Keystone College vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

Compare Keystone College in La Plume, PA with Salem University in Salem, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Salem University is larger than Keystone College based on total student enrollment (1,083 students vs. 952 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Keystone College is located in La Plume, PA (Large Suburban setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• Keystone College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Keystone College 12:1; Salem University 19:1.

Keystone College vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Keystone 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 Keystone College ($10,231 vs. $21,952).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 33.3% lower than at Keystone College ($8,400 vs. $12,600).
• Keystone College is 53.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem University (about $6,400 more per year; $18,300.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.8% higher at Keystone College than at Salem University (about $6,400 more per year; $18,300.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at Keystone College (100% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Keystone College students is 18.1% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($10,119 vs. $8,569).

Keystone College vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

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

• Salem University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Keystone College 910/1130.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Keystone College - Test optional; Salem University - Open admission.

Keystone College vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Keystone 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).

• Keystone College's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Salem University earn a median of about $200 more per year than Keystone College graduates about ten years after starting college ($33,600 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Keystone College graduates have a $618 lower median loan debt than Salem University graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,618).
• Among borrowers, Keystone College graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem University graduates ($268 vs. $275).
• More Keystone College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem University students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.