Overview
Providence College is a moderately selective private four-year institution in Providence, Rhode Island. The school accepts 52.8% of applicants and enrolls 4,170 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 52.8%
- Average SAT
- 1,340
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,260–1,420
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 30
- Total Enrollment
- 4,170
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Providence College's Catholic Dominican heritage shapes everything from core curriculum requirements to campus traditions, so your application should show genuine interest in this faith-based educational approach. The school requires all students to complete Development of Western Civilization, a four-semester sequence that examines literature, philosophy, history, and theology, making this program worth highlighting if you're drawn to interdisciplinary learning.
Your essays should connect to specific aspects of PC's mission and programs. The Feinstein Institute for Public Service offers community engagement opportunities that many applicants overlook when crafting their "why PC" responses. The Liberal Arts Honors Program provides smaller seminars and special housing for academically motivated students, but you must apply separately by the early action deadline.
PC uses rolling admissions, meaning they review applications as they arrive rather than waiting for deadlines. Submit your application early in the cycle for the best chance at admission and merit scholarships. The school offers both early action and regular decision, with early action giving you a non-binding advantage.
Campus culture centers around basketball games at the Dunkin' Donuts Center, where student attendance rivals major college programs. Greek life doesn't exist, but club sports and intramural activities fill that social gap. The student body tends toward preppy New England backgrounds, though the school has worked to increase geographic and economic diversity.
PC fits students who want small class sizes with professors rather than teaching assistants, but who also want Division I athletics and school spirit. If you're uncomfortable with required theology courses or mandatory campus ministry programs, this probably isn't your school.
Focus your application on how you'll contribute to PC's specific community rather than generic college experiences. Mention actual professors whose research interests you, or describe how you'd use the college's location between Boston and New York. The admissions office appreciates demonstrated interest through campus visits, information sessions, or contact with admissions counselors.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $45,538/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $60,848
- Students Receiving Aid
- 13%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 87.9%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $87,054/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 91.2%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Providence College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Providence College is test-optional, meaning SAT and ACT scores are not required for admission. Students can choose whether to submit test scores as part of their application.
What is the application deadline for Providence College?
Providence College offers Early Decision (binding) with a November 1 deadline and Regular Decision with a January 15 deadline. Early Action is also available with a November 1 deadline for non-binding early notification.
Can you transfer to Providence College from another college?
Providence College accepts transfer students for fall and spring semesters. Transfer applicants must have completed at least 12 college credits and maintain good academic standing at their current institution.
What GPA do you need to get into Providence College?
Providence College does not publish a minimum GPA requirement. The school uses a holistic review process that considers academic performance alongside other factors like extracurricular activities and personal essays.