Head-to-Head Comparison
Providence College vs Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
- Providence Wins
- 14
- Tied
- 14
- Rose-Hulman Technology Wins
- 22
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Providence College achieves a higher graduation rate (87% vs 80%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $48,523 compared to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology'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 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
Rose-Hulman Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment, 16% more than Providence College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $42,513, roughly $6,010 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $25,000, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Providence graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (42% of degrees); Rose-Hulman Technology in Engineering (73%). 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology over Providence College. Median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment vs $87,054.
Pick Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology over Providence College. Net price $42,513 vs $48,523.
Pick Providence College over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. 87% completion rate vs 80%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Providence College and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology are close on paper, but Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology takes 77%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,346 to 1,427.
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, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $42,513, about $6,010 a year below Providence College's $48,523. Graduates of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology also borrow less: median debt of $25,000, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $24,040 before any change in aid. Choosing Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $101,253, compared with $87,054 at Providence College. That is a 16% advantage. Set against borrowing, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.31x.
So what: An earnings gap of 16% 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 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 7% 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology to keep costs and debt down.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Providence College concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, while Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology leans toward Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics. 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Providence College's enrollment, and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Providence College's enrollment of 4,229 far exceeds Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's 2,309.
- Business and consulting-track students: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and Providence College offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Providence offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Rose-Hulman Technology does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Rose-Hulman Technology, where only about 26% 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
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.
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN · Private nonprofit
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn an impressive average of $101,253 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential highlights the value of a degree from this private nonprofit institution, with a focus on engineering and technical disciplines.
The Chetty/Opportunity Insights data is not available for Rose-Hulman, making it challenging to assess economic mobility comprehensively. However, the school's 80% graduation rate suggests that most students are successfully completing their programs. This retention rate is crucial for students considering their long-term career prospects and financial outcomes.
Students at Rose-Hulman face a net price of $42,513, with a median debt of $25,000 upon graduation. Despite the cost, the earnings potential can make this investment worthwhile. Those who thrive here typically have a strong interest in STEM fields, as the top programs are concentrated in engineering, computer science, mathematics, and the sciences.
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 Rose-Hulman Technology leads with Mechanical Engineering (73%).
Providence
Rose-Hulman Technology
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Providence) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Rose-Hulman Technology).
The two schools feed different job markets. Providence College is strongest in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, while Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology concentrates in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, Physical Sciences. 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 Providence College or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
Providence College is harder to get into, admitting 51% of applicants compared with 77% at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, Providence College or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is more affordable, with an average net price of $42,513 after aid versus $48,523 at Providence College.
Do Providence College or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment, versus $87,054 at Providence College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Providence College or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
Providence College has the higher graduation rate, 87% versus 80%.
Should you choose Providence College or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Providence College if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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