University of Providence
University of Providence — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Providence at a Glance
The University of Providence is a private Catholic university in Great Falls, Montana, United States. It is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
1932
94 years old
630
541 undergrad · 89 grad
44 acres
Identity
Is University of Providence Worth It?
At a value score of 24/100, University of Providence is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $48,296 — 10% below average — while paying $17,649/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 36% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of Providence has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Providence compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #18 of 46 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Hallmark University | 54 | $12,513 | $40,183 |
| #3 | Yeshiva Gedolah Imrei Yosef D'spinka | 52 | $5,646 | $36,545 |
| #4 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #5 | University of Fort Lauderdale | 48 | $19,965 | $38,062 |
| #6 | Judson University | 43 | $18,558 | $56,313 |
| #18 | University of Providence | 24 | $17,649 | $48,296 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of Providence's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at University of Providence
The highest-earning program at University of Providence is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $97,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $28,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from University of Providence earns $97,000, while a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate earns $28,800. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $17,649/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $97,000 | $97,000 | $12,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $31,600 | $31,600 | $26,136 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $28,800 | $28,800 | N/A |
Similar Colleges in MT
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Great Falls, MT
- Student Body
- 528 students
- Admission Rate
- 50%
- Graduation Rate
- 36%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $17,649
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $48,296
- Median Student Debt
- $18,750