Head-to-Head Comparison
Drexel University vs Providence College
- Drexel Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 20
- Providence Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Drexel University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Providence College achieves a higher graduation rate (87% vs 78%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $48,523 compared to Drexel University's $38,509. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Drexel University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Drexel
- Lower cost: Average net price of $38,509, roughly $10,014 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $25,325, the lower of the two
Providence
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $87,054 ten years after enrollment, 3% more than Drexel University
- Higher grad rate: 87% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 51% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Drexel graduates concentrate in Health Professions (18% of degrees); Providence in Business & Marketing (42%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Providence College over Drexel University. Median earnings of $87,054 ten years after enrollment vs $84,648.
Pick Drexel University over Providence College. Net price $38,509 vs $48,523.
Pick Providence College over Drexel University. 87% completion rate vs 78%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Drexel University and Providence College are close on paper, but Providence College wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Providence College is the harder admit. It takes 51% of applicants, while Drexel University takes 79%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,345 to 1,346.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Providence College sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Drexel University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $38,509, about $10,014 a year below Providence College's $48,523. Graduates of Drexel University also borrow less: median debt of $25,325, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $40,056 before any change in aid. Choosing Drexel University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Providence College graduates report median earnings of $87,054, compared with $84,648 at Drexel University. That is a 3% advantage. Set against borrowing, Drexel University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.3x to 0.31x.
So what: An earnings gap of 3% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Providence College graduates a larger share of its students, 87% versus 78%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 9% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Drexel University to keep costs and debt down; pick Providence College for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Drexel University saves about $10,014 a year, yet Providence College graduates earn $2,406 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Drexel University concentrates enrollment in Health Professions, Engineering, while Providence College leans toward Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Drexel University has less business program depth, and Providence College offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Drexel University's enrollment of 13,233 far exceeds Providence College's 4,229.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $48,523 runs well above Drexel University's $38,509.
- Engineering-focused students: Drexel University has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Providence holds onto its admits more tightly: 19% of admitted students enroll, versus 7% at Drexel — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Providence offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Drexel does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Drexel, where only about 35% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
With over 13,200 students, Drexel University is a great fit for those seeking a hands-on educational experience, particularly in fields like Engineering, Health Professions, and Business & Marketing. The university's acceptance rate of 79% suggests a welcoming environment, which can be reassuring for students looking for a place where they can thrive academically. Many students appreciate the strong focus on experiential learning, including co-op programs that allow them to gain real-world experience while they study.
After graduation, students from Drexel can expect impressive earning potential, with graduates reporting a median income of $84,648 ten years after completing their degree. This financial outcome is particularly appealing, given how many graduates find themselves in well-paying fields. Affordability is a significant factor too, with a net price of $38,509 after aid, making it accessible for many families. Although the Pell Grant rate sits at 27%, it reflects the university’s commitment to supporting students from diverse financial backgrounds.
When considering the practical aspects, Drexel’s median debt of $25,325 is relatively manageable, especially when balanced against the earning potential. Students who tend to thrive here are often those ready to engage fully in their education, taking advantage of the co-op experiences and networking opportunities available. This proactive approach can really pay off, leading to successful careers and a solid return on investment for their education.
Providence College
Providence, RI · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of about 4,200 students, Providence College is a great fit for those looking for a close-knit community while still enjoying the resources of a larger institution. The college’s emphasis on programs like Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, and Biology & Biomedical sets a clear academic direction for students. The 51% acceptance rate indicates that while it's selective, there are plenty of opportunities for students who are passionate about their fields.
Looking ahead, the average earnings for graduates after ten years is around $87,054. That’s a solid number that reflects the value of a degree from this institution. Graduates are likely to see upward mobility in their careers, which is a significant consideration when choosing a school. The fact that 87% of students graduate suggests a supportive environment that helps students stay on track and achieve their goals.
Financially, the net price after aid stands at $48,523, and the median debt for graduates is $27,000. This debt load is manageable compared to the earning potential, making it a reasonable investment in education. Students who thrive here tend to be those who are engaged in their studies and take advantage of the community support available. Overall, Providence College presents a compelling option for students focused on both academic and career success.
Rankings They Appear On
Providence College is featured on the Highest-Paying Colleges for Education ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Drexel's top program is Nursing (BSN) (18% of enrollment), while Providence leads with Business Administration (42%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Drexel) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Providence).
The two schools feed different job markets. Drexel University is strongest in Health Professions, Engineering, Visual & Performing Arts, while Providence College concentrates in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Drexel University or Providence College?
Providence College is harder to get into, admitting 51% of applicants compared with 79% at Drexel University.
Which is more affordable, Drexel University or Providence College?
Drexel University is more affordable, with an average net price of $38,509 after aid versus $48,523 at Providence College.
Do Drexel University or Providence College graduates earn more?
Providence College graduates earn more: median earnings of $87,054 ten years after enrollment, versus $84,648 at Drexel University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Drexel University or Providence College?
Providence College has the higher graduation rate, 87% versus 78%.
Should you choose Drexel University or Providence College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Drexel University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Providence College if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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