At $45,538/yr net price, Providence College graduates earn $87,054/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $53,054/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $45,538 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $182,152 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $87,054/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$53,054/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 87.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $26,070/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,408/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,086/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $33,480/yr |
| $110,001+ | $53,195/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $74,576 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $68,219 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,198 | $20,500 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $64,791 | $26,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $62,260 | $27,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $55,964 | $27,000 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $53,810 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $51,722 | $27,000 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $49,899 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $47,118 |
The Risk Factor
87.9% of students at Providence College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Providence College delivers solid financial returns despite its high sticker price, with graduates earning a median of $87,054 ten years after enrollment. The $45,538 annual net price puts significant pressure on families, but the school's 87.9% graduation rate means you're likely to finish your degree.
Your major choice matters enormously at Providence. Educational Administration leads earnings at $74,576, while Computer Science follows at $68,219. Business and Economics majors can expect mid-60s salaries, making these programs reasonable investments given the debt loads of $20,500 to $27,000. Liberal arts majors face tougher financial math, as these programs don't appear among the top earners despite the school's strong reputation in humanities.
The biggest financial risk is Providence's limited financial aid reach. Only 13.2% of students receive aid, meaning most families pay close to full price. This creates a stark divide between those who can afford the investment and those who graduate with heavy debt burdens relative to their earnings potential.
Providence works best for families who can pay without significant borrowing or students targeting the higher-earning programs like business and computer science. The school's strong alumni network in the Northeast provides career advantages that help justify the cost for certain majors. However, if you need substantial aid or plan to study lower-earning fields, you'll find better financial value elsewhere.
Merit scholarships exist but aren't widely distributed given the low aid percentage. Your best cost strategy involves applying early and demonstrating strong academic credentials to compete for the limited merit money available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Providence College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Providence College's $45,538 annual net price is high for graduates earning $87,054 after 10 years. The return on investment is weaker than many state schools and comparable private colleges.
What Providence College programs have the best job prospects?
Educational Administration leads Providence College earnings at $74,576, followed by Computer Science at $68,219. Most other programs, including popular business majors, start below $66,000.
How much debt do Providence College students typically graduate with?
Providence College graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable given typical starting salaries. The 88% graduation rate means most students finish their degrees.
Does Providence College provide enough financial aid to make it affordable?
With a $45,538 net price after aid, Providence College remains expensive for most families. Financial aid helps but doesn't bring costs down to competitive levels with public alternatives.