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Providence College

Providence, RI

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Veritas(Truth)

1917
Founded
Private university
Type
105 acres
Campus
4,170
Total Students
4,363
Undergrad
688
Graduate
$321M
Endowment
(2023)
$61K
Tuition (In-State)
$61K
Tuition (Out-State)
$46K
Avg Net Price
49%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Graduation Rate
6-year
91%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Kenneth R. Sicard

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Providence College

Providence College: Dominican Legacy, Big East Spirit, and a Foundational Western Civilization Core.

Providence College, a vibrant private Catholic university nestled in Providence, Rhode Island, offers a distinctive academic and student experience rooted in its Dominican tradition. Since its founding in 1917 by the Dominican Order and the Diocese of Providence, the college has been dedicated to intellectual and spiritual growth, guided by its motto, "Veritas" (Truth). It stands out for its unique core curriculum, requiring all undergraduates to complete 16 credits in the "Development of Western Civilization," fostering a deep understanding of historical and philosophical foundations.

Academically, Providence College boasts a comprehensive selection of 47 undergraduate majors and 17 graduate programs, providing diverse opportunities for exploration and specialization. The college's history is rich, initially founded as an all-male institution to serve the Catholic youth of Rhode Island. Early growth saw the addition of lay faculty and dormitories, and its athletic teams quickly earned the "Friars" moniker, establishing a proud tradition of success.

Beyond the classroom, Providence College thrives with a spirited student life, particularly known for its NCAA Division I athletics. A founding member of both the Big East Conference and Hockey East, the Friars ignite campus pride and offer an exciting collegiate experience. From its humble beginnings with 71 students in Harkins Hall to a thriving institution serving over 4,800 students today, Providence College continues to uphold its mission of fostering truth, scholarship, and community for the next generation of leaders.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1917 by the Dominican Order and the Diocese of Providence, rooted in Catholic tradition.
  • Guided by its official motto, "Veritas" (Truth).
  • Offers a robust academic portfolio with 47 undergraduate majors and 17 graduate programs.
  • Unique core curriculum requires all undergraduates to complete 16 credits in the "Development of Western Civilization."
  • Competes in NCAA Division I athletics as a founding member of both the Big East Conference and Hockey East.
  • Boasts an endowment of $321 million (2023).
  • Serves a vibrant student body of 4,816, including 4,363 undergraduates (Fall 2023).

Timeline

1917
Founded as an all-male school by the Diocese of Providence and the Dominican Province of St. Joseph.
1921
Added its first lay faculty member and opened its first dormitory, Guzman Hall (now Martin Hall).
1933
Received regional accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
1935
Conferred its first Master of Arts, Doctor of Philosophy, and Master of Science degrees; college newspaper (The Cowl) first published.
1938
Judy Garland held a fundraiser for the Aquinas Hall Fund.
1939
Aquinas Hall dormitory was built to accommodate more students.
1943
Welcomed Army Specialized Training Program Unit #1188 to campus during World War II, allowing continued operation.
🏛️
109 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Kenneth R. Sicard
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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