Head-to-Head Comparison
Providence College vs Washington University in St Louis
- Providence Wins
- 8
- Tied
- 14
- Washington St Wins
- 32
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Washington University in St Louis offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $21,786 vs Providence College's $48,523, Washington University in St Louis delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Washington University in St Louis's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 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, 1% more than Washington University in St Louis
Washington St
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,786, roughly $26,737 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 94% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $17,500, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 12% 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 St in Engineering (14%). 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 Washington University in St Louis. Median earnings of $87,054 ten years after enrollment vs $86,182.
Pick Washington University in St Louis over Providence College. Net price $21,786 vs $48,523.
Pick Washington University in St Louis over Providence College. 1% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick Washington University in St Louis 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 University in St Louis are close on paper, but Washington University in St Louis 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 University in St Louis is the harder admit. It takes 12% of applicants, while Providence College takes 51%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,346 to 1,530.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Washington University in St Louis 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 University in St Louis comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $21,786, about $26,737 a year below Providence College's $48,523. Graduates of Washington University in St Louis also borrow less: median debt of $17,500, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $106,948 before any change in aid. Choosing Washington University in St Louis 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 $86,182 at Washington University in St Louis. That is a 1% advantage. Set against borrowing, Washington University in St Louis has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.2x to 0.31x.
So what: An earnings gap of 1% 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 University in St Louis 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
Washington University in St Louis does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1%; at Providence College, it is 0.9%. Providence College also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 2% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.9%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Washington University in St Louis 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 University in St Louis 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. Washington University in St Louis saves about $26,737 a year, yet Providence College graduates earn $872 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 Business & Marketing, while Washington University in St Louis leans toward 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 Washington University in St Louis's $21,786.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $17,500 at Washington University in St Louis.
- Engineering-focused students: Washington University in St Louis has the stronger engineering programs.
- Business and consulting-track students: Washington University in St Louis has less business program depth, and Providence College offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Washington University in St Louis's enrollment of 7,857 far exceeds Providence College's 4,229.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Washington St holds onto its admits more tightly: 48% 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 27.0%). 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
Research (Times HE) 4 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 University in St Louis
St. Louis, MO · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 12%, Washington University in St. Louis attracts driven students looking for a rigorous academic environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in fields like engineering, biology, social sciences, computer science, and business. The graduation rate of 94% reflects a supportive community that helps students succeed and achieve their goals.
Life after graduation looks promising, with alumni reporting an average earnings of $86,182 ten years out. This figure highlights the potential for financial stability in a variety of career paths. While nearly 18% of students receive Pell Grants, the school’s commitment to affordability helps ensure that students from different economic backgrounds can thrive.
On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,786, and the median debt for graduates is $17,500. This manageable debt load suggests that students here often leave school with a solid foundation for their financial futures. Those who tend to thrive are often self-motivated and eager to engage deeply with their studies and the campus community.
Rankings They Appear On
Providence College is featured on the Highest-Paying Colleges for Education ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Providence's top program is Business Administration (42% of enrollment), while Washington St leads with Mechanical Engineering (14%).
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 Washington St).
The two schools feed different job markets. Providence College is strongest in Psychology, while Washington University in St Louis concentrates in 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 Washington University in St Louis?
Washington University in St Louis is harder to get into, admitting 12% of applicants compared with 51% at Providence College.
Which is more affordable, Providence College or Washington University in St Louis?
Washington University in St Louis is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,786 after aid versus $48,523 at Providence College.
Do Providence College or Washington University in St Louis graduates earn more?
Providence College graduates earn more: median earnings of $87,054 ten years after enrollment, versus $86,182 at Washington University in St Louis.
Which has a better graduation rate, Providence College or Washington University in St Louis?
Washington University in St Louis has the higher graduation rate, 94% versus 87%.
Providence College vs Washington University in St Louis: which is better for social mobility?
Washington University in St Louis is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Providence College or Washington University in St Louis?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Washington University in St Louis 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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