OC Comets vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

Compare The University of Olivet in Olivet, MI with Salem University in Salem, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Salem University is larger than OC Comets based on total student enrollment (1,083 students vs. 979 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Olivet is located in Olivet, MI (Distant Rural setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• The University of Olivet is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Olivet 17:1; Salem University 19:1.

OC Comets vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, OC Comets 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 OC Comets ($10,231 vs. $19,362).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 33.2% lower than at The University of Olivet ($8,400 vs. $12,567).
• The University of Olivet is 186.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem University (about $22,168 more per year; $34,068.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 186.3% higher at OC Comets than at Salem University (about $22,168 more per year; $34,068.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at The University of Olivet as at Salem University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of Olivet students is 225.1% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($27,858 vs. $8,569).

OC Comets vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, OC Comets 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 OC Comets.

• Salem University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Olivet 910/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Olivet 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: OC Comets - Test-free; Salem University - Open admission.

OC Comets vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for OC Comets 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).

• The University of Olivet's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from The University of Olivet earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than Salem University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,300 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 OC Comets graduates ($26,618 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem University graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than OC Comets graduates ($275 vs. $279).
• More OC Comets 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.