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Providence College

Providence, RI·Private nonprofit·4,170 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $73,400 within 10 years; strong 88% graduation rate.

49%
Accept
4,170
Students
$45,538
Net Price
88%
Grad Rate
$73,400
Earnings
10 yr
$27,000
Debt

About This School

Providence College is a private nonprofit institution located in Providence, Rhode Island with approximately 4,170 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 49% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $45,538 per year. The graduation rate is 88%, and the typical graduate earns $73,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

Providence College is a private Catholic university in Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1917 by the Dominican Order and the Diocese of Providence, it offers 47 undergraduate majors and 17 graduate programs.

This is a strong option for students who want a tight-knit Catholic liberal arts experience with real staying power — an 88% graduation rate and 91% freshman retention signal that students who enroll tend to stick it out and finish. The $73,400 median earnings at 10 years is solid, and $27,000 in median debt is manageable relative to that outcome. The main concern is cost: at $45,538 average net price, this isn't a budget-friendly choice, so families should run the net price calculator carefully before assuming aid will make it affordable.

Founded
1917
Setting
Midsize city
Conference
Big East Conference

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing43%
Biological Sciences14%
Social Sciences11%
Psychology9%
Health Professions5%
Education5%
English3%
Computer Science1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Janeane GarofaloLenny WilkensFrank CaprioChris DoddRobert GalloPeter FarrellyJohn O'HurleyKris DunnPatrick J. KennedyBilly DonovanMarShon BrooksBen Bentil

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1342
Reading 75th %ile700
Math 75th %ile700

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite29

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$60,848
Out-of-State Tuition
$60,848
Avg Net Price
$45,538
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants13%
Median debt at graduation$27,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
88%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
91%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$73,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$27,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$27,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$51,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$73,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.7x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White79%
Black3%
Hispanic/Latino8%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (4,170 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Providence College

1 Cunningham Square

Providence, RI 02918-0001

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Rhode Island

Browse all Rhode Island schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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