Salem College vs. AMU

Comparable Facts

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

Ave Maria University is larger than Salem College based on total student enrollment (1,423 students vs. 549 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem College is located in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting); Ave Maria University is in Ave Maria, FL (Distant Rural setting).
• Salem College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ave Maria University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem College 9:1; Ave Maria University 17:1.

Salem College vs. AMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem College or AMU? 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 AMU ($18,668 vs. $25,294).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem College are 5% lower than at Ave Maria University ($13,710 vs. $14,432).
• Salem College is 12.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than AMU (about $3,650 more per year; $33,848.00 vs. $30,198.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.1% higher at Salem College than at Ave Maria University (about $3,650 more per year; $33,848.00 vs. $30,198.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Salem College as at Ave Maria University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem College students is 43.3% larger than aid received by Ave Maria University students ($30,001 vs. $20,936).

Salem College vs. AMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem College (1150) is 20 points higher than at AMU (1130).
• Incoming AMU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 19 at Salem College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem College 1066/1243; Ave Maria University 1018/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem College 16/22; Ave Maria University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem College - Test optional; AMU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman AMU students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Salem College (3.3).
• Salem College has a higher acceptance rate (76.7%) than AMU (41.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.9% at Salem College vs. 32.8% at AMU.

Salem College vs. AMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Salem College's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Ave Maria University's (41%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ave Maria University graduates have a $4,572 lower median loan debt than Salem College graduates ($22,428 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, AMU graduates have an estimated $48 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem College graduates ($231 vs. $279).
• More AMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem College students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.