Salve Regina University

Nestled along Newport, Rhode Island's iconic Cliff Walk, Salve Regina University offers a truly unique collegiate experience. Founded in 1934 by the Sisters of Mercy, this private Roman Catholic university is renowned for its breathtaking 80-acre historical campus, composed of seven contiguous Gilded Age estates with 21 structures of historic significance. Students at Salve don't just learn; they live and study within a picturesque landscape that blends academic rigor with stunning coastal beauty, all guided by the motto "Maria Spes Nostra" (Mary, Our Hope).

What began as Salve Regina College, originally a women's institution, has evolved significantly since its charter in 1934. The university's growth has been marked by generous gifts, such as the grand Ochre Court mansion in 1947, which allowed it to admit its first class of 58 students. Becoming coeducational in 1973 and introducing graduate programs in 1975, Salve officially achieved university status in 1991, expanding its academic offerings and student body to over 2,300 across 25 majors by the mid-1990s.

Today, Salve Regina University serves over 2,785 undergraduate and graduate students, offering a robust academic environment accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. A key academic strength is the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy, fostering critical engagement with global issues. Beyond the classroom, campus life thrives with a vibrant NCAA Division III athletics program, involving about 18% of the student body. The university's commitment to its historic environment is further highlighted by its recognition for preservation efforts and its designation as a Tree Campus USA, preserving its natural and architectural heritage for future generations.