UVa-Wise vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Virginia's College at Wise in Wise, VA with Salem University in Salem, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Virginia's College at Wise is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (2,167 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Virginia's College at Wise is located in Wise, VA (Distant Town setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• University of Virginia's College at Wise is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Virginia's College at Wise 14:1; Salem University 19:1.

UVa-Wise vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UVa-Wise or Salem 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 UVa-Wise ($10,231 vs. $14,378).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 34.5% lower than at University of Virginia's College at Wise ($8,400 vs. $12,816).
• Salem University is 1% more expensive for in-state tuition than UVa-Wise (about $120 more per year; $11,900.00 vs. $11,780.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 135.4% higher at UVa-Wise than at Salem University (about $16,110 more per year; $28,010.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at University of Virginia's College at Wise (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Virginia's College at Wise students is 43.1% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($12,262 vs. $8,569).

UVa-Wise vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UVa-Wise or Salem 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 Salem University and UVa-Wise.

• Salem University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Virginia's College at Wise 945/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Virginia's College at Wise 18/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UVa-Wise - Test optional; Salem University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: UVa-Wise Aug 1, 2027.

UVa-Wise vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UVa-Wise and Salem 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).

• University of Virginia's College at Wise's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from University of Virginia's College at Wise earn a median of about $8,500 more per year than Salem University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,100 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Virginia's College at Wise graduates have a $5,791 lower median loan debt than Salem University graduates ($20,827 vs. $26,618).
• Among borrowers, UVa-Wise graduates have an estimated $60 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem University graduates ($215 vs. $275).
• More UVa-Wise graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem University students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.