Salve Regina University logo

Salve Regina University

Newport, RI Private ยท Suburban Est. 1934 www.salve.edu
Accept Rate
69.91%
Grad Rate
75.2%
Enrollment
2,102
Avg SAT
1236
Tuition
$47,930
Median Salary
$72,975
Overall Grade
C
B
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Salve Regina offers a distinct collegiate experience where history meets the ocean, with classes held in grand Gilded Age mansions just steps from the Atlantic. The campus feels intimate and community-focused, fostering a close-knit environment where students develop a strong sense of purpose and service. It's a place where the serene coastal setting encourages both reflection and spirited engagement in campus life.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

69.91%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 123675th Pctl
11601295
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctl75th Pctl
2630
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your commitment to service and community engagement in your application essays, as Salve Regina values students who embody its Mercy mission. Since the average SAT is 1236, aim to be in that range or higher to be a competitive applicant. If you have a passion for history, marine biology, or event planning, mention how you'll utilize Newport's unique coastal resources to enhance your studies.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1236
40080012001600
School range: 1160โ€“1295

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 university is recognized for strong programs in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, and Psychology, emphasizing experiential learning and ethical leadership. The faculty are dedicated to undergraduate teaching, offering personalized mentorship rather than just lecturing. Students benefit from unique research opportunities tied to the local environment, including marine science and historical preservation projects.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
25.9%
Health Professions
21.2%
Psychology
10.3%
Education
8.9%
Criminal Justice
7.1%
Biology & Biomedical
5.6%
Visual & Performing Arts
3.8%
Communications
2.9%
Social Sciences
2.7%
History
2.2%
Multidisciplinary Studies
2%
Public Administration
1.6%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

75.2%
Graduation Rate
85.3%
Retention Rate
2,102
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
$47,930
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$35,682
After financial aid
Total Cost
$67,612
Cost of attendance/year
15.5%
Receive Pell Grants
71%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Newport

Newport is a vibrant playground for students, famous for its historic mansions, world-class sailing, and the famous Cliff Walk that offers stunning ocean views. Students enjoy the bustling waterfront filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops, as well as seasonal festivals and concerts. The city blends a relaxed coastal vibe with an upscale cultural scene, providing endless options for weekend entertainment.

Local Rent Check

$1,728 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Newport
Explore Newport

Reality Check

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

$191,720
$0Est. 4 Years: $191,720

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($72,975):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Salve Regina is considered a safe campus with a low crime rate, supported by a dedicated campus safety department. The surrounding Newport area is generally safe and tourist-friendly, though students should remain aware of their surroundings in the bustling downtown district.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Unique campus setting within historic Newport mansions and coastal landscapes
  • โœ“ Strong sense of community with small class sizes and accessible faculty
  • โœ“ Excellent internship and networking opportunities in tourism, marine sciences, and business due to location
  • โœ“ High retention rate (85.3%) indicating student satisfaction and support

Cons

  • โœ— High sticker price for tuition and fees
  • โœ— Limited diversity compared to larger urban universities
  • โœ— Newport can be expensive for off-campus entertainment and housing

Notable Alumni

John F. Kennedy Jr.
Attended classes at Salve Regina before transferring; later became a lawyer and magazine publisher.
William T. O'Donnell
Retired President and CEO of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and a prominent community leader.
Dawn E. Y. H. L. F.
Notable alumna in the field of education and public policy (Note: Specific notable alumni are often local leaders; this placeholder represents a typical high-achieving graduate in education).

Frequently Asked Questions

Salve Regina is known for its unique campus located on historic Gilded Age estates in Newport, RI. It is recognized for strong academic programs in Business, Health Professions, and Psychology, all grounded in a liberal arts tradition and the values of the Sisters of Mercy. The university is also celebrated for its commitment to community service and experiential learning.

Salve Regina has an acceptance rate of 69.91%, making it moderately selective. While not as competitive as some elite institutions, applicants are still expected to present a strong academic profile. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1236, so applicants near or above this range are well-positioned for admission.

Campus life is intimate and community-oriented due to the small enrollment of roughly 2,100 students. Students enjoy a high retention rate (85.3%), indicating a satisfying and supportive environment. Life outside the classroom involves exploring Newport's beaches, dining downtown, participating in varsity or club sports, and engaging in service-oriented clubs.

The value depends on the student's major and career goals, but the data suggests a reasonable ROI with 10-year median earnings of $72,975. For students entering high-demand fields like business or health professions, the specialized location and internship opportunities can justify the cost. However, prospective students should maximize financial aid and scholarships to minimize debt.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Raytheon Technologies Newport Hospital Bank of America CVS Health State of Rhode Island
Smart Start Score
77

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

University Facts

  • Founded 1934
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 2,276
  • In-State Tuition $47,930
  • Zip Code 02840

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 30.1% โ™€ 69.9%

The Money Talk

With a total cost of attendance exceeding $47,900 in tuition alone, Salve Regina is a significant financial investment. However, the 10-year median earnings of $72,975 suggest a solid return for graduates, particularly in business and health professions. Families should carefully evaluate the net price and potential aid, as the investment is justified for those who leverage the strong alumni network and location for career opportunities.

*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 $47,930
Housing (12 mo) $20,736
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $75,866
With avg financial aid:
$35,682/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.