Providence College FAQs
Overview and Fit
Q: What kind of college is Providence College?
A: Providence College is a Catholic liberal arts college in Providence, Rhode Island, and the only college in the United States founded and led by the Dominican friars. It consists of four schools: School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Nursing and Health Sciences, and School of Education and Social Work. Known for small, faculty-taught classes, and a tight-knit campus community that welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds, Providence College emphasizes rigorous academics, ethical reasoning, and close mentorship. The school’s shared Core Curriculum is shaped by an 800-year-old Dominican tradition that integrates faith and reason in the pursuit of truth.
Learn more about Providence College
Explore Providence College’s Catholic and Dominican identity
Q: Who is Providence College a good fit for?
A: Providence College is a Catholic liberal arts college that is a strong fit for students who want small classes, close faculty mentorship, and a values‑driven academic experience. Rooted in the Dominican tradition, the college attracts students who seek understanding not only for its own sake, but to make sense of their place in the world and live meaningful, purposeful lives. Providence College welcomes students of all faith traditions and backgrounds who are looking for an academically challenging, supportive community.
Student life at Providence College
Q: How is the college’s identity reflected in everyday practice?
A: Providence College’s identity is reflected in the way students shape their own educational and campus experience through close relationships, engaged learning, and a shared commitment to seeking truth and meaning. Rooted in the Catholic and Dominican tradition, this approach encourages dialogue, ethical reflection, and community, including in the classroom, in service and leadership opportunities, and in the many paths students take to pursue their intellectual and personal goals across campus.
See how students experience Providence College
Q: Where is Providence College located, and what is the campus setting like?
A: Providence College is located in Providence, Rhode Island. It is 50 miles from Boston (about one hour by car), 180 miles from New York City, New York (about three and a half hours by car). The lushly landscaped 105-acre campus sits within a residential neighborhood that is minutes from downtown Providence’s food and arts and entertainment scene.
Visit Providence College in person or virtually
Q: What is campus life like at Providence College?
A: Campus life at Providence College centers around Friartown, a campus community with shared traditions, 120+ student organizations, arts and cultural programming, wellness resources, strong team spirit for NCAA Division I teams, and easy access to downtown Providence by car or the RIPTA bus, which stops on campus, and to Boston and New York by commuter rail or Amtrak.
Explore student life at Providence College
Student Support and Community
Q: How does Providence College support students academically and personally?
A: Providence College offers a wide range of resources to support academic achievement, personal wellbeing, and career success through the Student Success Center, peer mentoring programs, the Personal Counseling Center, and other initiatives.
See advising and tutoring resources
Learn about personal counseling and wellbeing support
Learn more about fitness centers
Learn more about intramural sports
Academics and Curriculum
Q: Is Providence College academically rigorous?
A: Yes. Providence College is a rigorous, primarily undergraduate liberal arts institution offering more than 60 majors across the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The college emphasizes intellectual inquiry, critical thinking, and close faculty engagement within a supportive academic environment.
Explore academics at Providence College
Q: What is the learning environment like at Providence College?
A: Providence College’s learning environment is characterized by academic rigor and features small class sizes with a 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio on average, spaces designed for collaboration, and modern technology and science labs.
Discover how learning spaces support collaboration
Q: What is the Core Curriculum?
A: Providence College has a shared Core Curriculum required of all undergraduates, including the Development of Western Civilization (DWC or Civ) Program. DWC is a four‑semester, interdisciplinary sequence team‑taught by faculty in philosophy, theology, history, and literature, emphasizing discussion, primary texts, and integrated learning.
Understand the Core Curriculum at Providence College
Get an overview of the Development of Western Civilization Program
Q: Are classes taught by faculty or graduate assistants?
A: Undergraduate classes are taught by full-time or part-time faculty, not graduate assistants. Faculty hold academic rank and are committed to advising and mentoring students, which creates close interactions and connections.
Q: Does Providence College offer study abroad opportunities?
A: Yes. Providence College offers a wide range of study abroad opportunities that allow students to study internationally while staying on track for graduation. Programs include semester‑long, academic year‑long, summer, and other intercultural learning experiences available across many majors through the Center for Global Education.
Learn about Providence College’s study abroad programs
Outcomes and Career Preparation
Q: What do students do after graduation?
A: Providence College graduates pursue careers, graduate and professional school, and service opportunities, supported by a strong academic foundation, faculty mentorship, and career preparation through the Chirico Career Center.
Explore career outcomes for Providence College graduates
Q: Are internships or experiential learning common?
A: Yes. The Providence College Chirico Career Center works with all students throughout their undergraduate experience to help them identify, enhance, and accomplish their career development, internship, job search, and educational goals.
Learn how the Chirico Career Center prepares students
Q: How does Providence College prepare students for careers or graduate school?
A: Providence College provides a strong academic foundation, faculty mentoring, real-world learning opportunities, and personalized assistance through the Chirico Career Center, which helps students create individualized plans for their career and graduate school goals.
Find out about Chirico Career Center resources for graduate students
Admission Details
Q: Is Providence College test-optional?
A: Yes. Providence College is test‑optional and does not require undergraduate applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of the admission process. Students can choose whether standardized test results best represent their academic preparation.
Learn about the test‑optional admission policy
Q: How do I apply?
A: Use the Common App and an optional supplemental essay to share your values, achievements, and goals.
Q: Where can I find deadlines and requirements?
A: Deadlines and information are available on the Admission page.
See application deadlines and requirements
Recognition
Q: Is Providence College a nationally ranked college?
A: Yes. PC is nationally ranked and has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report, Money Magazine, and LinkedIn Top Colleges on their best colleges lists.
