Salem University vs. West Liberty University

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem University in Salem, WV with West Liberty University in West Liberty, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

West Liberty University is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (2,299 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem University is located in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting); West Liberty University is in West Liberty, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution. West Liberty University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem University 19:1; West Liberty University 12:1.

Salem University vs. West Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem University or West Liberty 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 University than West Liberty University ($10,231 vs. $13,655).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 34% lower than at West Liberty University ($8,400 vs. $12,728).
• Salem University is 33.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than West Liberty University (about $3,007 more per year; $11,900.00 vs. $8,893.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.6% higher at West Liberty University than at Salem University (about $5,542 more per year; $17,442.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at West Liberty University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem University students is 18.2% larger than aid received by West Liberty University students ($8,569 vs. $7,248).

Salem University vs. West Liberty University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Salem University or West Liberty 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 West Liberty University and Salem University.

• Salem University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWest Liberty University 890/1123.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWest Liberty University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem University - Open admission; West Liberty University - Test optional.

Salem University vs. West Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem University and West Liberty 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).

• West Liberty University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from West Liberty University earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than Salem University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,900 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Liberty University graduates have a $2,001 lower median loan debt than Salem University graduates ($24,617 vs. $26,618).
• Among borrowers, West Liberty University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem University graduates ($254 vs. $275).
• More West Liberty University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem University students, three years after graduation. (49% vs. 27%)

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.