Contemplating Colleges? Our Decision Worksheet Can Help

This article was updated in September 2023 to incorporate the latest university statistics.

Choosing where to spend the next four of your life on a path toward a future career is a huge decision, and chances are you’re dealing with a ton of questions: Where do I want to live? Who will I meet there? What can I study? What else can I pursue while there?

Johnson & Wales University understands those questions and is here to help you make the best decision for yourself. We have taken some of the most frequent questions that our students have asked during their explorations of where to go, and we’ve created a Decision Day worksheet to help you take note of the things you most want to include in your higher education experience.

Here are some of the most pressing questions about student life, academics and value of a college education. We encourage you to use the fillable College Decision Worksheet (PDF) to compare your top schools and see which one best suits your needs.

Where can I study?

Johnson & Wales is all about options, and we offer campuses in not one but two great cities for college students! You can study in Providence, R.I., Charlotte, N.C., or both, choosing from among 16 residence halls — several of which allow pets — or enjoying commuter resources.

Will I fit in?

With JWU being home to students from 57 states & territories and international students representing 54 countries, you’ll be part of an inclusive and diverse student body!

Can I afford it?

JWU provides you with a dedicated financial planner to support you through the financial aid process. 98.5% of JWU in-person students receive scholarships and/or grants from the university.

What is there to do outside of class?

Aside from the fun things to do in Providence and Charlotte, JWU’s campus community is always abuzz with events and activities. You can choose from more than 100 student clubs and organizations or compete as part of one of JWU’s 27 varsity athletic teams in Providence or Charlotte.

What are my degree options?

At JWU, the sky is the limit! We offer 65+ undergraduate programs in which our students enjoy hands-on experiential education experiences, and we even have a Design Your Own Major option! As an extra benefit, you can begin taking classes in your major in your first year, getting a jump on your education.

Will I get special attention?

JWU is all about YOU! We don't do big lecture halls, opting for personalized attention instead. Our student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1, giving you a chance to get to know your professors and, more importantly, allowing them to get to know you!

What can I do with a JWU degree?

At 95.4%, our career outcomes rate is consistently higher than the national average, and our career services teams are here to help you pursue your dream job. Our faculty have industry experience to help you on your journey, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to network with industry employers. Our alumni stay strongly connected, too!

We wish you best of luck with your decision, and we invite you to reach out to our admissions team to help you in any way as you look ahead toward your next step in life.