average earnings: $73,041.
The highest-earning Public Finance program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $22K earnings gap across 7 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Providence College's Public Finance program leads with graduates earning $83,063, followed closely by Bryant University at $82,000. The average across all programs is $73,041, but program size matters too—Providence's 184-graduate cohort demonstrates scalable excellence while Roger Williams serves 53 students at $78,674.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Rhode Island graduates borrow $22,250 and face just a 6.0% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families considering parent loans, Rhode Island College leads with a 13.1% family burden—proof that the best choice depends on who's paying.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Providence CollegePrivate | $83,063 | 184 | $27,000 | Excellent | $46,300 | Challenging |
| #2 | Bryant UniversityPrivate | $81,995 | 182 | $26,849 | Excellent | $55,956 | Challenging |
| #3 | Roger Williams UniversityPrivate | $78,674 | 53 | $26,940 | Excellent | $49,892 | Challenging |
| #4 | $73,616 | 120 | $22,250 | Excellent | $28,000 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $66,440 | 26 | $26,000 | Good | $34,260 | Challenging | |
| #6 | Salve Regina UniversityPrivate | $66,034 | 23 | $27,000 | Good | $41,621 | Challenging |
| #7 | Rhode Island CollegePublic | $61,463 | 13 | $20,500 | Excellent | $14,512 | Manageable |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
