Bowie State University vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bowie State University in Bowie, MD with Salem University in Salem, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bowie State University is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (6,353 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowie State University is located in Bowie, MD (Large Suburban setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• Bowie State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bowie State University 15:1; Salem University 19:1.

Bowie State University vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowie State University or Salem University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Salem University than Bowie State University ($10,231 vs. $17,287).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 31.4% lower than at Bowie State University ($8,400 vs. $12,241).
• Salem University is 29.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bowie State University (about $2,682 more per year; $11,900.00 vs. $9,218.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 67.5% higher at Bowie State University than at Salem University (about $8,038 more per year; $19,938.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at Bowie State University (100% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem University students is 25.7% larger than aid received by Bowie State University students ($8,569 vs. $6,819).

Bowie State University vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bowie State University or Salem University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Salem University and Bowie State University.

• Salem University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowie State University 796/1083.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowie State University - Test optional; Salem University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowie State University May 15, 2027.

Bowie State University vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowie State University and Salem University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bowie State University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Bowie State University earn a median of about $16,900 more per year than Salem University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have a $2,227 lower median loan debt than Salem University graduates ($24,391 vs. $26,618).
• Among borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem University graduates ($252 vs. $275).
• More Bowie State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem University students, three years after graduation. (29% vs. 27%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.