Catholic university in historic Newport, Rhode Island, founded by Sisters of Mercy in 1934.
Salve Regina offers associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees across more than 100 programs. The university is known for its selective nursing program and offers 40+ majors. Three PhD programs are available in international relations, humanities, and behavior analysis, along with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). All degree programs are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, with additional professional accreditation in business, visual arts, counseling, education, nursing, and social work. The Salve Compass program provides a four-year framework connecting liberal arts education to career readiness.
The 80-acre suburban campus borders the historic Newport Cliff Walk and comprises seven contiguous Gilded Age estates with 21 structures of historic significance. Notable buildings include Ochre Court (the original 1947 gift and now central administration), McKillop Library (150,000 volumes), and the Antone Academic Center for Culture and the Arts. The university received Historic Preservation Awards and was designated a Tree Campus USA in 2015. Salve competes in NCAA Division III with 20 varsity teams in NEWMAC, plus club and intramural sports.
The university received an average of 5,000 yearly applications in the three years prior to 2016, admitting approximately 3,000 students from 35 US states and 20 countries. Salve welcomes first-year, transfer, international, and graduate applicants. The institution participates in the Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program for veterans and their families.
Salve reports 97% of graduates employed or in graduate school within six months (10-year average). The university was ranked 27th in Regional Universities (North) by U.S. News & World Report (2024) and selected as one of America's 'Best Colleges' by Princeton Review (2023). Architectural Digest and Condé Nast Traveler ranked it among the most beautiful college campuses in America (2022). Money magazine recognized it as one of the Most Transformative Colleges in the United States (2018).