Potomac State College of West Virginia University vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

Compare Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser, WV with Salem University in Salem, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Salem University is larger than Potomac State College of West Virginia University based on total student enrollment (1,083 students vs. 1,077 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Potomac State College of West Virginia University is located in Keyser, WV (Distant Town setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• Potomac State College of West Virginia University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Potomac State College of West Virginia University 13:1; Salem University 19:1.

Potomac State College of West Virginia University vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Potomac State College of West Virginia 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 Potomac State College of West Virginia University than Salem University ($9,541 vs. $10,231).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 33.2% lower than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University ($8,400 vs. $12,580).
• Salem University is 125.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Potomac State College of West Virginia University (about $6,620 more per year; $11,900.00 vs. $5,280.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.9% higher at Potomac State College of West Virginia University than at Salem University (about $1,300 more per year; $13,200.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem University students is 24.4% larger than aid received by Potomac State College of West Virginia University students ($8,569 vs. $6,890).

Potomac State College of West Virginia University vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Potomac State College of West Virginia 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 Potomac State College of West Virginia University.

• Both colleges report an open admissions policy; selectivity can still vary by program or major.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Potomac State College of West Virginia University - Open admission; Salem University - Open admission.

Potomac State College of West Virginia University vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Potomac State College of West Virginia 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).

• Graduates from Potomac State College of West Virginia University earn a median of about $17,000 more per year than Salem University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates have a $2,617 lower median loan debt than Salem University graduates ($24,001 vs. $26,618).
• Among borrowers, Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem University graduates ($248 vs. $275).
• More Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem University students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.