Salem College vs. DeSales University

Comparable Facts

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

DeSales University is larger than Salem College based on total student enrollment (2,972 students vs. 549 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem College is located in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting); DeSales University is in Center Valley, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Salem College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. DeSales University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem College 9:1; DeSales University 12:1.

Salem College vs. DeSales University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem College or DeSales 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 DeSales University ($18,668 vs. $31,732).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem College are 0.7% lower than at DeSales University ($13,710 vs. $13,800).
• DeSales University is 38.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem College (about $12,952 more per year; $46,800.00 vs. $33,848.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.3% higher at DeSales University than at Salem College (about $12,952 more per year; $46,800.00 vs. $33,848.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Salem College as at DeSales University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by DeSales University students is 3% larger than aid received by Salem College students ($30,909 vs. $30,001).

Salem College vs. DeSales University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Salem College or DeSales University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between DeSales University and Salem College.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at DeSales University (1180) is 30 points higher than at Salem College (1150).
• Incoming DeSales University students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (27 vs. 19 at Salem College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Salem College 1066/1243; DeSales University 1090/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Salem College 16/22; DeSales University 27/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem College - Test optional; DeSales University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DeSales University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman DeSales University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Salem College (3.3).
• DeSales University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Salem College (76.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.9% at Salem College vs. 16.7% at DeSales University.

Salem College vs. DeSales University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem College and DeSales University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• DeSales University's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Salem College's (53%).
• Graduates from DeSales University earn a median of about $16,100 more per year than Salem College graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $35,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, DeSales University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Salem College graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, DeSales University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem College graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More DeSales University 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.