University of Providence vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Providence in Great Falls, MT with Columbia College in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia College is larger than University of Providence based on total student enrollment (1,725 students vs. 763 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Providence is located in Great Falls, MT (Small City setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• University of Providence is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Providence 9:1; Columbia College 12:1.

University of Providence vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Providence or Columbia College? 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 Providence than Columbia College ($16,598 vs. $18,790).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 16.8% lower than at University of Providence ($9,390 vs. $11,284).
• University of Providence is 37.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $8,234 more per year; $30,448.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.1% higher at University of Providence than at Columbia College (about $8,234 more per year; $30,448.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Providence than at Columbia College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Providence students is 60.3% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($26,370 vs. $16,451).

University of Providence vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Providence or Columbia College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Columbia College and University of Providence.

• University of Providence reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Columbia College (1000) is 10 points higher than at University of Providence (990).
• Incoming University of Providence students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (20 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of Providence 845/1135; Columbia College 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of Providence 16/24; Columbia College 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Providence - Open admission; Columbia College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Providence Aug 5, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Columbia College students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at University of Providence (3.3).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than University of Providence (50.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 50.3% at University of Providence vs. 8.5% at Columbia College.

University of Providence vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Providence and Columbia College? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Columbia College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than University of Providence's (29%).
• Graduates from University of Providence earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,500 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Providence graduates have a $264 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,264).
• Among borrowers, University of Providence graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($258 vs. $261).
• More University of Providence graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 43%)

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.