Salve Regina University vs Roger Williams University (RWU)

Salve Regina University and Roger Williams University, both located in Rhode Island, offer distinct educational experiences. Salve Regina, a private Catholic university, boasts a 75% acceptance rate and a student body of over 2,500 undergraduates. Roger Williams, a private nonsectarian university, has a slightly higher acceptance rate of 80% and a larger undergraduate population of over 3,000. While Salve Regina excels in nursing, biology, and psychology, Roger Williams is known for its strengths in engineering, business, and computer science. Both universities offer a diverse range of academic programs, vibrant campus life, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Roger Williams University	Salve Regina University
Overview
Location	Bristol, Rhode Island	Newport, Rhode Island
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	81.0%	83.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation		Catholic

Admission
Acceptance rate	91.0%	73.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $50	$50
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants	8,163	5,104
Total number of admissions given out	7,427	3,748
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,003	562
Yield rate	13.5%	15.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$55,774	$60,790
Average net price	$36,537	$36,708
Tuition	$39,264	$43,500
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,048 Meal plan: $6,964	Room/dormitory: $9,300 Meal plan: $6,570
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan Other alternative tuition plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $20,225	100.0% Average amount $25,847
Students receiving federal student loan	68.0% Average amount $3,862	72.0% Average amount $5,477
Students taking out private loans	25.0% Average amount $21,353	16.0% Average amount $20,662

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	4,207 Men 50.3% Women 49.7%	2,149 Men 32.1% Women 67.9%
Graduate students	322 Men 41.6% Women 58.4%	679 Men 34.2% Women 65.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	85.3%	86.7%
International students	0.8%	1.9%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	2,992	1,285
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Mississippi Connecticut Rhode Island New York New Hampshire	Mississippi Connecticut Rhode Island New York New Jersey

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Law Enforcement and Firefighting Architecture Legal Profession Education	Business Health Professions Law Enforcement and Firefighting Education Psychology
Students to faculty ratio	14:1	13:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	70.3%	73.2%
Dropout rate	4.4%	26.6%
Transferred out	24.9%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,169 Year 2: $68,618 Year 3: $77,956 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,538 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $75,485 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,964 Year 2: $63,749 Year 3: $72,394 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,912 Year 2: $62,154 Year 3: $68,684 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,141 Year 2: $51,607 Year 3: $67,010 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $48,000 Year 2: $53,219 Year 3: $63,422 Architecture (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $53,522 Year 2: $52,941 Year 3: $62,148 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,968 Year 2: $45,383 Year 3: $59,897 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $47,654 Year 2: $48,600 Year 3: $54,833 Graphic Communications (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,588 Year 2: $39,369 Year 3: $54,118	Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $57,486 Year 2: $62,260 Year 3: $82,893 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,840 Year 2: $69,477 Year 3: $74,932 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,348 Year 2: $61,888 Year 3: $67,954 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,952 Year 2: $45,500 Year 3: $52,046 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,234 Year 2: $30,409 Year 3: $51,017 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $52,488 Year 2: $46,478 Year 3: $50,328 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $41,332 Year 2: $36,042 Year 3: $49,637 Special Education and Teaching (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $44,791 Year 2: $43,426 Year 3: $49,262 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $26,347 Year 2: $37,568 Year 3: $49,155 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,998 Year 2: $29,141 Year 3: $48,162

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Salve Regina University and Roger Williams University?

Salve Regina University, located in Newport, Rhode Island, is a Catholic university known for its strong liberal arts focus, particularly in fields like nursing, political science, and administration of justice. It emphasizes Mercy values and a commitment to service. Roger Williams University, situated in Bristol, Rhode Island, offers a more professionally oriented education with programs like architecture, engineering, and business administration. While also valuing civic engagement, its focus leans towards practical skills and career preparation.
Which university is larger, Salve Regina or Roger Williams?

Roger Williams University is significantly larger than Salve Regina University. Roger Williams typically has a larger undergraduate and overall student population, offering a wider range of academic programs and extracurricular activities due to its size.
How do the campus environments compare?

Salve Regina's campus is renowned for its stunning Gilded Age mansions and ocean views, creating a picturesque and intimate learning environment in Newport. Roger Williams University offers a more modern campus setting on the Narragansett Bay, with a focus on waterfront access and a more bustling, active atmosphere.
What types of academic programs are each university known for?

Salve Regina excels in programs like Nursing, Administration of Justice, Political Science, and holistic liberal arts education. Roger Williams is well-regarded for its Architecture, Engineering, Business, and Legal Studies programs, emphasizing hands-on learning and professional development.
How do the tuition costs compare between Salve Regina and Roger Williams?

Tuition costs at both universities are generally comparable, falling within a similar range for private institutions in the Northeast. However, it's essential to check the most current tuition rates and fees on each university's website, as these can change annually. Also, consider the availability of financial aid and scholarships, which can significantly impact the overall cost of attendance.
What is the student life like at Salve Regina versus Roger Williams?

Salve Regina offers a close-knit community with a focus on service and Mercy values, fostering a supportive and engaging environment. Student life at Roger Williams is more diverse and active, with a wider range of clubs, organizations, and recreational activities, particularly related to waterfront activities and professional development.
Which university is better for students interested in a career in architecture?

Roger Williams University is generally considered the stronger choice for students specifically interested in architecture. Its architecture program is well-established and highly regarded, offering extensive studio experience and opportunities for internships and professional connections.
How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

Salve Regina's location in Newport provides students with access to a vibrant historical city, offering cultural attractions, internship opportunities in tourism and hospitality, and a beautiful coastal setting. Roger Williams' location in Bristol offers a more relaxed coastal town atmosphere with access to the Narragansett Bay, providing opportunities for marine-related activities and a strong sense of community.
What are the religious affiliations of Salve Regina and Roger Williams?

Salve Regina University is a Catholic university founded by the Sisters of Mercy, and its values are rooted in the Mercy tradition. While Roger Williams University has no formal religious affiliation, it welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds and promotes a diverse and inclusive community.
What are the acceptance rates for Salve Regina and Roger Williams?

Acceptance rates can fluctuate from year to year, but generally, both universities are considered moderately selective. It's best to check the most recent acceptance rates on each university's website or through resources like U.S. News & World Report to get the most up-to-date information.
Do both universities offer study abroad programs?

Yes, both Salve Regina University and Roger Williams University offer a variety of study abroad programs. Students can explore different countries and cultures while earning academic credit towards their degree. The specific programs available may vary, so it's recommended to check each university's website for a list of current offerings.
Which school is better for students interested in nursing?

Salve Regina University is known for its strong nursing program. It offers excellent clinical experiences and prepares students well for careers in healthcare. While Roger Williams may offer health-related programs, Salve Regina is generally considered the stronger choice for nursing specifically.

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