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Brown University vs Providence College

Brown University is a private university in Providence, RI, and Providence College is a private college in Providence, RI. Brown University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 5% of applicants against 51% at Providence College. Brown University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $25,184 a year against $48,523 at Providence College. About 96% of students graduate at Brown University, compared with 87% at Providence College. Ten years after enrolling, Brown University alumni earn a median of about $93,487, against $87,054 for Providence College.

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Brown University

Providence, RI · Private

Providence College

Providence, RI · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Providence, RI
Providence, RI
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,226
4,229
Acceptance rate
5%
51%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
1250–1390
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
29–32
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,184
$48,523
Full cost / yr
$87,648
$80,466
In-state tuition
$71,412
$63,550
Out-of-state tuition
$71,412
$63,550
Application fee
$75
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
$28,152
$30k - $48k
$2,031
$21,835
$48k - $75k
$5,858
$25,296
$75k - $110k
$16,219
$33,169
Over $110k
$44,937
$56,699
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
87%
Freshman retention
99%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$79,131
$69,326
Median earnings (10 yr)
$93,487
$87,054
Median debt at graduation
$11,428
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
13%
First-generation students
17%
15%
International students
13%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 5
Jan 15

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Brown University or Providence College harder to get into?
Brown University is harder to get into. It admits about 5% of applicants, compared with 51% at Providence College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Brown University or Providence College?
Brown University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $25,184 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $48,523 at Providence College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Brown University and Providence College?
Before aid, Providence College costs about $80,466 a year and Brown University about $87,648. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Brown University or Providence College?
Brown University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-420 there, against about $28,152 at Providence College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Brown University or Providence College?
Brown University is the larger of the two, with about 7,226 undergraduates against 4,229 at Providence College.
Does Brown University or Providence College have a better graduation rate?
Brown University has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 87% at Providence College.
Do graduates of Brown University or Providence College earn more?
Brown University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $93,487 ten years after enrolling, against about $87,054 for Providence College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Brown University and Providence College require SAT or ACT scores?
Brown University requires SAT or ACT scores. Providence College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Brown University and Providence College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at Brown University and 1250–1390 at Providence College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school