Business Administration, Management and Operations at Providence College

Providence College's business program commands a premium price point but delivers tangible returns. At $27,000 in debt, graduates enter the workforce earning $53,932—outperforming 79% of similar programs nationally and hitting that critical 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio that signals manageable repayment. This is a program that costs more than most in Rhode Island but earns its keep through stronger outcomes.

The state comparison tells an interesting story: while Providence ranks middle-of-the-pack among Rhode Island's nine business programs (60th percentile), it outperforms the state median of $46,991 and trails only Bryant and URI in first-year earnings. By year four, graduates reach $70,831—a 31% jump that suggests the college's network and preparation have staying power. That growth trajectory matters when you're trying to justify the private school premium over less expensive public options.

The bottom line: if your child can attend Providence for near this debt level, the investment pencils out. The relatively low debt (25th percentile nationally means 75% of comparable programs saddle students with more) combined with above-average earnings creates a solid financial foundation. However, if need-based aid isn't substantial and debt would climb significantly higher, URI delivers competitive outcomes at in-state tuition rates.