Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, NC with Salem University in Salem, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lenoir Rhyne University is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (2,256 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lenoir Rhyne University is located in Hickory, NC (Small City setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• Lenoir Rhyne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lenoir Rhyne University 15:1; Salem University 19:1.

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lenoir-Rhyne University 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University ($10,231 vs. $21,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 37.3% lower than at Lenoir Rhyne University ($8,400 vs. $13,400).
• Lenoir Rhyne University is 168.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem University (about $20,000 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 168.1% higher at Lenoir-Rhyne University than at Salem University (about $20,000 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Lenoir Rhyne University as at Salem University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lenoir Rhyne University students is 173.9% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($23,467 vs. $8,569).

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lenoir-Rhyne University 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University.

• Salem University reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lenoir-Rhyne University - Test-free; Salem University - Open admission.

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lenoir-Rhyne University 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).

• Lenoir Rhyne University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Lenoir Rhyne University earn a median of about $8,400 more per year than Salem University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,000 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem University graduates have a $382 lower median loan debt than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($26,618 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem University graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($275 vs. $279).
• More Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.