Marian vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

Compare Marian University in Indianapolis, IN with Salem University in Salem, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marian University is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (3,486 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Marian University is located in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• Marian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Marian University 13:1; Salem University 19:1.

Marian vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Marian 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 Marian ($10,231 vs. $22,786).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 39.4% lower than at Marian University ($8,400 vs. $13,850).
• Marian University is 241.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem University (about $28,764 more per year; $40,664.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 241.7% higher at Marian than at Salem University (about $28,764 more per year; $40,664.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at Marian University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marian University students is 277.5% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($32,351 vs. $8,569).

Marian vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Marian 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 Marian.

• Salem University reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Marian - Test-free; Salem University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marian Aug 1, 2027.

Marian vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Marian 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).

• Marian University's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Marian University earn a median of about $11,200 more per year than Salem University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 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 Marian graduates ($26,618 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem University graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marian graduates ($275 vs. $279).
• More Marian 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.