Providence College Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 19, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~50%
- Middle 50% ACT: 29.5
- Middle 50% SAT: 1305
- Average GPA: 3.8
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📌 Providence College at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Providence College Club of New York Scholarship & Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Scholarship)
Average Net Price
$46,645/year
Average paid.
Automatic Merit
$23,000–$38,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
9 opportunities
1 automatic · 1 competitive · 7 hidden gem
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3.8+; ACT TBD+ / SAT TBD+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
No superscore.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 1 • FAFSA: Feb 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Providence College Club of New York Scholarship & Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Scholarship
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA & CSS Profile
Providence College sits in that middle ground a lot of families like—it’s selective, but not impossible, and it actually offers real merit money without jumping through a dozen hoops. Strong students can get automatic consideration for scholarships just by applying, which is a big deal compared to schools where everything is competitive.
Where families get tripped up is assuming those top awards are guaranteed. They’re not. The big scholarships (like Presidential or Roddy) are still highly selective. So the smart move here is to treat Providence as a school where solid students can get meaningful discounts—but not as a lock for full tuition unless your student is truly at the very top of the pool.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Providence College is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 29.5; SAT: 1305.
Average net price? About $46,645/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
No — private school; same rate for all.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Providence College 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$65,960 |
$65,960 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$18,470 |
$18,470 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$84,430 |
$84,430 |
Average Federal Net Price: $46,645 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Regional Programs: Providence College is a private institution and does not participate in the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) Tuition Break or other public reciprocity programs. All students pay the same tuition rate before aid. Families can lower costs primarily through Providence’s institutional merit and need-based scholarships.
FAQ
Who qualifies for lower tuition through reciprocity?
None — Providence sets one tuition rate for all students regardless of home state.
How much do families really pay?
The average net price is about $46,645 per year after grants and scholarships. Most families pay significantly less than the $84k sticker price once aid is applied.
Do I need to file the CSS Profile?
Yes. Providence requires both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile for institutional aid consideration. For guidance, see our CSS Profile Guide.
Sources:
Providence College Tuition & Aid — https://admission.providence.edu/tuition-aid/
Providence College Bursar’s Office — https://bursar.providence.edu/undergraduate-students/tuition/
Providence College Financial Aid — https://financial-aid.providence.edu/types-of-assistance/
College Scorecard — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?217402-Providence-College
BigFuture College Board — https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/providence-college/tuition-and-costs
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Providence College automatically reviews every applicant for academic scholarships during the admission process—no separate application is needed. Awards are based on GPA and the rigor of your student’s high school coursework. Test scores are optional but can be considered if submitted.
Automatic
Academic Tuition Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Early Action: Nov 1; Regular Decision: Jan 15 · 📢 Results: Scholarship decisions are included with the admission offer.
✓ Renews (2.75 GPA, 4 yrs)
$23,000–$38,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.8+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Merit-based tuition scholarships are guaranteed for up to eight semesters as long as the student meets GPA and academic progress requirements; if a student receives other funding designated solely for tuition, Providence may reduce the merit amount so that combined tuition-designated aid does not exceed billed tuition.
💡
Strategic Detail
Merit-based academic tuition scholarships are determined by the Office of Admission at the time of admission and do not require FAFSA or CSS Profile; the college notes typical recipients have taken the most rigorous courses available and maintained close to an A average.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Roughly 30% of admitted first-year students who have nearly exhausted their school’s curriculum and maintained close to an A average, typically around a 3.8 unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Award ranges reflect Providence’s published merit grid ($23k–$38k). GPA/test bands are based on admission signals; exact cutoffs vary by year and applicant pool.
FAQ
Do I need to apply separately for these scholarships?
No. All admitted students are automatically reviewed for merit scholarships when they apply for admission.
Does Providence College superscore the SAT or ACT?
Providence superscores the SAT, meaning they combine the highest section scores across test dates. For the ACT, they consider the highest section subscores but do not create a new composite superscore.
Can merit awards be combined with need-based aid?
Yes, but Providence caps the combination of institutional aid at the full cost of tuition. If you receive a full-tuition scholarship, additional institutional aid will generally be limited to covering fees, room, or board.
Do test-optional students still get scholarships?
Yes. The majority of merit scholarships are based on GPA and rigor. Test scores are only considered if submitted.
Sources:
Merit Scholarship Details: https://financial-aid.providence.edu/merit-scholarships/
Application Policy/Test Optional: https://admission.providence.edu/apply/standardized-testing/
Catalog Financial Aid: https://catalog.providence.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These awards go beyond grades—they’re limited in number and often require exceptional achievement or unique commitments. At Providence, the flagship competitive scholarship below can cover full tuition or even full cost of attendance.
Full RideAutomatic
Roddy Scholarship
📅 Deadline: April 1 (priority admission and aid consideration for Roddy candidates)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
tuition, fees, housing, and food (room and board)
✘ Not stackable
👥 ~One Roddy Scholarship awarded each year. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers up to tuition, required fees, room, and board; because it can reach full cost of attendance, Providence generally limits additional institutional aid so that combined institutional funding does not exceed the student’s billed tuition, housing, and food costs.
💡
Strategic Detail
Providence describes the Roddy Scholarship as one scholarship per year that can cover up to tuition, fees, housing, and food costs for an exceptional pre-health student; no separate application is required, and consideration is based on high school academic excellence and stated pre-medical, pre-dental, or pre-optometry goals.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: A single first-year student each year who resides in the United States, has outstanding high school academic achievement, and clearly plans to pursue medical, dental, or optometry school.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
FAQ
What makes the Roddy Scholarship competitive?
It’s reserved for a very small number of top pre-health candidates and can cover up to full cost of attendance.
Is there a separate application?
No. Students are considered automatically during the admission process.
Can it stack with other Providence aid?
Full-tuition/COA scholarships generally cap institutional stacking; additional need-based aid may help with fees, housing, or meals as allowed.
Sources:
Roddy Scholarship: https://catalog.providence.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships/
Office of Financial Aid: https://financial-aid.providence.edu/
Admission: https://admission.providence.edu/dates/
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
These programs don’t always show up on the admissions brochure, but they can make a major difference for the right student. They include identity-based awards, community partnerships, and departmental scholarships that reward special talents.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Army ROTC — Campus-Based Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Rolling after matriculation and enrollment in Army ROTC
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
partial or full tuition scholarships for enrolled cadets with book allowance and stipend
✔ Stackable
🏫 2.5+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Campus-based ROTC awards can cover partial or full tuition and include book and stipend benefits; Providence adjusts institutional grants so total aid does not exceed cost of attendance, but ROTC and institutional aid can work together to lower net cost.
📄
How to Apply
Enroll at Providence College, join Army ROTC, and compete for campus-based 2-, 3-, or 4-year scholarships through the battalion; awards are made on a rolling basis to strong cadets.
Selection criteria: Selection based on college GPA, physical fitness scores, participation, and leadership performance in ROTC.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Specific Providence campus-based award numbers vary by year and Army funding; cadets should work directly with the ROTC Enrollment Officer for current options.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Enrolled Providence College cadets who excel academically, physically, and in leadership within the ROTC program.
Full TuitionApp Required
Army ROTC — National Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 10 (national high school scholarship board); campus-based awards offered on a rolling basis after enrollment
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
full tuition or room-and-board scholarship with book allowance and monthly stipend
✔ Stackable
🏫 2.5+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Army ROTC national scholarships cover either full tuition and fees or a room-and-board option, plus an annual book allowance (about $1,200) and monthly stipend; Providence coordinates institutional grants so that total aid does not exceed cost of attendance, but ROTC funds generally stack with need-based aid up to that limit.
📄
How to Apply
Submit a national Army ROTC scholarship application as a high school senior by the January deadline, complete fitness and medical exams, and list Providence College or its host battalion as a school of choice; enroll in Army ROTC at PC if awarded.
Selection criteria: National ROTC board evaluates academics, leadership, physical fitness, and officer potential.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
PC’s Army ROTC battalion participates in the standard national and campus-based Army ROTC scholarship structure; PC uses FAFSA and CSS to package additional need-based aid around ROTC awards.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: High school seniors with around a 3.0+ GPA, solid standardized scores if submitted, strong leadership and physical fitness, and commitment to commissioning as Army officers.
Full TuitionAutomaticneed_basedpipeline
Providence College Club of New York Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Matches Providence admission and aid deadlines for the entering class.
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition scholarship
✔ Stackable
⚠ For one student from the NYC metro area. Covers 100% of base tuition for four years. Action Required: Must apply for admission by January 15 and submit a separate PCNY scholarship application by the spring deadline.
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Provides a full-tuition scholarship for four years; institutional need-based aid may still assist with housing, meals, and other costs, but total institutional aid will not exceed the cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Monitored alongside other major scholarships such as Roddy and Fine Arts; precise county list and selection details are provided through Providence’s admission and advancement offices.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-achieving students from selected counties in the New York metropolitan region with leadership, strong academics, and documented financial need.
Automatic
Cristo Rey Scholarship
📅 Deadline: First-year: match admission and aid rounds (e.g., Nov 1–Feb 1); Fall transfer: May 15 priority
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
👥 ~One recipient per Cristo Rey Network high school annually; a limited number of transfer scholarships for fall entry. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Scholarship covers half of tuition while Providence College grant aid meets remaining demonstrated financial need; award is integrated into the overall need-based package and can stack with other endowed or external scholarships up to cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Financial aid site notes that one half-tuition Cristo Rey Scholarship is awarded per Cristo Rey Network high school, and that recipients’ full demonstrated financial need beyond tuition is met; initial marketing language describing full tuition has been aligned here to the official half-tuition description.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: One graduate from each Cristo Rey Network high school per year, including some transfers, with strong academics, leadership, and demonstrated financial need who enroll at Providence.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Endowed Scholarships
📅 Deadline: April 15 (priority for FAFSA/CSS Profile)
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
$1,000–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Endowed scholarship funds are layered into the Providence College Grant and overall aid package; they do not typically increase total aid above demonstrated need but can replace loan or work expectations in some cases.
💡
Strategic Detail
Providence references more than 450 need-based endowed scholarships funded by alumni and friends; award amounts and criteria vary widely across funds.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students whose academic program, background, geographic origin, activities, or other characteristics match specific donor criteria and who demonstrate financial need.
App Required
Fine Arts Scholarships (Theatre, Music, Art, Art History)
📅 Deadline: Art: Feb 25; Music/Theatre: January–February dates set by departments
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awards of $22,000 per year are renewable for four years and can be combined with academic tuition scholarships and need-based aid up to the annual tuition cap.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to Providence College, declare an eligible fine arts major, and submit the required fine arts scholarship application, audition, or portfolio materials by the departmental deadlines in January or February.
Selection criteria: Faculty review of artistic talent, potential for contribution to campus arts, and academic readiness.
💡
Strategic Detail
Providence offers several fine arts tuition scholarships at the $22,000 per year level; some music majors may also compete for specific named awards such as the Gail Himrod, O.P. Music Scholarships at slightly different amounts.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Talented students with strong auditions or portfolios in Theatre, Music, Art, or Art History who intend to major in these disciplines at Providence.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Providence College Grant
📅 Deadline: April 15 (FAFSA and CSS Profile priority date for new students, with earlier dates aligned to each admission round for best consideration)
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Institutional need-based grants are combined with federal, state, and private aid to meet as much demonstrated need as possible; amounts are recalculated annually based on updated financial information.
💡
Strategic Detail
Providence emphasizes that institutional need-based assistance is renewable for all four undergraduate years as long as financial need and satisfactory academic progress continue.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most students whose families demonstrate financial need under Providence’s institutional methodology.
Full TuitionApp Requiredidentity_basedneed_basedpipeline
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Early Decision I: Nov 1; Early Action: Nov 15; Early Decision II: Jan 15; Regular Decision: Feb 1 (aid forms must meet matching deadlines)
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition plus institutional need-based grant to meet full demonstrated financial need
✔ Stackable
⚠ Diversity‑focused scholarship that can range from half‑tuition up to full tuition and, in some cases, room and board; families should treat “full ride” as possible but not guaranteed for every MLK recipient.
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Provides full-tuition scholarship for AHANA and other students who contribute to campus diversity; if additional financial need exists beyond tuition, Providence meets full demonstrated need through grants and other aid, but total institutional aid will not exceed full cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for first-year admission and complete FAFSA and CSS Profile by the aid deadlines; interested students then submit the separate MLK Scholarship application as directed by the Office of Undergraduate Admission.
Selection criteria: Committee review focusing on financial need, academic and leadership potential, and sustained community service and diversity engagement.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Catalog describes the MLK Scholarship as a full- or half-tuition award for AHANA and other students who demonstrate ability to contribute to diversity, with selection based on financial need, academics, leadership potential, and service; current admission site clarifies that recipients with need beyond tuition have full demonstrated financial need met through institutional aid.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Incoming U.S. first-year students, often AHANA students and others who enhance diversity, with financial need, solid academics, leadership potential, and a strong record of community service.
Full RideApp Requiredgeographicpipelineidentity_based
Posse (New Orleans)
📅 Deadline: Varies by Posse New Orleans timeline; nominations generally occur in junior year and selections are finalized during senior year.
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Ride
tuition scholarship plus institutional need-based grants to meet full demonstrated financial need
✔ Stackable
⚠ For New Orleans-area seniors. Provides a Full-Tuition leadership scholarship. Providence College also commits to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for Posse Scholars, which can cover housing and meals. Action Required: Must be nominated by a high school or community organization
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Providence treats Posse as a full-tuition merit award and then uses institutional need-based aid to meet remaining demonstrated need beyond tuition; external scholarships may adjust loan/work portions but not exceed cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Be nominated to the Posse Foundation New Orleans site, complete Posse’s multi-round interview and selection process, and list Providence College as a Posse partner choice; admitted Posse Scholars then file FAFSA and CSS Profile for Providence to meet remaining demonstrated financial need.
Selection criteria: Posse’s holistic evaluation of leadership, teamwork, and academic potential followed by Providence’s need analysis.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Providence is a Posse partner for the New Orleans site; Posse Scholars receive a tuition scholarship plus a commitment from Providence to meet full demonstrated financial need when aid forms are completed.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Small cohorts of New Orleans-area students with A-/B+ academics, strong leadership and service records, and successful completion of Posse’s Dynamic Assessment Process.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*GPA/test score ranges for Army ROTC are estimates based on national ROTC standards; Providence does not publish exact cutoffs. Award amounts for Endowed Scholarships vary depending on the fund.
- Various campus clubs, Greek organizations, and student groups may sponsor small awards or book stipends, but these are not consistent or guaranteed. They are best treated as local opportunities once a student is enrolled.
FAQ
Are these scholarships automatic or do they need separate applications?
Most are automatic once you’re admitted and your FAFSA and CSS Profile are filed. Fine Arts Scholarships (audition/portfolio required) and Posse (nomination) require extra steps.
Can these be combined with Providence’s automatic merit awards?
Usually yes, but Providence caps the total amount of institutional aid at tuition. Programs like MLK, Cristo Rey, or Posse often combine merit and need-based funds so that tuition is fully covered, and then need-based aid helps with housing and other costs.
Do I need to file extra financial aid forms?
Yes. Many of these awards, especially those that meet full need, require timely filing of both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
Does Providence College partner with QuestBridge?
No. Providence is not a QuestBridge partner college, so the QuestBridge National College Match does not apply here.
🎖️ Honors College
Providence’s Liberal Arts Honors Program gives high-achieving students the chance to dive deeper into the humanities while still completing their major on time. It’s built around small seminars, mentoring, and distinctive Core requirements that set PC apart.
What a Typical Honors Student Looks Like:
A/A– average in high school, most rigorous curriculum available, strong writing skills, and active leadership or service involvement.
Perks that Matter:
- Small, seminar-style classes that fulfill Core requirements (including the signature Development of Western Civilization sequence)
- Peer mentoring for every first-year Honors student
- Funding to support participation in the PC Alumni Job Shadow Program
- Close faculty mentorship and a strong community of motivated peers
This institution does not offer designated Honors College scholarships at this time.
| Entry Route |
How Selected |
Deadline |
| Invitation at Admission |
Top applicants are invited based on GPA, rigor, recommendations, and essays |
Same as your admission deadline (Nov 1, Nov 15, Jan 15, Feb 1—per admission round) |
| Sophomore Internal Application |
Current PC first-years submit letter, grades, and faculty support |
June 1 (after first year) |
FAQ
Is admission automatic?
No. Most students are invited to Honors during the admission process, but PC also allows rising sophomores to apply internally with a one-page letter and faculty support (deadline June 1).
Does Honors add extra time to a degree?
No. Honors courses replace part of the Core curriculum, so students graduate on the same timeline as their peers.
Are there extra scholarships tied to Honors?
No separate Honors-only awards are published. Students in Honors are eligible for the same merit and competitive scholarships as other admits.
Are there deadlines?
Students invited during admission follow the same deadlines as their application round. Sophomore-entry students must apply by June 1 after their first year.
Sources:
Honors Program info: https://honors.providence.edu/
Sophomore application: https://honors.providence.edu/sophomore-application-process/
Academic Catalog: https://catalog.providence.edu/college/#honorsprogramtext
Admission deadlines: https://admission.providence.edu/dates/
⭐ College Specialty
Providence College is a Catholic liberal arts institution with a strong national reputation for blending academics, service, and community. Families often know PC for its unique Development of Western Civilization program, but the college also stands out for strengths in business, nursing, and civic engagement.
Standout Program: The Providence College School of Business is AACSB-accredited, placing it among the top ~30% of business schools worldwide. Its accounting program is especially respected in New England for CPA exam pass rates and career pipelines.
- School of Nursing & Health Sciences: Direct-admit BSN program with 9 clinical placements; rapidly gaining recognition regionally since launch in 2023.
- Feinstein Institute for Public Service: Nationally known for civic engagement and community-based learning opportunities.
- Political Science & Public & Community Service Studies: Consistently ranked among the top programs in Rhode Island for student engagement in politics and nonprofit work.
- Development of Western Civilization (DWC) Core: Signature four-semester interdisciplinary sequence that defines PC’s liberal arts identity.
Final Thoughts
Providence College may carry a private-school price tag, but families should know that few actually pay the full $84,000+ sticker. Between automatic merit awards, powerful hidden gem programs like MLK or Posse, and generous need-based grants, many students cut that cost dramatically. If your student is aiming for Providence, make sure to file the FAFSA and CSS Profile on time and ask about scholarships that fit your family’s situation—you might be surprised at how much support is on the table.
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