Students at Salve Regina University achieve exceptionally strong long-term earnings that place the institution among the top performers nationally for career outcomes.
Graduates consistently earn more than peers at similar private colleges, reflecting the university's focus on professional programs and career preparation.
Salve Regina University delivers exceptionally strong long-term earnings outcomes that place it in the top 11% nationally among all four-year institutions. Located in Newport, Rhode Island, this private Catholic university combines the intimate feel of a medium-sized college with financial returns typically seen at much larger research universities. With about 15% of students receiving Pell Grants and roughly 19% being first-generation college students, Salve Regina serves a relatively affluent student body while maintaining strong graduation rates of 75% over six years.
What makes Salve Regina distinctive is how consistently its graduates achieve strong earnings despite the institution's modest size and regional focus. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $72,975, placing the university well above typical outcomes for similar private colleges. The university's strength in professional programs like nursing, combined with its location in New England's robust job market, helps explain these impressive financial returns.
As a "Selective Achievers" institution, Salve Regina demonstrates that smaller private colleges can deliver meaningful economic value when they focus on career-oriented programs and maintain strong industry connections. For families who can manage the higher net prices, the university offers a compelling combination of personalized education and strong long-term financial outcomes.
Salve Regina University's program portfolio centers on professional fields that lead directly to stable, well-paying careers. Adult Health Nursing dominates both in scale and outcomes, graduating 76 students annually with median earnings of $69,477 ten years out. This program represents the university's strongest economic engine, combining substantial enrollment with excellent financial returns that benefit from New England's robust healthcare sector.
The university's other major programs show the breadth of career-focused education Salve Regina provides. Corrections Administration, the largest program by enrollment with 59 graduates, leads to public service careers with median earnings of $29,141—modest but stable outcomes in a field that offers job security and advancement opportunities. Digital Marketing graduates earn around $45,500 early in their careers, reflecting the university's adaptation to evolving business needs and digital economy demands.
As a medium-sized institution, Salve Regina graduates focused cohorts that create meaningful industry connections and alumni networks. The university's emphasis on practical, career-oriented programs in healthcare, business, and public service aligns well with regional employment opportunities and helps explain why graduates consistently achieve strong long-term earnings despite the institution's modest size.
Graduates of Salve Regina University achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that significantly exceed what most private colleges deliver. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $72,975, placing the university in the top 11% nationally for earnings performance. This represents solid career progression from the six-year mark, when median earnings are $55,027, showing that Salve Regina graduates see meaningful salary growth as they advance in their careers.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its professional programs, particularly nursing and business fields. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the highest-return program and largest contributor to overall outcomes, with 76 graduates earning a median of $69,477 ten years out. The program's substantial scale creates meaningful alumni networks and employer relationships that benefit current students. Digital Marketing graduates earn around $45,500 early in their careers, while the university's Corrections Administration program, though showing more modest early earnings at $29,141, provides stable career pathways in public service.
Salve Regina's location in Newport, Rhode Island, positions graduates well for New England's diverse economy, where healthcare, finance, and professional services offer strong career advancement opportunities. The university's focus on practical, career-oriented education in fields with clear employment pathways helps explain why graduates consistently achieve earnings that outperform many peer institutions of similar size and selectivity.
Affordability at Salve Regina University requires careful financial planning, as net prices are substantially higher than most public alternatives. Low-income students pay about $27,575 annually, while middle-income families face costs around $29,769 per year, and high-income families see net prices reaching $38,585. These figures place Salve Regina in the bottom 8% nationally for affordability, reflecting the premium associated with private education and the university's limited ability to provide deep discounts across all income levels.
The financial commitment extends beyond tuition through borrowing patterns that require serious consideration. Typical graduates leave with $27,000 in federal student loan debt, a manageable level given their strong post-graduation earnings. However, many families also rely on Parent PLUS loans, which average $33,150 and represent a significant additional financial obligation for parents. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully once they enter the workforce.
Despite the higher upfront costs, Salve Regina's strong earnings outcomes help justify the investment for many families. With median graduate earnings of $72,975 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard loan repayment without excessive strain. The key consideration for prospective families is whether they can manage the substantial net prices during the college years, knowing that the long-term financial returns are likely to be strong.
Salve Regina University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
