National American University-Rapid City vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

Compare National American University Rapid City in Rapid City, SD with Salem University in Salem, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Salem University is larger than National American University-Rapid City based on total student enrollment (1,083 students vs. 903 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• National American University Rapid City is located in Rapid City, SD (Small City setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• National American University Rapid City is a private, for-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: National American University Rapid City 6:1; Salem University 19:1.

National American University-Rapid City vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, National American University-Rapid City 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 National American University-Rapid City ($10,231 vs. $31,062).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 41.7% lower than at National American University Rapid City ($8,400 vs. $14,400).
• National American University Rapid City is 35% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem University (about $4,165 more per year; $16,065.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35% higher at National American University-Rapid City than at Salem University (about $4,165 more per year; $16,065.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at National American University Rapid City (100% vs. 29%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem University students is 152.8% larger than aid received by National American University Rapid City students ($8,569 vs. $3,390).

National American University-Rapid City vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, National American University-Rapid City 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 National American University-Rapid City.

• Both colleges report an open admissions policy; selectivity can still vary by program or major.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: National American University-Rapid City - Open admission; Salem University - Open admission.

National American University-Rapid City vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for National American University-Rapid City 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).

• National American University Rapid City's six-year graduation rate (22%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from National American University Rapid City earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than Salem University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,500 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem University graduates have a $6,947 lower median loan debt than National American University-Rapid City graduates ($26,618 vs. $33,565).
• Among borrowers, Salem University graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than National American University-Rapid City graduates ($275 vs. $347).
• More Salem University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former National American University-Rapid City students, three years after graduation. (27% 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.