MBC vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

Compare Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, VA with Salem University in Salem, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mary Baldwin University is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (1,772 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mary Baldwin University is located in Staunton, VA (Distant Town setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• Mary Baldwin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mary Baldwin University 15:1; Salem University 19:1.

MBC vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MBC 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 MBC ($10,231 vs. $17,810).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 26.4% lower than at Mary Baldwin University ($8,400 vs. $11,411).
• Mary Baldwin University is 187% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem University (about $22,252 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 187% higher at MBC than at Salem University (about $22,252 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at Mary Baldwin University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mary Baldwin University students is 228.3% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($28,135 vs. $8,569).

MBC vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MBC 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 MBC.

• Salem University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mary Baldwin University 940/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mary Baldwin University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MBC - Not reported; Salem University - Open admission.

MBC vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MBC 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).

• Mary Baldwin University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Mary Baldwin University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than Salem University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 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 MBC graduates ($26,618 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem University graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MBC graduates ($275 vs. $279).
• More MBC 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.