Principia College vs. Salem College

Comparable Facts

Compare Principia College in Elsah, Illinois with Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Salem College is larger than Principia College based on total student enrollment (549 students vs. 339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Principia College is located in Elsah, Illinois (Rural Fringe setting); Salem College is in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Principia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Principia College 6:1; Salem College 9:1.

Principia College vs. Salem College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Principia College or Salem College? 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 Principia College than Salem College ($18,248 vs. $18,668).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem College are 1.4% lower than at Principia College ($13,710 vs. $13,910).
• Principia College is 2.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem College (about $832 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $33,848.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.5% higher at Principia College than at Salem College (about $832 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $33,848.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem College than at Principia College (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Principia College students is 1.3% larger than aid received by Salem College students ($30,402 vs. $30,001).

Principia College vs. Salem College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Principia College or Salem College? 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 College and Principia College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Principia College (1150) is the same as at Salem College (1150).
• Incoming Principia College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Salem College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 1040/1250; Salem College 1066/1243.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 19/23; Salem College 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Principia College - Not reported; Salem College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Principia College students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.34) than students at Salem College (3.3).

Principia College vs. Salem College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Principia College and Salem College? 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).

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.