Head-to-head · 2026
Providence College vs Rhode Island College
Compare average net price ($48,523 at Providence College; $9,478 at Rhode Island College), ROI score (4.49 vs 14.85), ten-year median earnings ($87,054 vs $56,318), and admissions selectivity (50.9% acceptance at Providence College; 91.8% at Rhode Island College) using federal College Scorecard data. Providence College has a narrow 4-3 metric-level edge. Rhode Island College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Providence College | Rhode Island College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 4.49 | 14.85 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $48,523 | $9,478 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $87,054 ✓ | $56,318 |
| Acceptance rate | 50.9% ✓ | 91.8% |
| Graduation rate | 85.8% ✓ | 48.1% |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $20,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 4,229 | 5,049 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1346 ✓ | 990 |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Providence College costs $39,045 more per year than Rhode Island College ($48,523 vs $9,478). Providence College graduates report $30,736 higher median earnings after ten years ($87,054 vs $56,318). On EduGradify's model that puts Rhode Island College ahead on projected ROI (14.85 vs 4.49, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Rhode Island College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Providence College is selective at 50.9% acceptance versus 91.8% (accessible) at Rhode Island College.
Frequently asked
Providence College vs Rhode Island College, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Providence College or Rhode Island College the better value?
Rhode Island College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (14.85 vs 4.49), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Rhode Island College is cheaper — average net price $9,478 per year vs $48,523 at Providence College. The annual difference of $39,045 adds up to about $156,180 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Providence College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $87,054 vs $56,318 at Rhode Island College. The annual gap in the federal data is $30,736.
Which school is harder to get into?
Providence College is more selective at 50.9% acceptance vs 91.8% at Rhode Island College.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Providence College reports a D value grade; Rhode Island College reports A.