Head-to-Head Comparison
Providence College vs University of Portland
- Providence Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 11
- Portland Wins
- 22
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Portland 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 University of Portland's $28,210 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Portland'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, 5% more than University of Portland
- 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
Portland
- Lower cost: Average net price of $28,210, roughly $20,313 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,370, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Providence graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (42% of degrees); Portland in Health Professions (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 Portland. Median earnings of $87,054 ten years after enrollment vs $82,804.
Pick University of Portland over Providence College. Net price $28,210 vs $48,523.
Pick Providence College over University of Portland. 0.9% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick Providence College over University of Portland. 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 University of Portland 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 University of Portland takes 89%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,346 to 1,277.
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 Portland comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $28,210, about $20,313 a year below Providence College's $48,523. Graduates of University of Portland also borrow less: median debt of $21,370, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $81,252 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Portland 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 $82,804 at University of Portland. That is a 5% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Portland has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.31x.
So what: An earnings gap of 5% 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.
Moving people up
Providence College does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 0.9%; at University of Portland, it is 0.9%. University of Portland also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 2.8% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2%.
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 University of Portland 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 Portland saves about $20,313 a year, yet Providence College graduates earn $4,250 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 University of Portland leans toward Health Professions, Engineering. 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 Portland's $28,210.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $21,370 at University of Portland.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Providence College's enrollment of 4,229 far exceeds University of Portland's 2,957.
No strong negative signals — Portland competes well across the dimensions measured.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Providence offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Portland does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Portland, where only about 9% 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 Portland
Portland, OR · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of just under 3,000 students, the University of Portland is a great fit for those seeking a close-knit community while still accessing solid academic programs. Students here often dive into popular fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, and Psychology. An acceptance rate of 89% indicates that the university welcomes a diverse range of applicants, making it an appealing option for many.
After graduation, students can expect to earn about $82,804 within ten years, which can be quite encouraging when considering job prospects. This earning potential reflects the university's focus on practical skills and career readiness. While nearly a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, the supportive environment helps many move up in their careers, even if specific mobility rates aren’t available.
When it comes to the financials, the net price after aid sits at $28,210, which can be manageable for many families. The median debt for graduates is $21,370, suggesting that most students can graduate with a reasonable amount of student loans. Those who thrive here are often proactive, engaged, and looking for a collaborative atmosphere that values both academic and personal growth.
Rankings They Appear On
Providence College and University of Portland are featured on the Highest-Paying Colleges for Education ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Providence's top program is Business Administration (42% of enrollment), while Portland leads with Nursing (BSN) (29%).
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 Portland).
The two schools feed different job markets. Providence College is strongest in Social Sciences, Psychology, while University of Portland concentrates in Health Professions, Engineering. 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 Portland?
Providence College is harder to get into, admitting 51% of applicants compared with 89% at University of Portland.
Which is more affordable, Providence College or University of Portland?
University of Portland is more affordable, with an average net price of $28,210 after aid versus $48,523 at Providence College.
Do Providence College or University of Portland graduates earn more?
Providence College graduates earn more: median earnings of $87,054 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,804 at University of Portland.
Which has a better graduation rate, Providence College or University of Portland?
Providence College has the higher graduation rate, 87% versus 80%.
Providence College vs University of Portland: 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 University of Portland?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Portland 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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