Students who complete the University of Providence's nursing program achieve exceptional financial success, with graduates earning over $100,000 annually in a field with strong job security and growth prospects.
The university's focus on professional preparation helps graduates across programs earn more than expected, while maintaining perfect loan repayment performance.
The University of Providence is a small private nonprofit institution in Great Falls, Montana, that focuses on professional preparation in healthcare and related fields. While the university faces challenges with overall completion rates and earnings outcomes compared to national averages, it demonstrates particular strength in nursing education, where graduates achieve exceptional long-term financial success.
The institution serves a diverse student body, with about 31% of students receiving Pell Grants and 40% being first-generation college students. Net prices are relatively affordable for a private college, especially for low- and middle-income families who pay around $16,227 and $15,173 respectively. The university's small size creates opportunities for personalized attention and mentorship, though this comes with limited program breadth compared to larger institutions.
As classified in the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility quadrant, the University of Providence provides access to higher education but struggles with completion rates and earnings outcomes for many students. However, for students who complete programs in nursing and healthcare fields, the institution delivers strong career preparation and financial returns that justify the investment.
The University of Providence's program portfolio is heavily concentrated in healthcare and professional fields, with nursing serving as the institution's flagship offering. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the largest program by enrollment and the highest-earning field, with 142 graduates earning a median of $100,128 ten years after graduation. This program represents the university's core strength and demonstrates how focused professional preparation can lead to exceptional career outcomes.
The dominance of nursing in the university's success metrics reflects both the program's quality and the strong job market for healthcare professionals. Graduates enter a field with consistent demand, competitive salaries, and opportunities for career advancement. The program's large enrollment relative to the university's small size indicates both student demand and the institution's commitment to healthcare education as its primary mission.
For prospective students, the concentration of success in nursing highlights the importance of program selection at smaller institutions. While the university may offer other fields of study, the dramatic difference between nursing outcomes and overall institutional performance suggests that students should carefully research career placement and earnings data for their intended major. The university's strength lies in its healthcare focus, and students considering other fields should evaluate whether the institution provides adequate resources and career support for their chosen path.
Graduates of the University of Providence see mixed financial outcomes depending heavily on their field of study. Overall, graduates earn a median of $48,296 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution below national averages for long-term earnings. However, the university shows some earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning about $4,143 more than similar students at comparable institutions, suggesting effective career preparation within its specialized focus areas.
The university's strongest financial outcomes come from its nursing program, which dominates the institution's success stories. Adult Health Nursing graduates, representing the largest successful program with 142 graduates, earn a median of $100,128 ten years out—more than double the institutional average. This program alone generates substantial aggregate returns, demonstrating how the university's healthcare focus can lead to excellent career outcomes for students who complete these demanding professional programs.
While nursing provides exceptional returns, students in other fields may face more modest earnings prospects. The university's small size and limited program diversity mean that career outcomes depend heavily on choosing the right major and successfully completing the program. For students committed to healthcare careers, particularly nursing, the University of Providence offers a clear path to strong financial outcomes despite the institution's overall earnings challenges.
The University of Providence offers relatively affordable net prices for a private nonprofit institution, making it accessible to families across income levels. Low-income students pay about $16,227 annually, while middle-income families see even lower costs at $15,173 per year—an unusual pattern that reflects the university's commitment to supporting working families. Even high-income families pay $25,724, which remains competitive compared to many private colleges.
Debt levels are manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $18,750 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $10,656. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully despite modest overall earnings. This strong repayment performance suggests that the university's career services and alumni support help students navigate post-graduation financial responsibilities effectively.
The combination of moderate debt levels and strong outcomes in key programs like nursing creates a sustainable financial model for many students. While overall earnings may be modest, graduates in healthcare fields typically earn enough to comfortably service their educational debt, and the university's focus on professional preparation helps ensure that students enter careers with clear earning potential.
University Of Providence Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
