Salve Regina University

Rooted in a liberal arts core, Salve Regina’s academic strengths include nursing (its most popular major), business, and biology. The Princeton Review highlights its "research-driven" sciences and pre-professional tracks, while US News notes the dominance of business and health professions (together comprising nearly half of majors). Small classes are the norm—the university touts a low student-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention, though the exact ratio isn’t publicly quantified. Unique offerings like biochemistry and acting coexist with practical programs in criminal justice and secondary education, reflecting a blend of traditional and career-focused learning.

Life at Salve Regina revolves around its stunning oceanfront campus—a collection of repurposed Newport mansions where "the landscape makes studying more enjoyable" (Niche). 59% of students live on campus, fostering tight-knit communities in dorms that prioritize "considerate neighbor" dynamics. The Multicultural Student Organization and 50+ other clubs host events year-round, while Newport’s beaches and historic downtown offer off-campus diversion. Dining and social hubs like McKillop Library (featured in student TikToks) serve as de facto living rooms. Though only 41% commute, the university actively promotes inclusivity, with mission-driven "kindness" as a stated value.

Salve Regina reports a 75–76% graduation rate—above the national average—with most students earning degrees in 4.1 years. Within six months, 97% of graduates are employed or in grad school, though early-career earnings are modest ($36,427 at one year post-graduation, rising to $53,383 later). Median student debt is $27K, and the university claims a 7.6-year "earn-back" period for tuition investment. Nursing and business alumni likely pull up earnings averages, given those programs’ prominence. The career office emphasizes practical preparation, with caps proclaiming "The rest is still unwritten" at graduation.

With a net price of $37,794 after aid, Salve Regina is typical of private New England colleges—but 100% of incoming students receive grants or scholarships, averaging $36,143 per package. Need-based aid?Need-based aidFinancial aid awarded based on your family's ability to pay, as measured by forms like the FAFSA, rather than on achievements. and merit scholarships (like the $22K/year Pell Honors Program) offset the $54K+ sticker price. The university urges families to use its net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator, noting that 63% of undergraduates benefit from financial assistance. Still, the average debt at graduation suggests many students take loans to cover remaining costs.

Salve Regina’s Gilded Age campus—where students attend classes in mansions overlooking the Atlantic—is unmatched outside Ivy League elites like Brown or Yale. Its Catholic identity manifests in service-learning and a core curriculum emphasizing ethics, while Newport’s naval history and tourism economy provide real-world labs for business and criminal justice majors. The university punches above its weight with strong nursing outcomes and a graduation rate 15+ points above similar regional colleges. For students seeking a close-knit, values-driven community with postcard-worthy vistas, Salve Regina offers a singular blend of New England charm and career pragmatism.