Last Updated: Wednesday March 18, 2026  ·  Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard Nov 2025
Providence College — Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Non-Profit Private Accredited · New England Commission on Higher Education Providence, Rhode Island 48.7% Acceptance Rate

Providence College Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

📍 Providence, Rhode Island 02918-0001 🏛️ Main Campus 🌐 https://www.providence.edu/

Providence College — Admission Snapshot 2026

A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application

48.7%Acceptance Rate
3.47Avg GPA
1342Avg SAT
30Avg ACT
$76,667Annual Cost
$87,054Grad Salary
13.2%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
48.7%
Avg GPA
3.47
Avg SAT
1342
Avg ACT
30
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
New England Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1250–1400
ACT Middle 50%
28–32
Need-Based Aid
13.2% receive Pell

Providence College Providence College, founded in 1917 in Rhode Island, is a prestigious private Catholic university sponsored by the Dominican Order. The 105-acre campus offers comprehensive programs through four schools, with particular strengths in business, humanities, and theology. Providence maintains a 11:1 student-faculty ratio and is known for its distinctive Development of Western Civilization program. Campus landmarks include the new Ruane Center for the Humanities and the renovated Slavin Center. The college's athletic teams, the Friars, compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Big East Conference.

Providence takes pride in its Dominican tradition of truth-seeking and commitment to service. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, writing, and ethical reasoning across disciplines. Campus life includes over 100 student organizations and extensive community engagement opportunities. Recent additions include the new School of Business building and upgraded science facilities. Providence's combination of academic excellence, Catholic identity, and beautiful campus creates a transformative educational experience.

Providence College Acceptance Rate

Providence College is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of Providence College is 48.7%. This means that 49 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.

Admissions Guidelines

  • Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
  • Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.

Selectivity at a Glance

Selective
Providence College Selectivity Meter
Selectivity scale: Selective — 48.7% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.

Recommended Academic Profile

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.47 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.27 – 3.46
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.02
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support

Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.

Providence College GPA Requirement

The average GPA of admitted students at Providence College is 3.47. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.

A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.

Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.67-3.87 for this same academic profile.

If your GPA is between 3.17 and 3.47, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.

Providence College GPA & Admission Outlook

Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.

Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.

Admissions at Providence College utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.47, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.47 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.27 – 3.46
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.07 – 3.26
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.06
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors

Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics

  • The Rigor Metric: At Providence College, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
  • The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.

Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.

Check Your Admission Chances at Providence College

Admission Chance Predictor

Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Providence College's verified institutional data

--%
Calculating Profile...

Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.

Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00

✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.

Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.

Providence College Test Requirements

In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.

Can I Get Into Providence College Without SAT or ACT?

Providence College considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.

Providence College Average SAT Score: 1342

The average SAT score of the admitted students at Providence College is 1342 on the 1600 SAT scale.

SAT Competitiveness

Providence College SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1342 — Competitive

This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1342 on the SAT.

SAT Math
660
SAT Reading
665
Composite
1342
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1400 SAT or 32 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Providence College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.

If your score is below 1250, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Providence College. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.

SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections

SAT score percentiles for Providence College
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math660620700
SAT Reading665630700
SAT Composite134212501400

It means that if you have scored less than 1250 then you are below most of the admitted students at Providence College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1400 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.

View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1350

Can I get into Providence College with a 1400 SAT?

With a 1400 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Providence College are good but the admission staff at Providence College tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.

Providence College ACT Requirements

The average ACT Score at Providence College is 30.

ACT Competitiveness

Providence College ACT Competitiveness
ACT 30 — Very Competitive

This score makes Providence College very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 30 on the ACT.

ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections

ACT score percentiles for Providence College
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
ACT Math292631
ACT English312834
ACT Composite302832

Can I get into Providence College with a 32 ACT?

A 32 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Providence College — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Providence College use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.

Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.

One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Providence College — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Providence College uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.

Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 32 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.

View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 30

Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Providence College

Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning

At Providence College, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.

Target the 75th Percentile

Being 'average' is fine for admission, but being in the top 25% of the applicant pool is the primary key to securing automatic merit-based scholarships.

Demonstrated Interest

Unlike the Ivies, mid-tier schools track engagement. Open their emails, attend virtual tours, and mention specific campus programs to improve your 'Yield' profile.

The 'Breadth' Factor

Mid-tier institutions value students who contribute to campus life through a balance of sports, music, volunteering, and core academic strength.

Humanize the Transcript

Use your personal statement to prove you will be a 'good roommate' and active community member. Focus on resilience, empathy, and career goals.

Scholarship Tip: Applying Early Action (EA) at this level often increases your priority for institutional grants and honors college consideration.

Providence College Profile

Full Name
Providence College
City
Providence
State
Rhode Island
ZIP Code
02918-0001
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)

Is a Providence College Degree Worth It?

Getting into Providence College can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Providence College offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.

Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Providence College is $83,300 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.74%.

How much does a degree from Providence College Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at Providence College is $76,667. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Providence College is much less than this.

13.2% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 55.1 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Providence College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

At Providence College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Providence College as your choice in the form.

How much does a Providence College Graduate earn?

The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $87,054. An average Providence College graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).

The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.

$76,667Annual Cost
13.2%Pell Grant
55.1%Federal Loan
$87,054Grad Salary (10yr)

Compare Similar Colleges

Less Competitive

Less Competitive Schools

These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Providence College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
University of Alabama in Huntsville Huntsville, AL 1321 28
Auburn University Auburn, AL 1318 28
University of the Pacific Stockton, CA 1303 27
University of San Francisco San Francisco, CA 1313 29
Fairfield University Fairfield, CT 1323 31
University of Delaware Newark, DE 1297 29
Florida State University Tallahassee, FL 1323 29
Rollins College Winter Park, FL 1304 29
Agnes Scott College Decatur, GA 1296 29
University of Georgia Athens, GA 1301 29
Same Competitive

Equally Competitive Schools

These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Providence College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Hendrix College Conway, AR 1336 29
University of Denver Denver, CO 1344 31
University of Connecticut Storrs, CT 1338 31
Centre College Danville, KY 1345 29
Bentley University Waltham, MA 1340 31
More Competitive

More Competitive Schools

These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Providence College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Santa Clara University Santa Clara, CA 1417 32
Colorado School of Mines Golden, CO 1403 31
Connecticut College New London, CT 1412 32
Trinity College Hartford, CT 1396 32
American University Washington, DC 1392 31

Degree Programs at Providence College

Bachelor Degree Programs

Full list of all degree programs offered by Providence College →

Frequently Asked Questions About Providence College Admissions

Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, $87,054 annually, depending on the industry.

The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $76,667 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.

13.2% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the institution's official financial aid page for details.

The acceptance rate of Providence College is 48.7% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.

The average GPA of admitted students is 3.47. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.

While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.17, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.17, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.

If your GPA is 3.07 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.

While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.47, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.

Admission to Providence College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1342 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1250–1400.

Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.

To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.

Last Updated: Wednesday March 18, 2026

SK

Sohaib Ahmad Khan

Sohaib Ahmad Khan is a leading career counselor and admission guidance expert who has guided over 50,000 students worldwide. He is the author of four books and developer of widely used career counseling and aptitude assessment systems. .

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