U of R vs. Providence

Comparable Facts

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

University of Rochester is larger than Providence based on total student enrollment (11,946 students vs. 4,666 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Rochester is located in Rochester, NY (Midsize City setting); Providence College is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
• University of Rochester is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Providence College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Rochester 9:1; Providence College 11:1.

U of R vs. Providence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, U of R or Providence? 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 University of Rochester than Providence ($40,462 vs. $48,618).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Providence College are 9.9% lower than at University of Rochester ($17,840 vs. $19,792).
• University of Rochester is 5.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Providence (about $3,530 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $63,550.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.6% higher at U of R than at Providence College (about $3,530 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $63,550.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Providence College than at University of Rochester (83% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Rochester students is 42.8% larger than aid received by Providence College students ($45,500 vs. $31,873).

U of R vs. Providence Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, U of R or Providence? 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 Providence and U of R.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Rochester (1480) is 160 points higher than at Providence (1320).
• Incoming U of R students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 30 at Providence).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Rochester 1410/1540; Providence College 1250/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Rochester 31/34; Providence College 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: U of R - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Providence - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: U of R Jan 5, 2027; Providence Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman U of R students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Providence (3.47).
• Providence has a higher acceptance rate (50.9%) than U of R (40.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.4% at U of R vs. 19.2% at Providence.

U of R vs. Providence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for U of R and Providence? 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 University of Rochester's (83%).
• Graduates from University of Rochester earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than Providence graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,000 vs. $68,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Rochester graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Providence graduates ($24,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, U of R 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 U of R students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 79%)

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.