About Providence College
Students pay an average net price of $45,538 after financial aid, though this varies by family income. Graduates earn a median of $87,054 ten years after graduation, suggesting the investment pays off over time. The typical graduate leaves with $27,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $286. Only 13% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a relatively affluent student body.
The student-faculty ratio of 11:1 ensures personalized attention in this academically focused environment. Nearly 87% of students graduate within four years, and 91% return for their second year. The campus houses 3,356 students in residence halls, creating a residential college experience. Men comprise 46% of the student body while women make up 54%, with the overall population being 79% white.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 69.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 86.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 87.9%
- Retention Rate
- 91.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $87,054
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $74,576 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $68,219 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,198 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $64,791 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $62,260 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $55,964 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $53,810 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $51,722 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $49,899 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $47,118 |
Campus Life
The 105-acre campus buzzes with Dominican Catholic traditions and school spirit. Students pack the Dunkin' Donuts Center when the Friars basketball team plays Big East rivals like Villanova. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get to know your professors personally. Weekend life revolves around campus events, trips into Providence's Federal Hill for Italian food, or heading to nearby Newport beaches when weather permits. The strong Catholic identity shapes daily life through campus ministry and service opportunities. With 91% of freshmen returning for sophomore year, students clearly find their place in this tight-knit community where basketball games and Catholic heritage create lasting bonds.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 3,356 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1917
Campus Safety (2023)
10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–38°F
- July Avg
- 65°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 36.6"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 46.0%
- Women
- 54.0%
- White
- 79.4%
- Black
- 3.2%
- Hispanic
- 8.4%
- Asian
- 1.5%
- In-State Students
- 10.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 13.2%
Location
- Address
- Providence, Rhode Island 02918-0001
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $87,054
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $79,344
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $51,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 78.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Providence College?
Providence College accepts 52.78% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1260-1420 on the SAT. This Dominican Catholic institution draws strong applicants who value its rigorous liberal arts curriculum and tight-knit community atmosphere.
How much does Providence College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $45,538 after aid, though families earning under $30,000 pay around $26,070. With total costs reaching $79,148, the college provides institutional grants averaging $29,929 to nearly 20% of students. Graduates typically leave with $27,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $286.
What are the academics like at Providence College?
Students benefit from an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships. The college maintains high academic standards with an 87.90% six-year graduation rate and 91.16% retention rate. This Catholic liberal arts education emphasizes the Dominican tradition of scholarly inquiry and moral development.
How successful are Providence College graduates in finding jobs?
Graduates achieve a 96.5% employment rate within six months of graduation. Alumni earn a median salary of $87,054 ten years after graduation, reflecting strong career outcomes. The college's extensive alumni network and reputation in the Northeast help students secure positions across various fields.
Where do Providence College students live and what is campus life like?
The campus houses 3,356 students in residence halls, creating a residential college experience for most of the 4,170 enrolled. Only 10% of students come from Rhode Island, giving the community a regional New England character. The Dominican Catholic identity shapes daily life through service opportunities and spiritual programs.
Is Providence College known for its basketball program?
The Friars compete in NCAA Division I as part of the strong BIG EAST Conference, fielding 397 total athletes across 15 varsity sports. The men's basketball program has produced notable alumni like NBA player Chris Mullin and attracts national attention. Athletic scholarships total over $12.5 million, reflecting the college's commitment to competitive Division I athletics.
