Head-to-Head Comparison
Providence College vs Williams College
- Providence Wins
- 8
- Tied
- 12
- Williams Wins
- 30
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Williams College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $17,716 vs Providence College's $48,523, Williams College delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Williams College'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.
Williams
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $88,665 ten years after enrollment, 2% more than Providence College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,716, roughly $30,807 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 95% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $12,761, 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 8% 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); Williams in Social Sciences (24%). 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 Williams College over Providence College. Median earnings of $88,665 ten years after enrollment vs $87,054.
Pick Williams College over Providence College. Net price $17,716 vs $48,523.
Pick Williams College over Providence College. 1% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick Williams College over Providence College. 95% completion rate vs 87%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Providence College and Williams College are close on paper, but Williams College 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
Williams College is the harder admit. It takes 8% of applicants, while Providence College takes 51%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,346 to 1,533.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Williams 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, Williams College comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $17,716, about $30,807 a year below Providence College's $48,523. Graduates of Williams College also borrow less: median debt of $12,761, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $123,228 before any change in aid. Choosing Williams College leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Williams College graduates report median earnings of $88,665, compared with $87,054 at Providence College. That is a 2% advantage. Set against borrowing, Williams College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.14x to 0.31x.
So what: An earnings gap of 2% 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
Williams College graduates a larger share of its students, 95% 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
Williams College does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1%; at Providence College, it is 0.9%. Williams College also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.2% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Williams 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 Williams College 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 Business & Marketing, Biology & Biomedical, while Williams College leans toward Computer Science & IT, Visual & Performing Arts. 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 Williams College's $17,716.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $12,761 at Williams College.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Providence College's enrollment, and Williams College is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Providence College's enrollment of 4,229 far exceeds Williams College's 2,076.
- Business and consulting-track students: Williams College has less business program depth, and Providence College offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Williams holds onto its admits more tightly: 42% 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 26.6%). 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.
Williams College
Williamstown, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 8%, Williams College tends to attract highly motivated students who are ready to engage deeply in their studies. This school is ideal for those interested in social sciences, computer science, biology, physical sciences, and mathematics. The small enrollment of just over 2,000 students creates an intimate learning environment where personalized attention from faculty is the norm. It’s a place where students can explore their passions and develop critical thinking skills that are essential for success.
Looking at what graduates achieve, the earnings after ten years stand at an impressive $88,665. This number reflects the strong career pathways that Williams alumni typically follow. Graduates often find themselves in rewarding positions that not only offer financial stability but also align with their academic interests. The combination of a high graduation rate at 95% and a reasonable net price of $17,716 makes it a compelling choice for students who want to make a lasting impact in their fields.
When considering the cost, students generally graduate with a median debt of $12,761, which is manageable for the earning potential they have after leaving. This financial landscape makes Williams accessible to a diverse group of students, including those who qualify for Pell Grants at a rate of 18%. Students who thrive here are often those who seek a rigorous academic challenge and value the close-knit community, ready to invest in their future while embracing the support that comes with it.
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 Williams leads with Sociology (24%).
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 Williams).
The two schools feed different job markets. Providence College is strongest in Business & Marketing, Psychology, while Williams College concentrates in Computer Science & IT, Visual & Performing Arts. 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 Williams College?
Williams College is harder to get into, admitting 8% of applicants compared with 51% at Providence College.
Which is more affordable, Providence College or Williams College?
Williams College is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,716 after aid versus $48,523 at Providence College.
Do Providence College or Williams College graduates earn more?
Williams College graduates earn more: median earnings of $88,665 ten years after enrollment, versus $87,054 at Providence College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Providence College or Williams College?
Williams College has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 87%.
Providence College vs Williams College: which is better for social mobility?
Williams College is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Providence College or Williams College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Williams College 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.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Providence and Williams stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
