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Providence College vs University of Rhode Island

Providence College is a private college in Providence, RI, and University of Rhode Island is a public university in Kingston, RI. Providence College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 51% of applicants against 72% at University of Rhode Island. University of Rhode Island is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $21,440 a year against $48,523 at Providence College. About 87% of students graduate at Providence College, compared with 72% at University of Rhode Island. Ten years after enrolling, Providence College alumni earn a median of about $87,054, against $69,743 for University of Rhode Island.

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Providence College

Providence, RI · Private

University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Providence, RI
Kingston, RI
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
4,229
13,381
Acceptance rate
51%
72%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.42–3.92
SAT (middle 50%)
1250–1390
1020–1280
ACT (middle 50%)
29–32
26–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$48,523
$21,440
Full cost / yr
$80,466
$34,321
In-state tuition
$63,550
$16,942
Out-of-state tuition
$63,550
$37,146
Application fee
$65
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$28,152
$14,368
$30k - $48k
$21,835
$12,923
$48k - $75k
$25,296
$17,803
$75k - $110k
$33,169
$23,394
Over $110k
$56,699
$28,460
Outcomes
Graduation rate
87%
72%
Freshman retention
94%
84%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$69,326
$57,446
Median earnings (10 yr)
$87,054
$69,743
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$22,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
22%
First-generation students
15%
26%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Dec 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Feb 1

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 Providence College or University of Rhode Island harder to get into?
Providence College is harder to get into. It admits about 51% of applicants, compared with 72% at University of Rhode Island. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Providence College or University of Rhode Island?
University of Rhode Island is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,440 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 Providence College and University of Rhode Island?
Before aid, University of Rhode Island costs about $34,321 a year and Providence College about $80,466. 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, Providence College or University of Rhode Island?
University of Rhode Island. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,368 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, Providence College or University of Rhode Island?
University of Rhode Island is the larger of the two, with about 13,381 undergraduates against 4,229 at Providence College.
Does Providence College or University of Rhode Island have a better graduation rate?
Providence College has the higher graduation rate, at about 87% against 72% at University of Rhode Island.
Do graduates of Providence College or University of Rhode Island earn more?
Providence College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $87,054 ten years after enrolling, against about $69,743 for University of Rhode Island. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Providence College and University of Rhode Island require SAT or ACT scores?
Providence College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Rhode Island is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Providence College and University of Rhode Island look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1250–1390 at Providence College and 1020–1280 at University of Rhode Island. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

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