Salem University vs. WVSU

Comparable Facts

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

West Virginia State University is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (3,246 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem University is located in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting); West Virginia State University is in Institute, WV (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem University 19:1; West Virginia State University 13:1.

Salem University vs. WVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem University or WVSU? 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 WVSU ($10,231 vs. $11,055).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 37.9% lower than at West Virginia State University ($8,400 vs. $13,522).
• Salem University is 24.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than WVSU (about $2,330 more per year; $11,900.00 vs. $9,570.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26% higher at WVSU than at Salem University (about $3,090 more per year; $14,990.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at West Virginia State University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by West Virginia State University students is 4.9% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($8,993 vs. $8,569).

Salem University vs. WVSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Salem University or WVSU? 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 WVSU and Salem University.

• Salem University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWest Virginia State University 760/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWest Virginia State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem University - Open admission; WVSU - Test optional.

Salem University vs. WVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem University and WVSU? 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 Virginia State University's six-year graduation rate (25%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Salem University earn a median of about $900 more per year than WVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($33,600 vs. $32,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Virginia State University graduates have a $3,368 lower median loan debt than Salem University graduates ($23,250 vs. $26,618).
• Among borrowers, WVSU graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem University graduates ($240 vs. $275).
• More WVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem University students, three years after graduation. (35% 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.