KY State vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

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

Kentucky State University is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (2,020 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Kentucky State University is located in Frankfort, KY (Distant Town setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• Kentucky State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Kentucky State University 10:1; Salem University 19:1.

KY State vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, KY State 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 Kentucky State University than Salem University ($9,397 vs. $10,231).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 3.3% lower than at Kentucky State University ($8,400 vs. $8,686).
• Salem University is 26.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than KY State (about $2,513 more per year; $11,900.00 vs. $9,387.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.8% higher at KY State than at Salem University (about $1,758 more per year; $13,658.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at Kentucky State University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Kentucky State University students is 20.7% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($10,340 vs. $8,569).

KY State vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, KY State 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 KY State.

• Salem University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kentucky State University 820/1010.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kentucky State University 14/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: KY State - Test optional; Salem University - Open admission.

KY State vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for KY State 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).

• Kentucky State University's six-year graduation rate (21%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Salem University earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than KY State graduates about ten years after starting college ($33,600 vs. $31,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem University graduates have a $2,382 lower median loan debt than KY State graduates ($26,618 vs. $29,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than KY State graduates ($275 vs. $299).
• More Salem University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KY State students, three years after graduation. (27% vs. 24%)

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.