University of Providence
Acceptance rate
50.3%
2025
Peer median 77.9%
Tuition per year
$30,448
$41,732 with room and board
Peer median $34,392
Undergraduates
590
Student-faculty ratio 9:1
Peer median 13 : 1
Graduation rate
30.5%
4-year; 6-year rate 40.0%
Peer median 44.6%
“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
The University of Providence, known in Chinese as 静宜大学, is a private Catholic institution located in Great Falls, Montana. Established in 1932, it has a rich history of providing quality education grounded in the liberal arts tradition. The university's mission is to promote a transformative educational experience that fosters intellectual and personal growth, emphasizing social responsibility and ethical leadership. The campus is characterized by its picturesque setting along the Missouri River, providing a serene environment conducive to learning and reflection.
One of the defining features of the University of Providence is its commitment to a holistic education that integrates faith, learning, and service. The university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with notable strengths in nursing, business, and the humanities. The faculty is comprised of dedicated professionals who prioritize student engagement and mentorship, ensuring that students receive personalized attention and support throughout their academic journey. Additionally, the university's vibrant campus culture encourages students to participate in various activities, including athletics, community service, and student organizations, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging among its diverse student body. With a focus on developing well-rounded individuals prepared for meaningful careers, the University of Providence continues to make a positive impact on its students and the wider community.
Analysis of Key Metrics at University of Providence
The University of Providence has experienced notable changes in several key metrics over the recent years, particularly in tuition costs, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention rates.
Firstly, the tuition fees have consistently increased. For in-state undergraduate students, tuition rose from $20,960 in 2014 to $29,018 in 2024, reflecting a significant increase of approximately 38.7%. This drastic rise in tuition may influence the accessibility of higher education for prospective students and could lead to increased student debt, a pressing issue in the current economic climate.
Enrollment figures have shown a concerning downward trend, particularly in undergraduate students, decreasing from 1,046 in 2014 to just 593 in 2023. This drop of nearly 43.4% raises questions about the university's appeal and the factors driving students away. It might be indicative of broader trends in higher education where institutions face heightened competition and changing student preferences.
On a more positive note, retention rates appear to be stabilizing after fluctuations, with the retention rate for undergraduates improving to 66.67% in 2023, compared to 65.64% in 2013. This suggests that once students are enrolled, they are increasingly likely to continue their studies at the university, which is a promising sign for the institution's community and support systems.
Graduation rates have also had their ups and downs, with the on-time graduation rate hovering around 28% in recent years. While this is an improvement over some earlier years, it still indicates that a significant portion of students is not completing their degrees within the expected timeframe, which could have implications for both student debt and job readiness.
Overall, while the University of Providence has made strides in improving retention and graduation rates, the sharp increase in tuition and the decline in enrollment present significant challenges that the university must address to ensure its long-term sustainability and relevance in the educational landscape.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Small city
- Nearest major city
- Spokane, about 290 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Spokane International Airport (GEG), about 290 mi
- Also known as
- Previously known as the University of Great Falls (prior to July 2018)
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Roman Catholic
- President
- Father Oliver Doyle (President)
- Phone
- 4067618210
- City
- Great Falls, Montana
- Address
- 1301 20th St S, Great Falls, MT 59405-4996
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 77.9% · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 51.2%, women 57.4%.
Data insights
Analysis of University of Providence Admission Trends
The admission data for the University of Providence reveals significant fluctuations in acceptance rates and enrollment figures over the years. From 2014 to 2023, there has been a notable decline in the acceptance rates for both male and female applicants. The male acceptance rate decreased from approximately 69.44% in 2014 to around 93.33% in 2023, while the female acceptance rate saw a similar decline from about 74.64% to 96.77%.
Interestingly, the enrollment numbers also reflect these trends. The highest enrollment occurred in 2016 with 930 students, while the lowest was in 2018 with just 88 students. The year 2021 stands out with an exceptionally high acceptance rate of 97.70% for males and 98.92% for females, accompanied by a low denial count of only four students. This could indicate a strategic effort by the university to attract more students during a time when many institutions faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The data also illustrates an increase in applicants who were accepted but chose to defer their admission, particularly in recent years. This may suggest a growing trend among students to take gap years or to delay their college entry in favor of other pursuits, reflecting broader societal shifts in attitudes toward education and career paths.
Overall, the University of Providence appears to be navigating a complex landscape of admissions, with changing acceptance rates and enrollment figures that may be influenced by external factors such as economic conditions and public health crises. As the educational environment continues to evolve, it will be crucial for the university to adapt its strategies to attract and retain students effectively.
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Test Scores
2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 5% submitted SAT, 17% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted
Data insights
Trends in Admissions Data at the University of Providence
The admissions data from the University of Providence over the years reveals interesting trends, particularly in standardized test scores. Notably, in 2021, the university reported that 25% of admitted students achieved a reading score between 470 and 530, which indicates a moderate competitive benchmark among applicants. This range slightly decreased in 2023, where the lower quartile score fell to between 410 and 420, suggesting that the academic preparedness of admitted students may have varied in recent years.
Moreover, the percentage of admitted students submitting SAT and ACT scores fluctuated. In 2021, 8% of applicants submitted SAT scores, while this figure increased to 12% in 2022 before stabilizing at 12% in 2023. This consistent submission rate could reflect a growing confidence among prospective students regarding their standardized test performances, or a strategic move by the university to attract a wider range of applicants.
The landscape of college admissions has been evolving, particularly as many institutions have adopted test-optional policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift may have impacted the willingness of students to submit standardized test scores, leading to variations in the data over the years.
Overall, while the University of Providence shows a commitment to maintaining academic standards, the fluctuations in submitted scores and ranges indicate an adaptive approach to admissions that aligns with broader trends in higher education. This adaptability is crucial for the university as it continues to attract a diverse student body in a competitive educational environment.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 5 in 10
352 applicants in 2025, 50.3% admitted
177 admitted 175 not admitted Yield 50.3%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse · Master's17 (0% international)
- Business Administration and Management, General · Master's11 (0% international)
- Health and Medical Administrative Services, Other · Master's10 (0% international)
- Counseling Psychology · Master's5 (0% international)
- Epidemiology · Master's3 (0% international)
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other · Master's3 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Trends at University of Providence
The graduation data from the University of Providence in 2023 reveals significant trends across various fields of study, particularly in health-related programs. Notably, the Registered Nursing program produced a substantial number of master’s graduates, with 32 individuals receiving their degrees in this discipline. This aligns with the growing demand for healthcare professionals, especially in light of ongoing global health challenges.
Interestingly, the data shows no international students graduating from the bachelor or master programs in key areas like Registered Nursing or Health and Medical Administrative Services, indicating a potential gap in the university's appeal to international students in these disciplines. Conversely, the minor graduation numbers in Computer Science and Business Administration suggest these programs may not be meeting current market needs, which typically favor technology and business skills.
Moreover, the Psychology field also shows a promising output, with a total of 16 graduates at the bachelor level and 12 at the master level. This reflects the increasing recognition of mental health issues in society and suggests that the university is effectively preparing students to enter this growing field.
The data also highlights the lack of graduates in areas such as Criminal Justice and Forensic Science, which are crucial in today’s society where crime prevention and investigation are paramount. The absence of international students in these programs could signify a need for enhanced recruitment strategies or program visibility.
Overall, the University of Providence appears to be effectively catering to health-related fields, but it may benefit from re-evaluating its offerings in technology and criminal justice to attract a broader range of students, including international applicants. This could enhance the university's diversity and better prepare all students for the complexities of the modern job market.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services, Other. | $114,854 | |||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $100,951 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - | |||
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - | |||
| Counseling Psychology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - | |||
| Epidemiology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General. | - | |||
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Assistant/Paralegal. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | - |
Students
763 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 38:62 · Freshman retention 72.2%
- Continuing undergraduates 358
- First-year undergraduates 86
- Graduate students 173
- Transfers and others 146
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (590)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at the University of Providence in 2023
The data from the University of Providence for the year 2023 reveals a diverse student body with significant gender disparities and various racial representations. Among the undergraduate freshmen, there is a notable balance in gender, with 45.5% males and 54.5% females. This trend appears to shift among upperclassmen, where the percentage of male students drops to 35.8%, with females comprising 64.2%. Such a gender gap indicates a growing trend of female enrollment, which is increasingly common in higher education institutions across the United States.
The transfer students show a similar pattern, with a significant majority of 70.5% being female and only 29.5% male. This trend continues among graduate students, where females dominate the demographic at 78.2%, showcasing the increasing female representation in advanced studies.
In terms of racial composition, while specific numbers for upperclassmen and transfer students are not provided, the data for freshmen indicates that the majority of students identify as white, followed by other racial groups. This presents an opportunity for the university to enhance its diversity initiatives and support for underrepresented groups, particularly in light of the ongoing national conversations surrounding equity and inclusion in education.
Overall, the University of Providence's demographic data reflects broader trends in higher education, with increasing female enrollment and a need for continued efforts towards racial diversity. Addressing these aspects can help the institution foster a more inclusive environment that supports all students' educational journeys.
Analysis of Age Distribution Among Students at the University of Providence
The age distribution of students at the University of Providence reveals intriguing trends that may reflect broader societal patterns in education. The largest group of students falls within the 18-19 age range, comprising 39.02% of the total student body, with 60 male undergraduates and 91 female undergraduates. This indicates that the university attracts a significant number of traditional-age college students, likely fresh out of high school.
As we progress through the age brackets, a notable decline in student numbers can be observed. The 20-21 age group accounts for 17.60% of total students, followed by 22-24, which has an even smaller representation. Interestingly, the 22-24 age group shows a higher ratio of graduate students, particularly among males, indicating a transition phase where students may choose to further their education immediately after their undergraduate studies.
The data also highlights a balanced gender representation, especially in the younger age groups. However, as we move to older age brackets, particularly the 40-49 range, there is a marked increase in the number of female students compared to their male counterparts. This could suggest that women are increasingly pursuing higher education later in life, possibly reflecting shifting social dynamics and growing opportunities for adult learners.
Moreover, the presence of students aged 50 and above, though minimal, signifies a positive trend of lifelong learning and the university's ability to cater to diverse age groups. Overall, the age distribution at the University of Providence not only sheds light on the institution's demographic makeup but also aligns with broader trends in higher education where returning and older students are increasingly represented.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
20 in 2025 · 2.9% in 2016
0 in 2025 · 1.3% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at University of Providence
The data on international student enrollment at the University of Providence reveals significant trends over the years. Starting from 2004, the percentage of international undergraduate students was relatively low at just 1.17%. However, there has been a notable increase in the proportion of international students in the undergraduate category, reaching a peak of 3.01% in 2022. This gradual increase indicates a growing recognition of the importance of diversity in higher education and perhaps reflects the university's efforts to attract a more global student body.
In contrast, the graduate program has experienced fluctuations in international enrollment. While the percentage of international students in graduate programs reached as high as 3.57% in 2013, it has seen a declining trend in recent years, dropping to just 0.28% in 2023. This decline may raise concerns about the university's appeal to international graduate students, especially considering that many institutions worldwide are increasingly competing for this demographic.
The data also highlights the challenges faced by the university in maintaining steady growth in international enrollment amidst global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which has significantly impacted student mobility. With ongoing geopolitical issues and changes in immigration policies, universities like Providence may need to enhance their outreach and support services for international students to sustain and grow their international enrollment figures.
Overall, while the undergraduate program shows a positive trend, the graduate program's decline warrants further investigation. The university's strategy moving forward should focus on addressing these disparities, ensuring that it remains an attractive destination for students from around the world.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$41,732
- Undergraduate tuition
- $30,448
- Room and board
- $11,284
- Graduate tuition
- $24,528
Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Tuition rose 37% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 34%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$29.3M
Expenses$25.5M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NAIA · Other · Frontier Conference
Frontier Conference: basketball, cross country
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Wrestling | 40 | 46 |
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 47 | 37 |
| Soccer | 30 | 28 |
| Basketball | 30 | 20 |
| Ice Hockey | 27 | - |
| Softball | - | 25 |
| Volleyball | - | 20 |
| Golf | 12 | 4 |
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Wrestling | 46 | 46 |
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 46 | 35 |
| Basketball | 35 | 22 |
| Soccer | 30 | 27 |
| Volleyball | - | 35 |
| Softball | - | 24 |
| Ice Hockey | 22 | - |
| Golf | 12 | 6 |
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 44 | 38 |
| Wrestling | 42 | 35 |
| Basketball | 36 | 19 |
| Soccer | 22 | 29 |
| Volleyball | - | 26 |
| Softball | - | 23 |
| Golf | 13 | 6 |
| Ice Hockey | 14 | - |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of IdahoMoscow · 275.1 mi
U.S. News #208
-
Washington State UniversityPullman · 281.7 mi
U.S. News #191
-
Gonzaga UniversitySpokane · 285.9 mi
U.S. News #90
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near the University of Providence:
-
University of Idaho - Ranked 185 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs.
-
Washington State University - With a rank of 178, this comprehensive university is known for its research initiatives and diverse academic offerings.
-
Gonzaga University - Ranked 93, Gonzaga is a prestigious comprehensive university with a strong emphasis on liberal arts education and community engagement.
-
Whitman College - This highly regarded liberal arts college is ranked 46th and is known for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life.
-
University of Utah - With a rank of 115, the University of Utah is a comprehensive research university offering a wide range of programs and a dynamic campus environment.
-
University of Washington-Seattle Campus - As one of the top universities in the region, ranked 40th, it is renowned for its research and diverse academic programs.
-
Reed College - This liberal arts college is ranked 67th and is celebrated for its creative and independent approach to education.
These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and contribute to a rich academic environment in the region.
Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at the University of Providence
The crime rates reported at the University of Providence over the years exhibit considerable fluctuations. Notably, there was a significant spike in 2016, with a recorded rate of 17.64 incidents per 1,000 students, which is striking compared to the rates in the surrounding years. Such spikes can often correlate with various factors including campus policy changes, student population dynamics, or broader societal issues, including increases in crime nationally.
The data indicates a downward trend in crime rates following 2016, with the lowest rate observed in 2021 at 2.99 incidents per 1,000 students. This decrease could reflect improvements in campus security measures, enhanced awareness programs, or even a temporary reduction in student numbers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the rates rebounded in 2023, reaching 16.34 incidents per 1,000 students, which raises concerns about the potential underlying causes for this resurgence.
In terms of specific offenses, the university has recorded various incidents including drug arrests, alcohol arrests, and domestic violence. The presence of these incidents highlights the ongoing challenges campuses face in maintaining a safe environment for students. It is crucial for the university to continuously assess and adapt its safety measures to address these issues effectively.
Given this data, it is essential for stakeholders, including university administrations and the broader community, to remain vigilant and proactive in crime prevention and student support services to ensure a safe educational environment. For further insights on calculating crime rates, you can refer to the following link: Crime Rate Calculation.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of University of Providence include Jon Tester (Former US Senator from Montana and farmer), Paul G. Hatfield (Montana US senator and federal district judge) and Samuel Watts (Former ABA basketball player).
-
Jon Tester 1956–
Former US Senator from Montana and farmer
-
Paul G. Hatfield 1928–2000
Montana US senator and federal district judge
-
Samuel Watts 1948–
Former ABA basketball player
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.