Education Note: Bryant University, Low Risk & The Best Value In Rhode Island
Institutional Overview
Bryant University, founded in 1863 in Smithfield, Rhode Island, is a private university focused on business education integrated with liberal arts. Current enrollment stands at approximately 3,536 students with a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The institution maintains strong admission standards with an 83% graduation rate, significantly above the national average of 49%. As a business-focused institution with a liberal arts foundation, Bryant serves students seeking integrated business education while drawing high-achieving students nationally and internationally.
Risk Score
Risk Score Analysis: Risk Score = (Annual Debt: $64,012 / Expected Starting Salary: $72,500) × (1 - Graduation Rate: 83%) = 0.883 × 0.17 = 0.15 The favorable risk score reflects an excellent relationship between student debt and earning potential, reinforced by a strong graduation rate. The high starting salary effectively balances the substantial annual debt, while the 83% graduation rate maintains a low risk multiplier. This score indicates strong return on educational investment.
Strengths
Bryant University demonstrates exceptional strengths in career outcomes, with 99% of graduates employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. The median starting salary of $72,500 for the Class of 2023 represents the highest in university history. The institution's integrated business and liberal arts curriculum creates unique value through comprehensive professional preparation. State-of-the-art facilities and technology support hands-on learning experiences. Strong corporate partnerships drive high placement rates and internship opportunities. Student reviews consistently praise the career-focused education and professional preparation. The school's expanding global initiatives and interdisciplinary programs attract significant corporate partnerships, positioning graduates well for career success.
Weaknesses
Despite strong outcomes, Bryant faces several challenges. The high annual costs resulting in average student debt of $64,012 create substantial financial barriers for many prospective students. While the graduation rate is strong, the 17% non-completion rate suggests opportunities for additional student support services. Some student reviews cite intensive academic pressure and workload challenges. The business-focused curriculum, while driving strong outcomes, may limit options for academic exploration. Infrastructure needs include ongoing technology updates to maintain competitive advantage. The institution's relatively small size may limit some specialized program offerings.
Bottom Line
Bryant University's risk score of 0.15 and median graduate starting salary of $72,500 indicate exceptional institutional performance, but several areas require board attention. First, address the substantial student debt burden through expanded institutional aid and innovative financing programs. Second, enhance student support services to improve the already strong graduation rate. Third, maintain technological infrastructure to preserve competitive advantages in business education. The board should prioritize these improvements while leveraging Bryant's proven strengths in career preparation and professional development.
Student Voices
"I loved being a student at Bryant University, it prepared me to be a professional and gave me the tools I needed to succeed. As soon as I came out of school I knew I was ahead of other graduates looking for jobs." - Alumni, Class of 2009
"The student loans can creep up quickly, and I am glad I had most of my undergrad paid before entering the master's program." - Graduate Student, June 2023
"68% of students feel like they are getting their money's worth out of their program." - Recent Student Survey
"Bryant's uniquely integrated curriculum intersects business with the liberal arts in ways that opened up opportunities I hadn't considered." - Recent Graduate
These student perspectives highlight both the strong career preparation value and the financial challenges that the board must continue to address.