Salem College vs. Capital University

Comparable Facts

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

Capital University is larger than Salem College based on total student enrollment (2,263 students vs. 549 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Salem College vs. Capital University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem College or Capital 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 College than Capital University ($18,668 vs. $22,395).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Capital University are 5.3% lower than at Salem College ($12,984 vs. $13,710).
• Capital University is 27.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem College (about $9,386 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $33,848.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.7% higher at Capital University than at Salem College (about $9,386 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $33,848.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem College than at Capital University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Capital University students is 14.9% larger than aid received by Salem College students ($34,471 vs. $30,001).

Salem College vs. Capital University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem College (1150) is 100 points higher than at Capital University (1050).
• Incoming Capital University 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: Salem College 1066/1243; Capital University 910/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem College 16/22; Capital University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem College - Test optional; Capital University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Capital University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Capital University students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at Salem College (3.3).
• Salem College has a higher acceptance rate (76.7%) than Capital University (70.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.9% at Salem College vs. 11.8% at Capital University.

Salem College vs. Capital University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem College and Capital 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).

• Capital University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Salem College's (53%).
• Graduates from Capital University earn a median of about $12,300 more per year than Salem College graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,300 vs. $35,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Capital University and Salem College graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Capital University and Salem College graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Capital University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem College students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.