Salem College vs. Ashland College

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC with Ashland University in Ashland, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ashland University is larger than Salem College based on total student enrollment (4,106 students vs. 549 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem College is located in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting); Ashland University is in Ashland, OH (Town Fringe setting).
• Salem College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ashland University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem College 9:1; Ashland University 14:1.

Salem College vs. Ashland College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem College or Ashland 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 Salem College than Ashland College ($18,668 vs. $22,610).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ashland University are 1% lower than at Salem College ($13,568 vs. $13,710).
• Salem College is 8.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ashland College (about $2,638 more per year; $33,848.00 vs. $31,210.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.5% higher at Salem College than at Ashland University (about $2,638 more per year; $33,848.00 vs. $31,210.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Salem College as at Ashland University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem College students is 44% larger than aid received by Ashland University students ($30,001 vs. $20,835).

Salem College vs. Ashland College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem College (1150) is 30 points higher than at Ashland College (1120).
• Incoming Ashland College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at Salem College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem College 1066/1243; Ashland University 1035/1208.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem College 16/22; Ashland University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem College - Test optional; Ashland College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Ashland College students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at Salem College (3.3).
• Salem College has a higher acceptance rate (76.7%) than Ashland College (76.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.9% at Salem College vs. 15.9% at Ashland College.

Salem College vs. Ashland College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem College and Ashland 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).

• Ashland University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Salem College's (53%).
• Graduates from Ashland University earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than Salem College graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,400 vs. $35,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ashland University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Salem College graduates ($26,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Ashland College graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem College graduates ($271 vs. $279).
• More Ashland College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem College students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 53%)

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.