Mars Hill University vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

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

Mars Hill University is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (1,110 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Mars Hill University vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mars Hill 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 Mars Hill University ($10,231 vs. $18,925).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 31.5% lower than at Mars Hill University ($8,400 vs. $12,258).
• Mars Hill University is 217.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem University (about $25,836 more per year; $37,736.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 217.1% higher at Mars Hill University than at Salem University (about $25,836 more per year; $37,736.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Mars Hill University as at Salem University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mars Hill University students is 262.5% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($31,066 vs. $8,569).

Mars Hill University vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mars Hill 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 Mars Hill University.

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

Mars Hill University vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mars Hill 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).

• Mars Hill University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Salem University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Mars Hill University graduates about ten years after starting college ($33,600 vs. $32,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem University graduates have a $382 lower median loan debt than Mars Hill University graduates ($26,618 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem University graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mars Hill University graduates ($275 vs. $279).
• More Mars Hill University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem University students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.