Salem College vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

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

Pacific Lutheran University is larger than Salem College based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 549 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Salem College vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem College or PLU? 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 PLU ($18,668 vs. $22,299).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 5.1% lower than at Salem College ($13,008 vs. $13,710).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 54.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem College (about $18,406 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $33,848.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54.4% higher at PLU than at Salem College (about $18,406 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $33,848.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem College than at Pacific Lutheran University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 35.2% larger than aid received by Salem College students ($40,573 vs. $30,001).

Salem College vs. PLU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem College (1150) is the same as at PLU (1150).
• Incoming PLU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 19 at Salem College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem College 1066/1243; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem College 16/22; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem College - Test optional; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Salem College (3.3).
• PLU has a higher acceptance rate (78%) than Salem College (76.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.9% at Salem College vs. 14.1% at PLU.

Salem College vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Pacific Lutheran University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Salem College's (53%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $17,300 more per year than Salem College graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $35,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pacific Lutheran University graduates have a $1,200 lower median loan debt than Salem College graduates ($25,800 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, PLU graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem College graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem College students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.