Drexel vs. Providence

Comparable Facts

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

Drexel University is larger than Providence based on total student enrollment (21,153 students vs. 4,666 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Drexel vs. Providence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drexel 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 Drexel University than Providence ($42,801 vs. $48,618).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Providence College are 1.4% lower than at Drexel University ($17,840 vs. $18,096).
• Providence College is 1.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Drexel (about $1,138 more per year; $63,550.00 vs. $62,412.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.8% higher at Providence than at Drexel University (about $1,138 more per year; $63,550.00 vs. $62,412.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drexel University than at Providence College (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drexel University students is 10% larger than aid received by Providence College students ($35,051 vs. $31,873).

Drexel vs. Providence Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Drexel 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 Drexel.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drexel University (1340) is 20 points higher than at Providence (1320).
• Incoming Providence students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at Drexel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drexel University 1240/1440; Providence College 1250/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drexel University 27/32; Providence College 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drexel - Test optional; Providence - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Drexel Jan 15, 2027; Providence Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Drexel students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Providence (3.47).
• Drexel has a higher acceptance rate (79.4%) than Providence (50.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.1% at Drexel vs. 19.2% at Providence.

Drexel vs. Providence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drexel 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 Drexel University's (68%).
• Graduates from Drexel University earn a median of about $9,400 more per year than Providence graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,400 vs. $68,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Drexel University graduates have a $757 lower median loan debt than Providence graduates ($26,243 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Drexel graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Providence graduates ($271 vs. $279).
• More Providence graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Drexel students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 77%)

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.