Providence College vs Rhode Island: help me choose

Hey everyone! I got accepted into both Providence College and a university in Rhode Island. I'm having a tough time making a decision. Can anyone share their experiences, pros and cons about these two schools to help me make a well-informed choice?

Congratulations on your acceptances! To help you make a well-informed decision, let's compare Providence College (PC) and the University of Rhode Island (URI) in a few key areas:

1. Academics:

- Providence College has a liberal arts focus and is well-known for its Western Civilization/European History "Development of Western Civilization" program, which spans four semesters and engages students in critical thinking and discussion-based courses. If you're interested in a strong liberal arts foundation, PC might be the better choice.

- URI is a larger research university and offers a wider range of majors, including strong programs in sciences, engineering, and pharmacy. If you're leaning toward a STEM field, URI might be better suited for you.

2. Campus life and environment:

- PC is a smaller, close-knit campus predominantly Catholic in tradition; you'll find the community more personal and the campus compact. Located in Providence, Rhode Island, there's a lively city atmosphere right outside the college for entertainment and cultural events.

- URI, on the other hand, has a more spacious campus and, being larger, offers a broader range of clubs, activities, and resources. Situated in Kingston, it provides a more suburban/rural feel with beaches nearby.

3. Size and student-faculty ratio:

- PC is more intimate with around 4,800 undergraduate students and a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, which means greater access to professors and potentially smaller class sizes.

- URI has approximately 14,800 undergraduate students and a student-faculty ratio of 16:1, offering a more diversified community and potentially more networking opportunities but potentially less individual attention in the classroom.

4. Athletics:

- Both schools are part of the NCAA Division I, but Providence College has a more prominent sports culture, particularly with their men's basketball team in the Big East Conference. If you're interested in a school with a strong sports atmosphere, PC might suit you better.

5. Financial aid:

Compare the financial aid packages offered by both schools, as it could be a significant factor in your decision-making process. Make sure to use each school's net price calculator to estimate your financial aid award.