Providence College: An In-Depth Look at Graduation Rates and Student Outcomes

Providence College, founded in 1917, is a private institution that holds the #2 spot in Regional Universities North, according to the 2026 edition of Best Colleges. With a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,556 students as of fall 2024, a city setting, and a 105-acre campus, the college offers a distinctive educational environment. The student-faculty ratio at Providence College is 11:1, and it operates on a semester-based academic calendar. The college embraces a test-optional admissions policy and accepts the Common Application. This article delves into the graduation rates, student demographics, costs, and other key aspects that define the academic landscape at Providence College.

Graduation Rates: A Comprehensive Analysis

A key indicator of a college's success is its graduation rate, reflecting the likelihood of students completing their degrees. Providence College boasts impressive graduation rates compared to national averages.

Overall Graduation Rates

Over the past five years, Providence College has maintained an impressive graduation rate of 87%, with students earning their bachelor’s degrees within six years of enrolling. This figure surpasses the national average, underscoring the college's commitment to student success. Specifically, for the class of 2015:

Four-Year Graduation Rate: 80% of students completed their degree within four years.
Six-Year Graduation Rate: 82% of students graduated within six years. This is considered the official graduation rate according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Eight-Year Graduation Rate: 83% of the class of 2015 completed their degree within eight years.

The average length of time it takes an Providence undergraduate student to complete their bachelor's degree is 4.04 years.

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Graduation rates often vary among students from different demographic backgrounds. Providence College's data reveals the following graduation rates by race/ethnicity:

Read also: Get Your Providence Tickets

American Indian or Alaskan Native: 100%
Asian: 87%
Black / African-American: 80%
Hispanic: 83%
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 88%
White: 88%
Multi-Ethnic: 80%
Unknown Race: 85%

These figures highlight the college's efforts to support students from diverse backgrounds, with graduation rates for most groups exceeding national averages.

Graduation Rates Based on Enrollment Status

Providence College caters to various student populations, including first-time, full-time students, part-time students, transfer students, and adult learners. Graduation rates vary depending on the enrollment status:

First-Time / Full-Time Students:
- Four-Year Graduation Rate: 80%
- Six-Year Graduation Rate: 84%
- Eight-Year Graduation Rate: 85%
First-Time / Part-Time Students:
- Six-Year Graduation Rate: 67%
- Eight-Year Graduation Rate: 67%
Non First-Time / Full-Time Students:
- Six-Year Graduation Rate: 75%
- Eight-Year Graduation Rate: 75%
Non First-Time / Part-Time Students:
- Six-Year Graduation Rate: 58%
- Eight-Year Graduation Rate: 62%

Notably, first-time, full-time students at Providence College consistently outperform the national average for graduation rates.

Student Retention: A Key Indicator of Student Satisfaction

Student retention, which measures how many students return after their first year, is another crucial metric. Providence College demonstrates strong retention rates:

Full-Time Students: 91% of full-time students return the following fall to continue their degree.
Part-Time Students: While specific data is not provided, the national average for part-time student retention is 32%.

The high retention rate for full-time students indicates a positive and supportive academic environment at Providence College.

Student Demographics: A Diverse Community

The demographic makeup of a school's student body significantly influences the student experience. In 2023, Providence College had a total enrollment of 4,635 students. The student population is composed of:

1. 1% White
1. 07% Hispanic or Latino
24% Black or African American
06% Two or More Races
45% Asian
0647% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders
0431% American Indian or Alaska Native

The college strives to create an inclusive environment that values diversity and provides opportunities for students from various backgrounds.

Costs and Financial Aid: Making Education Accessible

Understanding the costs associated with attending college is essential for prospective students and their families. For the academic year 2023:

Undergraduate Tuition: \$59,830
Average Net Price: \$46,645 (after factoring in grants and loans)
Room and Board: \$15,570
Books and Supplies: \$1,150

Providence College is committed to making education accessible through financial aid. In 2023:

78% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants.
55% of undergraduate students received financial aid through loans.

The college also provides financial aid based on income level, with projected net prices for the 25-26 school year ranging from \$29,056 for students with incomes less than \$30K to \$59,289 for students with incomes over \$110K.

Read also: Providence College Transfer Guide

Admissions: A Competitive Process

Providence College has a competitive admissions process. In 2023:

The college received 12,469 undergraduate applications.
6,075 students were accepted, resulting in an acceptance rate of 48.7%.
The college has an overall enrollment yield of 19.7%, indicating the percentage of admitted students who choose to enroll.

Outcomes: Preparing Students for Success

Providence College aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their chosen fields. The college's commitment to student outcomes is reflected in various measures, including:

Median Salary: Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is \$69,326.
Common Jobs by Major: Graduates pursue careers in various fields, including accounting, management, law, and finance.
Common Industries by Major: Graduates find employment in diverse industries, such as education, healthcare, and technology.

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