About University of Providence
University of Providence focuses heavily on health sciences and nursing programs within a close-knit Catholic community. With just 527 students enrolled, this small university sits in Great Falls, Montana, where personal attention defines the academic experience. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know every student by name. Students benefit from hands-on training in healthcare fields that dominate the curriculum.
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $20,907 after aid, well below the sticker price of nearly $30,000. Graduates earn a median of $48,296 ten years after graduation, with typical monthly loan payments of $199. The median debt of $18,750 stays relatively low for a private institution. Nearly all graduates find employment, with a 98.6% employment rate reflecting strong job placement in healthcare fields.
Athletics play a major role in campus culture despite the small size. The university fields 13 varsity sports in the NAIA, with 334 total athletes representing over 60% of the student body. Athletic scholarships total more than $6.2 million. The 46% graduation rate within six years suggests some students struggle to complete degrees, though the tight-knit community helps many persist through challenges.
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $20,907 after aid, well below the sticker price of nearly $30,000. Graduates earn a median of $48,296 ten years after graduation, with typical monthly loan payments of $199. The median debt of $18,750 stays relatively low for a private institution. Nearly all graduates find employment, with a 98.6% employment rate reflecting strong job placement in healthcare fields.
Athletics play a major role in campus culture despite the small size. The university fields 13 varsity sports in the NAIA, with 334 total athletes representing over 60% of the student body. Athletic scholarships total more than $6.2 million. The 46% graduation rate within six years suggests some students struggle to complete degrees, though the tight-knit community helps many persist through challenges.
Academics & Faculty
University of Providence centers its academic mission around health sciences and nursing, reflecting Montana's need for healthcare professionals. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally and can provide intensive mentoring in clinical programs. However, the 44% four-year graduation rate suggests many students take longer to complete demanding health science coursework or transfer to other programs. The Catholic university emphasizes service-oriented education through its nursing and health programs. Students benefit from small class sizes that allow hands-on learning in laboratory and clinical settings. The university's focus on practical healthcare training prepares graduates for immediate employment in Montana's rural communities.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 7:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 49.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 43.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 46.7%
- Retention Rate
- 70.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,296
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $100,128 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $53,810 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $39,009 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $33,281 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $32,711 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $31,423 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $28,960 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $26,739 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $24,035 |
Campus Life
Campus life at University of Providence centers around a tight-knit community where 59% of students can live in on-campus housing that accommodates 310 residents total. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic struggles personally. Great Falls sits about 200 miles from both Billings and Missoula, making it genuinely isolated in north-central Montana.
Winter dominates the academic calendar with temperatures regularly dropping below zero and heavy snowfall lasting from November through March. Students bundle up in serious winter gear for walks between buildings. The Catholic identity shapes campus traditions and community service opportunities. With only 527 total students, weekend social life revolves around small gatherings, intramural sports, and outdoor activities like skiing or hiking when weather permits. The 334 student-athletes represent 63% of the entire student body, making NAIA sports a central part of campus culture. Students often drive to Helena or Billings for bigger entertainment options, but most find community in the residence halls and campus events.
Winter dominates the academic calendar with temperatures regularly dropping below zero and heavy snowfall lasting from November through March. Students bundle up in serious winter gear for walks between buildings. The Catholic identity shapes campus traditions and community service opportunities. With only 527 total students, weekend social life revolves around small gatherings, intramural sports, and outdoor activities like skiing or hiking when weather permits. The 334 student-athletes represent 63% of the entire student body, making NAIA sports a central part of campus culture. Students often drive to Helena or Billings for bigger entertainment options, but most find community in the residence halls and campus events.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 310 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1932
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–37°F
- July Avg
- 54°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 14.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
University of Providence draws students who want personal attention in their education. With just 527 students and a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, everyone knows each other's name. The student body splits almost evenly between Montana residents and out-of-state students, reflecting the school's solid regional reputation in health sciences. Women make up about 60% of enrollment, which aligns with the university's strong nursing and healthcare programs. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the Catholic institution's commitment to serving students from working-class families who value faith-based education.
- Men
- 39.7%
- Women
- 60.3%
- White
- 74.4%
- Black
- 4.9%
- Hispanic
- 3.8%
- Asian
- 4.0%
- In-State Students
- 47.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 31.0%
Location
Great Falls sits along the Missouri River in central Montana, about 220 miles north of Billings and 140 miles south of the Canadian border. The city of 60,000 residents serves as a regional center for north-central Montana's agricultural communities. Students at University of Providence experience small-city life surrounded by vast plains and rolling hills, with the Rocky Mountain Front visible to the west. Great Falls offers outdoor recreation like fishing and hiking, plus museums celebrating Lewis and Clark's historic expedition. The 527 students on campus represent both Montana natives (47% in-state) and those drawn to Big Sky Country from across the nation. Students considering colleges in Montana may also compare University of Providence with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Great Falls, Montana 59405-4996
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,296
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,274
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 58.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $199/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,750
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Providence?
University of Providence accepts 95.48% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students seeking a Catholic education. The average SAT score is 730, reflecting the school's welcoming approach to students with diverse academic backgrounds.
How much does University of Providence cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $20,907 after financial aid, lower than the published tuition of $29,018. About 31% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates typically leave with manageable debt of $18,750.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Providence?
The university maintains a 7:1 student-faculty ratio with only 527 total students, ensuring personalized attention in small classes. This intimate Catholic institution in Great Falls emphasizes health sciences and nursing programs where close mentorship matters most.
Does University of Providence have good job outcomes?
Graduates achieve a 98.6% employment rate, though the 6-year graduation rate stands at 46.7%. Alumni earn a median salary of $48,296 ten years after graduation, reflecting the practical focus of the university's health science programs.
Where do students live at University of Providence?
The campus houses 310 students in residence halls, serving about 60% of the 527 total enrollment. The retention rate of 70.1% suggests students appreciate the tight-knit Catholic community atmosphere in Great Falls.
How strong is athletics at University of Providence?
The university fields 13 varsity sports with 334 total athletes, meaning over 60% of students participate in NAIA athletics. Athletic scholarships total $6.28 million, demonstrating significant investment in sports programs for this small Montana Catholic school.
