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
University of Providence gives students flexible pace options that help them finish on time. Asynchronous classes let busy students plan work around jobs and family.
Students also mention extra time on assignments and make-up tests when life gets busy. That flexibility can protect your plan and keep one hard week from delaying finish time.
Overall experience is often described as positive, with a steady workload in many courses. If your goal is to finish on schedule, the pace can be workable.
At the University of Providence, students often have steady contact with instructors. Professors are easy to reach and quick to help when questions come up.
The school also offers useful flexibility when life gets busy. Students can get extra time on assignments and make-up tests, which helps them manage classes and athletics.
In a smaller college setting, support feels easier to use. Students usually know where to go for help and get clear guidance without a lot of runaround.
Online classes at University of Providence are asynchronous. Weekly work can be done on your schedule. This format fits full-time jobs well. The online platform is built for busy routines.
The pace is manageable with strong self-study habits. Structure is steady across the week. Graduate online experiences are especially positive. The format gives adults room to keep moving.
At the University of Providence, classes are challenging and engaging. Professors bring real work experience into lessons, so learning feels useful and practical. The workload stays steady, and instructors are easy to reach when students need help.
The small-college setting helps students get to know their professors. That makes it easier to ask questions and get support. Online courses are asynchronous, so students can work around jobs and family time. When needed, instructors may allow extra time for assignments or make-up tests.
University of Providence offers clear structure and strong teaching. Professors are easy to reach and stay involved. Courses are challenging and practical, with work you can use right away.
Online classes are asynchronous with weekly deadlines. This pace works well for many working adults. Class support is a real strength. Students can often get extensions or make-up work during travel, illness, or other disruptions.
The school looks like a strong match for online graduate study. Academics and course pace are solid. Some offices may run less smoothly at times, but the learning experience remains the main strength.
University of Providence offers clear structure and strong teaching. Professors are easy to reach and stay involved. Courses are challenging and practical, with work you can use right away.
Online classes are asynchronous with weekly deadlines. This pace works well for many working adults. Class support is a real strength. Students can often get extensions or make-up work during travel, illness, or other disruptions.
The school looks like a strong match for online graduate study. Academics and course pace are solid. Some offices may run less smoothly at times, but the learning experience remains the main strength.
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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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











