Providence vs. Seattle U

Comparable Facts

Compare Providence College in Providence, RI with Seattle University in Seattle, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Seattle University is larger than Providence based on total student enrollment (7,189 students vs. 4,666 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Providence College is located in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting); Seattle University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Providence College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Providence College 11:1; Seattle University 10:1.

Providence vs. Seattle U Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Providence or Seattle U? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Seattle University than Providence ($36,948 vs. $48,618).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Seattle University are 12% lower than at Providence College ($15,702 vs. $17,840).
• Providence College is 12% more expensive for in-state tuition than Seattle U (about $6,829 more per year; $63,550.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12% higher at Providence than at Seattle University (about $6,829 more per year; $63,550.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle University than at Providence College (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Seattle University students is 10.9% larger than aid received by Providence College students ($35,351 vs. $31,873).

Providence vs. Seattle U Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Providence or Seattle U? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Seattle U and Providence.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Providence College (1320) is the same as at Seattle U (1320).
• Incoming Providence students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at Seattle U).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Providence College 1250/1390; Seattle University 1200/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Providence College 29/32; Seattle University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Providence - Test optional; Seattle U - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Providence Jan 15, 2027; Seattle U Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Seattle U students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at Providence (3.47).
• Seattle U has a higher acceptance rate (76.9%) than Providence (50.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.2% at Providence vs. 13.6% at Seattle U.

Providence vs. Seattle U Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Providence and Seattle U? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Providence College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Seattle University's (71%).
• Graduates from Providence College earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than Seattle U graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,000 vs. $60,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Seattle University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Providence graduates ($24,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Seattle U graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Providence graduates ($253 vs. $279).
• More Providence graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Seattle U students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 75%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.