Salve Regina University: 69.5% Acceptance Rate

69.5%Acceptance

$47,930Tuition

2,102Students

75%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$72,975Earnings

#6 in Rhode IslandPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Salve Regina University

Salve Regina sits on the scenic coastline of Newport, Rhode Island, where 2,102 students study at this Catholic university known for its focus on mercy, justice, and service. The school attracts students who want small classes and personal attention, with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that makes professors accessible. Women make up nearly 70% of the student body, creating a campus culture where female leadership thrives. Most students come from out of state (85%), drawn to the oceanfront setting and strong programs in nursing, business, and education.

The sticker price hits $67,030 per year, but most families pay much less after aid. Students from families earning under $48,000 typically pay around $28,000 annually, while those from higher-income families pay closer to $38,585. Graduates earn a median of $72,975 ten years after graduation, which helps justify the investment. Most students graduate with about $27,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $286, numbers that are manageable given the earning potential.

The Seahawks compete in 21 Division III sports with 563 student-athletes, meaning more than a quarter of students play varsity sports. With an 85% retention rate, most students who start here stay, finding their place in the close-knit community that balances academic rigor with coastal New England charm.

Academics & Faculty

Salve Regina operates as a small Catholic liberal arts university where personal attention is the norm. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name and can provide individual guidance throughout your college years. The school is particularly known for its nursing program, which draws students from across New England, and its business and education majors. With a 75% four-year graduation rate, most students finish on time, likely because of the close mentoring relationships with faculty. The Catholic identity shapes the curriculum through required theology and philosophy courses, but students of all backgrounds attend. Class sizes stay small, creating a high school-like atmosphere where participation matters and you cannot hide in the back row.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 98.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 75.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 74.9%
Retention Rate: 85.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $72,975
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$69,477
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$63,997
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Master	$62,260
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$61,888
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Master	$52,107
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Master	$48,849
Economics.	Bachelor	$48,432
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.	Master	$46,478
Marketing.	Bachelor	$45,500
Special Education and Teaching.	Bachelor	$43,426

View all 81 programs →

Campus Life

Salve Regina sits on 80 oceanfront acres in Newport, one of America's most beautiful coastal towns. The campus features historic mansions that serve as academic buildings, including the famous Ochre Court. With housing capacity for 1,284 students and total enrollment of 2,102, about 61% of students live on campus. Newport is 30 miles south of Providence and 70 miles from Boston, giving you access to major cities without the urban chaos.

You'll need a good winter coat since Rhode Island winters are cold and snowy, but spring and fall are perfect for walking along the famous Cliff Walk that runs right by campus. With 69.93% women and 30.07% men, the social scene skews heavily female. Students often spend weekends exploring Newport's mansion tours, shopping on Thames Street, or heading to nearby beaches. The Catholic identity shapes campus life but doesn't dominate it. With 21 varsity sports and 563 total athletes competing in Division III, about 27% of students play sports. The oceanside setting creates a relaxed, almost resort-like atmosphere that's unique among colleges.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 1,284 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1934

Campus Safety (2023)

24 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Rape	5	4	0	1
Fondling	4	4	0	0
Stalking	2	2	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 23°–38°F
July Avg: 64°–78°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.5"
Annual Snowfall: 25.4"

Student Demographics

Salve Regina draws students from across the country, with 85% coming from out of state, which reflects its strong national reputation and scenic Newport location. The student body is 70% women, largely because the school is known for strong programs in nursing, education, and social work that traditionally attract more female students. The Catholic university serves mostly middle and upper-middle class families, with only 15% receiving Pell Grants. Students tend to be academically solid with SAT scores averaging 1205, and the school's emphasis on service learning attracts those interested in helping professions.

Men: 30.1%
Women: 69.9%
White: 76.9%
Black: 1.4%
Hispanic: 10.0%
Asian: 1.8%
In-State Students: 15.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 15.5%

Location

Salve Regina sits in Newport, Rhode Island, about 30 miles south of Providence and 70 miles from Boston. The campus overlooks the Atlantic Ocean in one of America's most famous seaside towns, known for its Gilded Age mansions and sailing culture. Newport combines historic charm with coastal beauty, giving students access to beaches, yacht clubs, and the famous Cliff Walk that runs along the shoreline. The setting feels more like a resort town than a typical college community, with 84.7% of students coming from out of state drawn to this unique oceanfront location. Students considering colleges in Rhode Island may also compare Salve Regina with similar schools in the region.

Address: Newport, Rhode Island 02840-4192

O'Hare Academic Center, Salve Regina University, east facade

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $72,975
Median Earnings (5 years): $69,695
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $45,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 80.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Salve Regina University?

Salve Regina accepts 69.53% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a Catholic university. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1130 and 1280 on the SAT, reflecting the university's focus on nurturing students in Newport's historic mansion setting.

How much does Salve Regina University cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $35,682 after aid, though only 15.48% of students receive Pell Grants. Graduates typically leave with $27,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $286, manageable given the university's strong liberal arts reputation.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Salve Regina University?

Classes maintain a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personal attention in this intimate Catholic university environment. The 85.30% retention rate reflects students' satisfaction with the close-knit academic community overlooking Narragansett Bay.

What are the career outcomes for Salve Regina University graduates?

Graduates earn a median of $72,975 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 97.6% employment rate. The 74.90% six-year graduation rate demonstrates the university's commitment to helping students complete their degrees in fields like nursing, business, and education.

Where do students live at Salve Regina University?

Housing capacity serves 1,284 students on a campus famous for its Gilded Age mansions turned dormitories. With 2,102 total enrollment and 85% of students from out-of-state, campus life centers around these historic Newport estates overlooking the ocean.

Is Salve Regina University known for athletics?

The Seahawks compete in NCAA Division III with 563 athletes across 21 varsity sports in the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference. Without athletic scholarships, the focus remains on academics while maintaining strong traditions in sailing and other coastal sports fitting for Newport's maritime culture.