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Brown University vs Salve Regina University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Providence RI · vs · Private nonprofit, Newport RI

The verdict

Brown University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $100,736 in 2.2 years versus 6 years at Salve Regina University, on median earnings of $93,487 vs $72,975 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureBrown UniversitySalve Regina University
Net price / yr$25,184$36,967
Total net cost$100,736$147,868
Median earnings, 10 yrs$93,487$72,975
Median debt$11,428$27,000
Payback2.2 yrs6 yrs
20-year net return$801,804$344,432

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Brown University or Salve Regina University?

Brown University, at $25,184 a year after aid versus $36,967 — a gap of $11,783 a year, or $47,132 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Brown University or Salve Regina University graduates earn more?

Brown University graduates report a median $93,487 ten years after entry, $20,512 more than the $72,975 at Salve Regina University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Brown University or Salve Regina University?

Brown University: its completers carry a median $11,428 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Salve Regina University, a difference of $15,572. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

96% of students finish at Brown University, against 77% at Salve Regina University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Brown University vs Salve Regina University: frequently asked questions

Is Brown University or Salve Regina University a better value?
Brown University. It clears its $100,736 net cost in about 2.2 years versus 6 years at Salve Regina University, on median earnings of $93,487 vs $72,975 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Brown University or Salve Regina University?
Brown University: $25,184/yr net price after aid versus $36,967/yr at Salve Regina University — a difference of $11,783 a year, or about $47,132 over four years.
Do Brown University or Salve Regina University graduates earn more?
Brown University graduates earn a median $93,487 ten years after entry, versus $72,975 at Salve Regina University — a $20,512 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.