Ferrum College vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

Compare Ferrum College in Ferrum, VA with Salem University in Salem, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Salem University is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (1,083 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferrum College is located in Ferrum, VA (Distant Rural setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• Ferrum College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferrum College 11:1; Salem University 19:1.

Ferrum College vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferrum College 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 Ferrum College ($10,231 vs. $20,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 36.5% lower than at Ferrum College ($8,400 vs. $13,230).
• Ferrum College is 139.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem University (about $16,620 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 139.7% higher at Ferrum College than at Salem University (about $16,620 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at Ferrum College (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 302% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($34,444 vs. $8,569).

Ferrum College vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ferrum College 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 Ferrum College.

• Salem University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferrum College 880/1100.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferrum College - Test optional; Salem University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026.

Ferrum College vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferrum College 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).

• Ferrum College's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Ferrum College earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than Salem University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,000 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem University graduates have a $1,382 lower median loan debt than Ferrum College graduates ($26,618 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem University graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferrum College graduates ($275 vs. $289).
• More Ferrum College 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.