Delaware State University vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

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

Delaware State University is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (5,327 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Delaware State University is located in Dover, DE (Small City setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• Delaware State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Delaware State University 17:1; Salem University 19:1.

Delaware State University vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Delaware 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 Delaware State University ($10,231 vs. $13,953).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 49.6% lower than at Delaware State University ($8,400 vs. $16,664).
• Salem University is 11.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Delaware State University (about $1,230 more per year; $11,900.00 vs. $10,670.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 73.4% higher at Delaware State University than at Salem University (about $8,734 more per year; $20,634.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at Delaware State University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Delaware State University students is 55.3% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($13,309 vs. $8,569).

Delaware State University vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Delaware 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 Delaware State University.

• Salem University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Delaware State University 800/1020.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Delaware State University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Delaware State University - Test optional; Salem University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Delaware State University Feb 1, 2027.

Delaware State University vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Delaware 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).

• Delaware State University's six-year graduation rate (35%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Delaware State University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than Salem University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,600 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem University graduates have a $1,882 lower median loan debt than Delaware State University graduates ($26,618 vs. $28,500).
• Among borrowers, Salem University graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Delaware State University graduates ($275 vs. $294).
• More Delaware State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem University students, three years after graduation. (32% 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.