Salve Regina University
Salve Regina University is a private nonprofit university in Newport, RI ranked #1667 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C, enrolling about 2,102 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 69.9%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Accounting and Related Services.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, 85.3% first-year retention, and 74.9% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $35,682, about $18,684 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -61.4%, roughly 146.7 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $55,027. That's about $11,339 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Salve Regina University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Salve Regina University graduates 74.9% of students within six years and keeps 85.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Salve Regina University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $47,930 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $17,500 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,886 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $67,612 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 15.5% of Salve Regina University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $27,575 to $38,585 depending on family income. Use Salve Regina University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $34,113/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $38,585/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $55,027
- 10-Year Median Earnings $55,027
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $27,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 80.6%
- Employment Rate 17.3%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Salve Regina University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Salve Regina University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Salve Regina University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Salve Regina University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Salve Regina University graduates earn $55,027 median, the -61.4% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 600-660
- SAT Math 560-635
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 26-30
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,102
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 85.3%
- Graduation Rate 74.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into Salve Regina University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Salve Regina University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 69.9%, Salve Regina University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 69.9% acceptance rate, Salve Regina University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1160 and 1295 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Salve Regina University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Criminal Justice and Corrections, and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 14.8%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 11.5%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 8.0%
- Psychology, General 7.8%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 7.0%
- Marketing 6.4%
See more majors
- Biology, General 6.2%
- Communication and Media Studies 4.5%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $90,766
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $88,826
- 3. Biology, General $80,343
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Criminal Justice and Corrections $70,275
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations $66,071
- 6. Finance and Financial Management Services $66,034
- 7. Marketing $63,950
- 8. Special Education and Teaching $58,989
- 9. Fine and Studio Arts $57,953
- 10. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $57,326
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degree) $100,622
- 2. Security Science and Technology (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate) $91,193
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $88,967
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Criminal Justice and Corrections (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate) $72,971
- 5. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $69,291
- 6. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $62,907
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $90,766—58% more than Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($57,326). Graduate: Criminal Justice and Corrections programs lead with $100,622 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Salve Regina University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 59 graduates)
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree, 43 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 41 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 40 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 36 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (37 programs)â–¼
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Psychology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Marketing
- Biology, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Communication and Media Studies
- Special Education and Teaching
- Accounting and Related Services
- Economics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Political Science and Government
- Social Work
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Sociology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- International/Global Studies
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Chemistry
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Philosophy
- Music
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Area Studies
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services, Other
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
Online Master's Degrees (5 programs)â–¼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Psychology, Other
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (4 programs)â–¼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Psychology, Other
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,102
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 30.1%
- Female Students 69.9%
- Caucasian 76.9%
- Asian 1.8%
- Hispanic 10.0%
- Black 1.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 15.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Salve Regina University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Salve Regina University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Salve Regina University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Salve Regina University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 76.9% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. Women make up 69.9% of undergraduates. About 15.5% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Salve Regina University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Salve Regina University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Salve Regina University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -61.4% ROI. Ranked #1667 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $35,682 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $55,027 median earnings. With 74.9% graduating within six years and 85.3% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Salve Regina University's Positioning
With a C grade and #1667 ranking, Salve Regina University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $35,682 annually, Salve Regina University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 85.3% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $24,977 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -61.4% ROI and $55,027 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $25,682+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Salve Regina University ranks #1667 of 1966 institutions, with 1509 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 74.9% six-year graduation rate sits 12.4 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 85.3% first-year retention is 8.5 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -61.4% return on investment is 146.7 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $55,027 run about 26% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $35,682 is roughly $15,772 higher than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 85.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 17.3% employment rate within three years sits 50.9 points below national outcomes.
- Average net price of $35,682 is about $15,772 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 15.5% trails the national share by 17.9 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Newport, RI, Salve Regina University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a C from EDsmart. It appears at #1667 in EDsmart's national list Completion earns A-, Support B+, Career Outcomes C-, and Affordability C-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
85.3% of learners come back after year one while 74.9% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is -61.4%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $35,682 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $67,612.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $31,930 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $27,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 15.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $55,027 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 26% higher.
Roughly 17.3% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -61.4%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
69.9% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Salve Regina University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Newport, RI 02840-4192
- Website www.salve.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNew England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Endowment$77.4M