At $20,907/yr net price, University of Providence graduates earn $48,296/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,296/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,907 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $83,628 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,296/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,296/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,227/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,896/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,173/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,482/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,724/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $100,128 | $16,698 |
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
46.7% of students at University of Providence graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
University of Providence delivers mixed financial returns, with nursing graduates earning strong salaries while most other programs produce modest outcomes relative to the cost. The school's median graduate earns $48,296 after ten years, which barely covers the $20,907 annual net price for a typical four-year degree.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning over $100,000 annually against relatively low debt of $16,698. This program justifies the investment and aligns well with Montana's healthcare job market. Business administration shows decent returns at $53,810, but psychology majors face concerning outcomes with earnings around $32,000 to $39,000 after graduation.
The 46.7% graduation rate presents a significant financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without a degree but may still carry debt. The 70% retention rate suggests academic or financial struggles that could derail your investment early.
You should consider University of Providence if you plan to study nursing and can handle the rigorous program requirements. The school works for students who qualify for substantial need-based aid, given that only 31% receive assistance. Montana residents benefit from staying in-state for healthcare careers with strong local demand.
Avoid this school if you're planning to major in psychology or liberal arts, where the earnings potential doesn't support the private school price tag. Out-of-state students paying full price face particularly poor returns outside of nursing. The low graduation rate makes this a risky choice if you're already struggling academically or lack strong study habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Providence worth the cost?
University of Providence offers solid value primarily through its nursing programs, which lead to median earnings of $100,128. However, the overall 10-year earnings average of $48,296 and 47% graduation rate suggest mixed returns for most other programs.
What are the best paying majors at University of Providence?
Nursing programs at University of Providence provide the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning over $100,000 annually. Business and psychology majors see much lower earnings, typically ranging from $33,000 to $54,000 per year.
How much debt do University of Providence graduates have?
University of Providence graduates typically leave with $18,750 in student debt, which is relatively manageable. The debt-to-income ratio works well for nursing graduates but may be challenging for psychology and some business majors earning under $35,000.
Does University of Providence have good job outcomes?
Job outcomes at University of Providence vary significantly by program. Nursing graduates see strong employment prospects with high salaries, while the overall 47% graduation rate indicates many students struggle to complete their degrees.