College Cost Planning in Providence, RI 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Providence, Rhode Island. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Providence as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,259
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$59,540
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,476
per month
Local Cost Market
7
benchmark points
Providence Overview
Population
190,934
Student Population
6,003 (3.1%)
Cost of Living Index
141 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
64/100
Transit Score
27/100
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
College Cost Calculator for Providence
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$131,968
Total After Financial Aid
$131,968
Annual Cost
$32,992
Annual After Aid
$32,992
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $131,968 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,498 |
| Total Interest | $47,848 |
| Total Loan Cost | $179,816 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Providence
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
7
Public tuition
$15,259
Private tuition
$59,540
Community college
$4,994
Cost of Living in Providence vs. National Average
| Category | Providence | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,259 | $10,940 | +$4,319 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,476 | $1,050 | +$426 |
| Cost of Living Index | 141 | 100 | +41 |
Providence's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Providence
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,003 students
Providence has a total population of 190,934, with approximately 6,003 college students (3.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Providence offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Providence
$53,982
Starting Salary
4.3%
Unemployment Rate
54%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Providence earn a median starting salary of $53,982, which is $18,982 more per year the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 7 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $15,708 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
Other Cities in Rhode Island
Cranston
8 colleges · Avg tuition $12,509
Warwick
6 colleges · Avg tuition $11,521
Pawtucket
4 colleges · Avg tuition $14,800
East Providence
3 colleges · Avg tuition $14,800
Woonsocket
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,800
Cumberland
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,800
Coventry
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,800
North Providence
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,800
South Kingstown
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,800
Johnston
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,800
West Warwick
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,800
North Kingstown
2 colleges · Avg tuition $14,800
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Providence
How we compile Providence college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Providence institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Providence's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Providence, RI?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Providence is $15,259. Private university tuition averages $59,540, and community college tuition averages $4,994. When room and board ($17,733/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $32,992.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Providence, RI?
Providence uses approximately 7 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 6,003, which represents 3.1% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Providence?
The average rent near college campuses in Providence is approximately $1,476 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 141 (national average is 100), a walk score of 64, and a public transit score of 27. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Providence?
College graduates in Providence earn a median starting salary of $53,982. The local unemployment rate is 4.3%. With an average financial aid package of $15,708 per student and a 54% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Providence, RI?
With a median starting salary of $53,982 and an average 4-year public university cost of $131,968 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 7 years. The 54% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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