Head-to-Head Comparison
Providence College vs Villanova University
- Providence Wins
- 8
- Tied
- 10
- Villanova Wins
- 32
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Villanova University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $43,756 vs Providence College's $48,523, Villanova University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Villanova University'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
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
Villanova
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $100,423 ten years after enrollment, 15% more than Providence College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $43,756, roughly $4,767 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 92% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $25,874, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.3%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 27% 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); Villanova in Business & Marketing (23%). 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 Villanova University over Providence College. Median earnings of $100,423 ten years after enrollment vs $87,054.
Pick Villanova University over Providence College. Net price $43,756 vs $48,523.
Pick Villanova University over Providence College. 1.3% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick Villanova University over Providence College. 92% completion rate vs 87%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Providence College and Villanova University are close on paper, but Villanova University wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Villanova University is the harder admit. It takes 27% of applicants, while Providence College takes 51%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,346 to 1,460.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Villanova University 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, Villanova University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $43,756, about $4,767 a year below Providence College's $48,523. Graduates of Villanova University also borrow less: median debt of $25,874, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $19,068 before any change in aid. Choosing Villanova University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Villanova University graduates report median earnings of $100,423, compared with $87,054 at Providence College. That is a 15% advantage. Set against borrowing, Villanova University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.31x.
So what: An earnings gap of 15% 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
Villanova University graduates a larger share of its students, 92% versus 87%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 5% 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
Villanova University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.3%; at Providence College, it is 0.9%. Villanova University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 2.3% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Villanova University 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 Villanova University to keep costs and debt down.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Providence College concentrates enrollment in Biology & Biomedical, while Villanova University leans toward Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Villanova University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Villanova University's enrollment of 6,938 far exceeds Providence College's 4,229.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Villanova holds onto its admits more tightly: 28% of admitted students enroll, versus 19% at Providence — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Providence (85.5% Early Decision admit rate vs 54.2%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice. Test scores matter less at Villanova, 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.
Villanova University
Villanova, PA · Private nonprofit
At Villanova University, students can expect a tight-knit campus environment with an enrollment of just under 7,000. This university is a great fit for those pursuing degrees in Business and Marketing, Engineering, Social Sciences, Health Professions, and Communications. With an acceptance rate of 27%, it attracts motivated students who are ready to engage deeply in their studies and community.
Looking ahead, graduates from Villanova see impressive outcomes. The average earnings a decade after graduation sit at $100,423, which speaks volumes about the value of a Villanova degree in today’s job market. The school's strong graduation rate of 92% indicates that students not only enroll but also complete their degrees, setting them up for success in their chosen fields.
When it comes to the financial side, the net price after financial aid is $43,756, which is important to consider alongside the median debt level of $25,874. This suggests that while the costs can be significant, many students manage to navigate their financial responsibilities effectively. Those who thrive here are often driven, engaged, and ready to leverage the resources Villanova offers to propel their careers forward.
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 23% of Villanova's.
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 Villanova).
The two schools feed different job markets. Providence College is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, while Villanova University concentrates in Engineering, Health Professions. 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.
Providence
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Providence College or Villanova University?
Villanova University is harder to get into, admitting 27% of applicants compared with 51% at Providence College.
Which is more affordable, Providence College or Villanova University?
Villanova University is more affordable, with an average net price of $43,756 after aid versus $48,523 at Providence College.
Do Providence College or Villanova University graduates earn more?
Villanova University graduates earn more: median earnings of $100,423 ten years after enrollment, versus $87,054 at Providence College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Providence College or Villanova University?
Villanova University has the higher graduation rate, 92% versus 87%.
Providence College vs Villanova University: which is better for social mobility?
Villanova University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.3% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Providence College or Villanova University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Villanova University if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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