Head-to-Head Comparison
Providence College vs Washington and Lee University
- Providence Wins
- 10
- Tied
- 14
- Washington Lee Wins
- 26
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Washington and Lee University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $23,781 vs Providence College's $48,523, Washington and Lee University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Washington and Lee 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
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 0.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Washington Lee
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $94,810 ten years after enrollment, 9% more than Providence College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $23,781, roughly $24,742 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 94% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 14% 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); Washington Lee in Business & Marketing (32%). 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 Washington and Lee University over Providence College. Median earnings of $94,810 ten years after enrollment vs $87,054.
Pick Washington and Lee University over Providence College. Net price $23,781 vs $48,523.
Pick Providence College over Washington and Lee University. 0.9% mobility rate vs 0.6%.
Pick Washington and Lee University over Providence College. 94% completion rate vs 87%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Providence College and Washington and Lee University are close on paper, but Washington and Lee University 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
Washington and Lee University is the harder admit. It takes 14% of applicants, while Providence College takes 51%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,346 to 1,498.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Washington and Lee 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, Washington and Lee University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $23,781, about $24,742 a year below Providence College's $48,523. Graduates of Washington and Lee University also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $98,968 before any change in aid. Choosing Washington and Lee University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Washington and Lee University graduates report median earnings of $94,810, compared with $87,054 at Providence College. That is a 9% advantage. Set against borrowing, Washington and Lee University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.31x.
So what: An earnings gap of 9% 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
Washington and Lee University graduates a larger share of its students, 94% versus 87%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 8% 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 Washington and Lee University, it is 0.6%. Providence College also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 2% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.1%.
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 Washington and Lee University to keep costs and debt down; pick Providence College if upward mobility and access matter most.
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
Washington and Lee University is harder to get into, with a 14% admit rate, but Providence College posts the higher mobility rate, at 0.9%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $48,523 runs well above Washington and Lee University's $23,781.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $19,500 at Washington and Lee University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Providence College's enrollment of 4,229 far exceeds Washington and Lee University's 1,881.
No strong negative signals — Washington Lee competes well across the dimensions measured.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Washington Lee holds onto its admits more tightly: 41% 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 33.9%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice.
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.
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, VA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 14%, Washington and Lee University draws students who are serious about their education and ready to engage deeply in their studies. This private institution, located in Lexington, Virginia, is known for strong programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, and Physical Sciences. If you’re looking for a place that encourages critical thinking and a close-knit community, this might just be the right fit for you.
Graduates from Washington and Lee see impressive earnings, with a median income of $94,810 ten years after graduation. This kind of financial outcome suggests that students who excel here are well-prepared for the job market and often find themselves in higher-paying positions. The strong graduation rate of 94% also points to a supportive environment that helps students succeed academically and transition smoothly into their careers.
When it comes to the practicalities of attending Washington and Lee, the net price after aid stands at $23,781, which is relatively manageable given the high earning potential post-graduation. With a median debt of $19,500, students can graduate with a reasonable amount of loans, especially considering the high salaries many alumni achieve. Those who thrive here are typically driven, engaged, and ready to make the most of their educational experience.
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 32% of Washington Lee'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 Washington Lee).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Providence College or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University is harder to get into, admitting 14% of applicants compared with 51% at Providence College.
Which is more affordable, Providence College or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University is more affordable, with an average net price of $23,781 after aid versus $48,523 at Providence College.
Do Providence College or Washington and Lee University graduates earn more?
Washington and Lee University graduates earn more: median earnings of $94,810 ten years after enrollment, versus $87,054 at Providence College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Providence College or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University has the higher graduation rate, 94% versus 87%.
Providence College vs Washington and Lee University: which is better for social mobility?
Providence College is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 0.9% versus 0.6%.
Should you choose Providence College or Washington and Lee University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Washington and Lee University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Providence College if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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