Health and Medical Administrative Services at Salve Regina University

Salve Regina's estimated $33,345 debt load stands notably higher than what other Rhode Island healthcare administration programs typically require—peer schools in the state average $26,938 in borrowing for the same credential. That $6,400 difference matters when national data suggests first-year earnings around $44,345, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75. While manageable by strict affordability standards, this puts Salve graduates at a disadvantage compared to the two Rhode Island schools with reported outcomes, where students earn roughly $50,000 in their first year while borrowing less.

The broader Rhode Island market for healthcare administration bachelor's degrees appears reasonably healthy, with state earnings running about $5,500 above the national median. However, without actual graduate outcomes from Salve Regina specifically, there's meaningful uncertainty about whether this program delivers similar results. The school's 70% admission rate and moderate selectivity don't automatically predict weaker outcomes, but the higher estimated debt combined with earnings estimates pulled from national benchmarks rather than state peers raises questions about value.

If your child is set on healthcare administration in Rhode Island, the concrete numbers from Providence College and Rhode Island College—both showing strong earnings with lower debt—provide clearer evidence of return on investment. Salve may offer intangible benefits worth the premium, but you're essentially betting on outcomes that similar programs achieve nationally while paying debt levels above what Rhode Island peers typically require.