Salem College vs. Lee University

Comparable Facts

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

Lee University is larger than Salem College based on total student enrollment (3,714 students vs. 549 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem College is located in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting); Lee University is in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting).
• Salem College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem College 9:1; Lee University 13:1.

Salem College vs. Lee University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem College or Lee 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 Lee University ($18,668 vs. $20,416).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 26.3% lower than at Salem College ($10,110 vs. $13,710).
• Salem College is 42.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lee University (about $10,058 more per year; $33,848.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.3% higher at Salem College than at Lee University (about $10,058 more per year; $33,848.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem College than at Lee University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem College students is 94% larger than aid received by Lee University students ($30,001 vs. $15,467).

Salem College vs. Lee University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem College (1150) is 10 points higher than at Lee University (1140).
• Incoming Lee University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 19 at Salem College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem College 1066/1243; Lee University 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem College 16/22; Lee University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem College - Test optional; Lee University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Lee University students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Salem College (3.3).
• Salem College has a higher acceptance rate (76.7%) than Lee University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.9% at Salem College vs. 35% at Lee University.

Salem College vs. Lee University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem College and Lee 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).

• Salem College's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Lee University's (49%).
• Graduates from Lee University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than Salem College graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $35,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lee University and Salem College graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Lee University and Salem College graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Lee University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem College students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.