Head-to-Head Comparison
Providence College vs Quinnipiac University
- Providence Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 12
- Quinnipiac Wins
- 21
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Quinnipiac University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Providence College achieves a higher graduation rate (87% vs 77%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $48,523 compared to Quinnipiac University's $40,675 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Quinnipiac University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Providence
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $87,054 ten years after enrollment, 4% more than Quinnipiac University
- Higher grad rate: 87% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 0.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 51% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Quinnipiac
- Lower cost: Average net price of $40,675, roughly $7,848 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $26,000, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Providence graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (42% of degrees); Quinnipiac in Health Professions (35%). 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 Quinnipiac University. Median earnings of $87,054 ten years after enrollment vs $83,759.
Pick Quinnipiac University over Providence College. Net price $40,675 vs $48,523.
Pick Providence College over Quinnipiac University. 0.9% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick Providence College over Quinnipiac University. 87% completion rate vs 77%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Providence College and Quinnipiac University are close on paper, but Providence College wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 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 Quinnipiac University takes 72%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,346 to 1,242.
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, Quinnipiac University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $40,675, about $7,848 a year below Providence College's $48,523. Graduates of Quinnipiac University also borrow less: median debt of $26,000, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $31,392 before any change in aid. Choosing Quinnipiac 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 $83,759 at Quinnipiac University. That is a 4% advantage.
So what: An earnings gap of 4% 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 77%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 10% 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.
Moving people up
Providence College does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 0.9%; at Quinnipiac University, it is 0.9%. Providence College also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 2% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.9%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Providence College offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Quinnipiac University to keep costs and debt down; pick Providence College for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Quinnipiac University saves about $7,848 a year, yet Providence College graduates earn $3,295 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. Providence College concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, while Quinnipiac University leans toward Health Professions, Psychology. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $48,523 runs well above Quinnipiac University's $40,675.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Quinnipiac University's enrollment of 6,531 far exceeds Providence College's 4,229.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Providence offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Quinnipiac does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
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
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
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.
Quinnipiac University
Hamden, CT · Private nonprofit
Quinnipiac University serves over 6,500 students, with a graduation rate of 77%. This indicates a strong support system helping students to complete their degrees. The university maintains a 72% acceptance rate, making it a viable option for many applicants seeking a private education.
The earning potential for graduates is notable, with a median income of $83,759 ten years after graduation. While the specifics on mobility and economic connectedness are not provided, the solid earnings indicate that many graduates find success in their fields. The university's focus on health professions, business, and communications aligns well with job market demands.
Financially, students face a net price of $40,675, and the median student debt stands at $26,000. This suggests that while the cost of attendance is significant, many graduates are able to manage their debt effectively thanks to their earning potential. Quinnipiac attracts students who thrive in collaborative and career-oriented environments, particularly in programs like health professions and business.
Rankings They Appear On
Providence College is featured on the Highest-Paying Colleges for Education ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Providence's top program is Business Administration (42% of enrollment), while Quinnipiac leads with Nursing (BSN) (35%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Providence) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Quinnipiac).
The two schools feed different job markets. Providence College is strongest in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, while Quinnipiac University concentrates in Health Professions, Communications. 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.
Providence
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Providence College or Quinnipiac University?
Providence College is harder to get into, admitting 51% of applicants compared with 72% at Quinnipiac University.
Which is more affordable, Providence College or Quinnipiac University?
Quinnipiac University is more affordable, with an average net price of $40,675 after aid versus $48,523 at Providence College.
Do Providence College or Quinnipiac University graduates earn more?
Providence College graduates earn more: median earnings of $87,054 ten years after enrollment, versus $83,759 at Quinnipiac University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Providence College or Quinnipiac University?
Providence College has the higher graduation rate, 87% versus 77%.
Providence College vs Quinnipiac University: which is better for social mobility?
Providence College is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 0.9% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Providence College or Quinnipiac University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Quinnipiac 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.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Providence and Quinnipiac stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
