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University of Rhode Island vs Salve Regina University: which has better ROI?

Public, Kingston RI · vs · Private nonprofit, Newport RI

The verdict

University of Rhode Island has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $85,760 in 4 years versus 6 years at Salve Regina University, on median earnings of $69,743 vs $72,975 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Rhode IslandSalve Regina University
Net price / yr$21,440$36,967
Total net cost$85,760$147,868
Median earnings, 10 yrs$69,743$72,975
Median debt$22,250$27,000
Payback4 yrs6 yrs
20-year net return$341,900$344,432

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

Which is cheaper, University of Rhode Island or Salve Regina University?

University of Rhode Island, at $21,440 a year after aid versus $36,967 — a gap of $15,527 a year, or $62,108 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Rhode Island or Salve Regina University graduates earn more?

Salve Regina University graduates report a median $72,975 ten years after entry, $3,232 more than the $69,743 at University of Rhode Island. 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, University of Rhode Island or Salve Regina University?

University of Rhode Island: its completers carry a median $22,250 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Salve Regina University, a difference of $4,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

77% of students finish at Salve Regina University, against 73% at University of Rhode Island. 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.

University of Rhode Island vs Salve Regina University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Rhode Island or Salve Regina University a better value?
University of Rhode Island. It clears its $85,760 net cost in about 4 years versus 6 years at Salve Regina University, on median earnings of $69,743 vs $72,975 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Rhode Island or Salve Regina University?
University of Rhode Island: $21,440/yr net price after aid versus $36,967/yr at Salve Regina University — a difference of $15,527 a year, or about $62,108 over four years.
Do University of Rhode Island or Salve Regina University graduates earn more?
Salve Regina University graduates earn a median $72,975 ten years after entry, versus $69,743 at University of Rhode Island — a $3,232 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.