ECSU vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

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

Elizabeth City State University is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (2,258 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

ECSU vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ECSU 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 Elizabeth City State University than Salem University ($6,483 vs. $10,231).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 29.9% lower than at Elizabeth City State University ($8,400 vs. $11,986).
• Salem University is 82.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than ECSU (about $5,364 more per year; $11,900.00 vs. $6,536.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.9% higher at Salem University than at Elizabeth City State University (about $1,364 more per year; $11,900.00 vs. $10,536.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at Elizabeth City State University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elizabeth City State University students is 25.2% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($10,732 vs. $8,569).

ECSU vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ECSU 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 ECSU.

• Salem University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elizabeth City State University 920/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elizabeth City State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ECSU - Test optional; Salem University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: ECSU Jun 30, 2027.

ECSU vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ECSU 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).

• Elizabeth City State University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Salem University earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than ECSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($33,600 vs. $30,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elizabeth City State University graduates have a $493 lower median loan debt than Salem University graduates ($26,125 vs. $26,618).
• Among borrowers, ECSU graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem University graduates ($270 vs. $275).
• More Salem University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ECSU students, three years after graduation. (27% vs. 23%)

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.