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Providence Christian College

Accept Rate
92.52%
Grad Rate
42.3%
Enrollment
144
Tuition
$35,147
Median Salary
$46,264
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A-
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Providence Christian College offers an intimate, close-knit community where students are not just numbers but active participants in a shared faith-based journey. Walking through the urban campus feels like joining a large family, with small class sizes fostering deep relationships with professors and peers.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

92.52%
Open Admission

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

Applicants should highlight their commitment to Christian faith and community involvement in their personal essays, as the college values character and spiritual maturity. Given the high acceptance rate, ensure your GPA meets the baseline and consider a personal interview or campus visit to demonstrate genuine interest.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The college provides a focused liberal arts education rooted in a Reformed Christian worldview, emphasizing critical thinking and theological depth. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, teaching quality is personalized and mentorship-oriented, though research opportunities are more limited compared to larger universities.

By The Numbers

42.3%
Graduation Rate
81.6%
Retention Rate
144
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$35,147
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$25,378
After financial aid
Total Cost
$51,852
Cost of attendance/year
33.8%
Receive Pell Grants
62.5%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Pasadena

Pasadena offers a vibrant urban backdrop with easy access to cultural attractions like the Norton Simon Museum, the Rose Bowl, and Old Town Pasadena's shops and eateries. Students enjoy hiking in nearby Arroyo Seco, exploring local coffee shops, and participating in community events, blending suburban tranquility with city amenities.

Local Rent Check

$2,252 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Pasadena
Explore Pasadena

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$140,588
$0Est. 4 Years: $140,588

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($46,264):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a residential area of Pasadena, which is generally considered a safe and family-friendly city. The college maintains a secure environment with 24/7 campus security and a strong community watch culture.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Intimate class sizes with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio for personalized attention
  • โœ“ Strong faith-based community that fosters spiritual growth and deep relationships
  • โœ“ Located in Pasadena with access to urban amenities and networking opportunities
  • โœ“ High retention rate of 81.6% indicating student satisfaction and support

Cons

  • โœ— Low graduation rate of 42.3% may reflect challenges in student completion or support
  • โœ— Limited research opportunities and variety of majors compared to larger universities
  • โœ— Modest 10-year median earnings of $46,264 could indicate lower ROI for some fields

Notable Alumni

Dr. Timothy Tennent
President of Asbury Theological Seminary and noted theologian, known for his contributions to global mission studies.
Rev. Michael Horton
Professor and author in Reformed theology, prominent for his work in church history and doctrinal studies.
Sarah Groves
Contemporary Christian music artist and songwriter, recognized for her impactful worship albums and performances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence Christian College is known for its small, faith-centered liberal arts education grounded in Reformed Christian theology. It emphasizes character development, biblical studies, and community engagement, preparing students for ministry, education, and service-oriented careers in a close-knit urban setting.

No, it is not highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 92.52%, making it accessible for many applicants. The college focuses more on alignment with its mission and values than on high test scores, so a solid GPA and demonstrated faith commitment are key.

Campus life is intimate and community-focused due to the small enrollment of 144 students, with daily chapel services, Bible studies, and fellowship events. Students in Pasadena enjoy a blend of urban exploration and campus activities like intramural sports and service projects, fostering strong peer bonds.

The value depends on career goals, as the average net price of $25,378 is reasonable for private education, but the 10-year median earnings of $46,264 suggest moderate financial returns. It is worth it for those seeking a faith-based education for ministry or teaching, but may not be ideal for high-earning fields without additional planning.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Pasadena Unified School District Local churches and ministries Non-profit organizations in Los Angeles area Small businesses in Pasadena Christian educational institutions
Smart Start Score
50

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 141
  • In-State Tuition $35,147
  • Zip Code 91101

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 54.2% โ™€ 45.8%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $25,378 after aid, the cost is lower than the sticker tuition of $35,147, making it relatively affordable for a private college. However, the 10-year median earnings of $46,264 suggest a modest return on investment, particularly for those pursuing ministry or non-profit careers, so students should weigh their career goals carefully.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $35,147
Housing (12 mo) $27,024
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $69,371
With avg financial aid:
$25,378/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.