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Providence College vs University of Pennsylvania

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

5
Providence Wins
8
Tied / N/A
33
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Mid-Atlantic
4,229
Enrollment
10,650
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

51%
Acceptance Rate
5%
1346
SAT Average
1553
29
ACT Midpoint
34
1250-1390
SAT Range
1510-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$63,550
In-State Tuition
$68,686
$63,550
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,686
$48,523
Average Net Price
$28,699
$28,152
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-3,012
$21,835
Net Price ($30-48K)
$316
$25,296
Net Price ($48-75K)
$10,439
$56,699
Net Price ($110K+)
$55,972
13%
Pell Grant Rate
17%
57%
Federal Loan Rate
10%

Academics

87%
Graduation Rate
97%
94%
Retention Rate
99%
72%
Full-Time Faculty
79%
$12,190
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$22,117
15%
First-Gen Students
19%

Student Body

58%
Female
57%
79%
White
27%
9%
Hispanic
11%
2%
Black
9%
1%
Asian
28%
0.36
Diversity Index
0.81

Outcomes

$69,326
Earnings (6yr)
$90,555
$73,021
Earnings (8yr)
$100,118
$87,054
Earnings (10yr)
$111,371
$27,000
Median Debt
$15,715
0.31x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.14x
84%
Earning Above HS
90%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

93.24%
Mobility Rate
176.28%
4555.5%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
3025.0%
204.7%
From Bottom 20%
582.7%
$139,300
Parent Median Income
$95,400

Social Capital

1.82
Economic Connectedness
1.88
0.02
Friending Bias
-0.00
4.8%
Volunteering Rate
7.8%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#109
N/A
Teaching Score
46.3
N/A
Research Score
49.2
N/A
Citations Score
77.6

The Overviews

Providence College

Providence, RI · Private nonprofit

51% accept 87% grad $87,054 earnings $48,523 net

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 Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit

5% accept 97% grad $111,371 earnings $28,699 net

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, the University of Pennsylvania attracts students who are not only academically strong but also deeply passionate about their fields. This school is especially well-suited for those interested in areas like Biology and Biomedical studies, Social Sciences, Health Professions, Computer Science and IT, and Business and Marketing. The vibrant atmosphere of Philadelphia adds an urban edge to the college experience, making it a great fit for students looking to engage in both rigorous academics and lively city life.

Looking at the outcomes, graduates from Penn see significant returns on their investment. With a 10-year earnings average of $111,371, it's clear that a degree from here can open doors to lucrative career paths. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to supporting diverse backgrounds, the high graduation rate of 97% suggests that students who enroll are likely to complete their studies successfully.

Financially, the net price after aid sits at $28,699, which is manageable given the strong earning potential post-graduation. With a median debt of $15,715, students here can graduate with a reasonable financial burden. Those who thrive at Penn are often highly motivated, driven, and ready to take advantage of the rich resources and opportunities available within the institution and the surrounding city.

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