Head-to-Head Comparison
Providence College vs University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Providence Wins
- 12
- Tied
- 14
- Massachusetts-Amherst Wins
- 24
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Providence College achieves a higher graduation rate (87% vs 83%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $48,523 compared to University of Massachusetts-Amherst's $22,383 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Massachusetts-Amherst'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, 22% more than University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- 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
Massachusetts-Amherst
- Lower cost: Average net price of $22,383, roughly $26,140 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $22,763, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Providence graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (42% of degrees); Massachusetts-Amherst in Business & Marketing (17%). 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 Massachusetts-Amherst. Median earnings of $87,054 ten years after enrollment vs $71,631.
Pick University of Massachusetts-Amherst over Providence College. Net price $22,383 vs $48,523.
Pick Providence College over University of Massachusetts-Amherst. 87% completion rate vs 83%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Providence College and University of Massachusetts-Amherst 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 University of Massachusetts-Amherst takes 60%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,346 to 1,423.
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, University of Massachusetts-Amherst comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $22,383, about $26,140 a year below Providence College's $48,523. Graduates of University of Massachusetts-Amherst also borrow less: median debt of $22,763, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $104,560 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Massachusetts-Amherst 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 $71,631 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst. That is a 22% advantage. Set against borrowing, Providence College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.31x to 0.32x.
So what: An earnings gap of 22% 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 83%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% 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 University of Massachusetts-Amherst 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. University of Massachusetts-Amherst saves about $26,140 a year, yet Providence College graduates earn $15,423 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $48,523 runs well above University of Massachusetts-Amherst's $22,383.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $22,763 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Massachusetts-Amherst's enrollment of 23,671 far exceeds Providence College's 4,229.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Providence holds onto its admits more tightly: 19% of admitted students enroll, versus 17% at Massachusetts-Amherst — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Providence offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Massachusetts-Amherst does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Massachusetts-Amherst, where only about 28% 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.
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA · Public
With an enrollment of 23,671 students, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a great fit for those looking for a diverse and vibrant campus life. It stands out for its strong programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, and Engineering. Students here are often engaged in a wide range of studies, reflecting both academic rigor and practical application. The acceptance rate of 60% means that while it’s accessible, there’s still a competitive edge that can stimulate personal growth.
Graduates from UMass-Amherst can expect solid outcomes, with a median earning of $71,631 ten years after graduation. This figure speaks volumes about the potential return on investment. It’s encouraging to know that students can find rewarding careers, especially considering the affordability of education here. The net price after aid is $22,383, which positions the school as a reasonable choice for many families.
When it comes to finances, the median debt stands at $22,763, which is manageable given the earning potential. UMass-Amherst tends to attract students who are motivated and ready to embrace the opportunities that come with a public university experience. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, there’s a commitment to supporting diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Overall, this school nurtures those who are eager to thrive both academically and professionally after graduation.
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 17% of Massachusetts-Amherst's.
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 Massachusetts-Amherst).
The two schools feed different job markets. Providence College is strongest in Psychology, while University of Massachusetts-Amherst concentrates in Computer Science & IT. 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 Massachusetts-Amherst?
Providence College is harder to get into, admitting 51% of applicants compared with 60% at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Which is more affordable, Providence College or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst is more affordable, with an average net price of $22,383 after aid versus $48,523 at Providence College.
Do Providence College or University of Massachusetts-Amherst graduates earn more?
Providence College graduates earn more: median earnings of $87,054 ten years after enrollment, versus $71,631 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Which has a better graduation rate, Providence College or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
Providence College has the higher graduation rate, 87% versus 83%.
Should you choose Providence College or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Massachusetts-Amherst 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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