About University of Providence
The University of Providence was founded in 1932 by the Most Reverend Edwin V. O’Hara, Catholic Bishop of Great Falls, in collaboration with the Sisters of Charity of Providence and the Ursuline Sisters. Named Great Falls Junior College for Women, the two-year college was originally located in the Ursuline Academy on Central Avenue. In 1937, the first male student enrolled. By the early 1950s, it became simply the College of Great Falls under the direction of the Sisters of Providence, and in 1995, the College was renamed the University of Great Falls.
Today, UP remains grounded in the teachings of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition but welcomes students of all faiths. UP strives to ensure students are “…uplifted through education, inspired by faith, and energized through community…”
University of Providence awards associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, many of which can be earned online through the Department of Distance Learning. UP online degrees are guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ just as on-campus programs are. However, these online programs are offered in a flexible environment for those too busy to attend classes in the traditional classroom setting.
Accreditation & Licensing
University of Providence is accredited by:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Master's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Roman CatholicEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 694 ; Graduate: 220Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 34% ; Graduate: 99%Graduation Rate:
28%Transfer Rate:
34%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$48,296Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$18,750Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
80%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$21,623Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by University of Providence
All Programs
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Healthcare
Nursing
Psychology & Human Services
Filters
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Providence
Is University of Providence accredited?
Yes. University of Providence is institutionally accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
How many online programs does University of Providence offer?
University of Providence offers 21 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does University of Providence offer?
University of Providence offers programs from associate and bachelor's through master's levels.
How should students contact admissions at University of Providence?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is University of Providence expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, University of Providence falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at University of Providence?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask University of Providence first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most University of Providence programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.0 to 3.0, and 2.7 appears most often.
Is University of Providence military friendly?
University of Providence shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from University of Providence through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for University of Providence applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official High School Transcript/GED Score, Official College Transcript(s), Resume/CV, and Statement of Purpose/Intent. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does University of Providence accept life experience credit?
University of Providence does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are University of Providence programs fully online or mixed?
University of Providence includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does University of Providence offer?
University of Providence has online program options in areas such as Criminal Justice, Safety & Law, Healthcare, Psychology & Human Services, and Nursing; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any University of Providence programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Are any admission tests required for University of Providence programs?
Some listed programs include GRE requirements, so students should check test expectations before choosing a program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at University of Providence?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any University of Providence programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at University of Providence?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For University of Providence, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare University of Providence programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
University of Providence is featured in 10 of our ranking reports!
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We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.
Geographic and Educational Overview
University of Providence is located in Montana
Montana at a Glance:

Top Majors in Montana:
Top Incentives in Montana:
- Montana Higher Education Grant: Up to $2,000 annually
Top Career Pathways in Montana:
- Entry Level: Resource Specialist ($45,000)
- Mid Level: Conservation Manager ($75,000)
- Senior Level: Program Director ($110,000+)
- Required Education: BS Environmental Science
- Certifications: PWS, CISEC










