VSU vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

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

Virginia State University is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (5,605 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

VSU vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VSU 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 VSU ($10,231 vs. $17,840).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 37.1% lower than at Virginia State University ($8,400 vs. $13,355).
• Salem University is 18.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $1,857 more per year; $11,900.00 vs. $10,043.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 90.3% higher at VSU than at Salem University (about $10,750 more per year; $22,650.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at Virginia State University (100% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia State University students is 45.3% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($12,447 vs. $8,569).

VSU vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VSU 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 VSU.

• Salem University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Virginia State University 840/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Virginia State University 14/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VSU - Test optional; Salem University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU May 1, 2027.

VSU vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VSU 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).

• Virginia State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Virginia State University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than Salem University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem University graduates have a $2,882 lower median loan debt than VSU graduates ($26,618 vs. $29,500).
• Among borrowers, Salem University graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VSU graduates ($275 vs. $305).
• More VSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem University students, three years after graduation. (28% 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.