Elon vs. Salem College

Comparable Facts

Compare Elon University in Elon, NC with Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Elon University is larger than Salem College based on total student enrollment (7,239 students vs. 549 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elon University is located in Elon, NC (Small Suburban setting); Salem College is in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Elon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elon University 11:1; Salem College 9:1.

Elon vs. Salem College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon or Salem College? 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 College than Elon ($18,668 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem College are 8.5% lower than at Elon University ($13,710 vs. $14,985).
• Elon University is 38.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem College (about $13,110 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $33,848.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.7% higher at Elon than at Salem College (about $13,110 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $33,848.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem College than at Elon University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem College students is 67.9% larger than aid received by Elon University students ($30,001 vs. $17,867).

Elon vs. Salem College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elon or Salem College? 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 College and Elon.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elon University (1210) is 60 points higher than at Salem College (1150).
• Incoming Elon students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 19 at Salem College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 1130/1280; Salem College 1066/1243.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 23/28; Salem College 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; Salem College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Elon students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Salem College (3.3).
• Salem College has a higher acceptance rate (76.7%) than Elon (66.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 7.9% at Salem College.

Elon vs. Salem College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon and Salem College? 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).

• Elon University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Salem College's (53%).
• Graduates from Elon University earn a median of about $21,200 more per year than Salem College graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $35,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Salem College graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem College graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 53%)

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.