Eastern vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY with Salem University in Salem, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern Kentucky University is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (15,673 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Kentucky University is located in Richmond, KY (Distant Town setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• Eastern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Kentucky University 17:1; Salem University 19:1.

Eastern vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Eastern 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 Eastern ($10,231 vs. $12,279).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 31.5% lower than at Eastern Kentucky University ($8,400 vs. $12,268).
• Salem University is 15.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Eastern (about $1,580 more per year; $11,900.00 vs. $10,320.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 78.4% higher at Eastern than at Salem University (about $9,330 more per year; $21,230.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at Eastern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Kentucky University students is 33.8% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($11,468 vs. $8,569).

Eastern vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Eastern 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 Eastern.

• Salem University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Kentucky University 880/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Kentucky University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Eastern - Test optional; Salem University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Eastern Aug 1, 2027.

Eastern vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Eastern 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).

• Eastern Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Eastern Kentucky University earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than Salem University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,900 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Kentucky University graduates have a $2,923 lower median loan debt than Salem University graduates ($23,695 vs. $26,618).
• Among borrowers, Eastern graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem University graduates ($245 vs. $275).
• More Eastern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem University students, three years after graduation. (49% 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.