Head-to-Head Comparison
Providence College vs University of Georgia
- Providence Wins
- 9
- Tied
- 14
- Georgia Wins
- 31
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Georgia offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,936 vs Providence College's $48,523, University of Georgia delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Georgia'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
Providence
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $87,054 ten years after enrollment, 27% more than University of Georgia
Georgia
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,936, roughly $34,587 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,500, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.1%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 38% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Providence graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (42% of degrees); Georgia in Business & Marketing (29%). 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 University of Georgia. Median earnings of $87,054 ten years after enrollment vs $68,726.
Pick University of Georgia over Providence College. Net price $13,936 vs $48,523.
Pick University of Georgia over Providence College. 1.1% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Providence College and University of Georgia are close on paper, but University of Georgia wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of Georgia is the harder admit. It takes 38% of applicants, while Providence College takes 51%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,346 to 1,397.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Georgia 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, University of Georgia comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $13,936, about $34,587 a year below Providence College's $48,523. Graduates of University of Georgia also borrow less: median debt of $18,500, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $138,348 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Georgia 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 $68,726 at University of Georgia. That is a 27% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Georgia has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.27x to 0.31x.
So what: An earnings gap of 27% 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.
Moving people up
University of Georgia does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.1%; at Providence College, it is 0.9%. University of Georgia also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, University of Georgia 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 University of Georgia 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. University of Georgia saves about $34,587 a year, yet Providence College graduates earn $18,328 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, while University of Georgia leans toward Communications. 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 University of Georgia's $13,936.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $18,500 at University of Georgia.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Georgia's enrollment of 32,137 far exceeds Providence College's 4,229.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Georgia holds onto its admits more tightly: 38% of admitted students enroll, versus 19% at Providence — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Providence offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Georgia does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Providence, where only about 58% 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
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.
University of Georgia
Athens, GA · Public
The University of Georgia has a graduation rate of 89%, indicating strong student persistence and success. This is a significant figure for prospective students evaluating the likelihood of completing their degree.
According to Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, specific mobility statistics are not available for this institution. However, the overall outcomes for graduates suggest a solid earning potential. Alumni report an average income of $68,726 ten years after graduation, reflecting the value of a degree from this university.
The cost of attendance is relatively manageable with a net price of $13,936 and a median debt of $18,500. Students who thrive here typically pursue popular programs in Business, Communications, and Biological Sciences. The diverse offerings cater to a range of interests, making it a suitable choice for many.
Rankings They Appear On
Providence College is featured on the Highest-Paying Colleges for Education ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 42% of Providence's student body and 29% of Georgia's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Providence) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Georgia).
The two schools feed different job markets. Providence College is strongest in Social Sciences, while University of Georgia concentrates in 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Providence College or University of Georgia?
University of Georgia is harder to get into, admitting 38% of applicants compared with 51% at Providence College.
Which is more affordable, Providence College or University of Georgia?
University of Georgia is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,936 after aid versus $48,523 at Providence College.
Do Providence College or University of Georgia graduates earn more?
Providence College graduates earn more: median earnings of $87,054 ten years after enrollment, versus $68,726 at University of Georgia.
Which has a better graduation rate, Providence College or University of Georgia?
University of Georgia has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 87%.
Providence College vs University of Georgia: which is better for social mobility?
University of Georgia is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.1% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Providence College or University of Georgia?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Georgia 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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