Virginia Union University vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

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

Virginia Union University is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (1,646 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Virginia Union University is located in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• Virginia Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Virginia Union University 16:1; Salem University 19:1.

Virginia Union University vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Virginia Union University 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 Virginia Union University ($10,231 vs. $11,483).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 23.7% lower than at Virginia Union University ($8,400 vs. $11,016).
• Virginia Union University is 46.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem University (about $5,550 more per year; $17,450.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.6% higher at Virginia Union University than at Salem University (about $5,550 more per year; $17,450.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at Virginia Union University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia Union University students is 104.5% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($17,524 vs. $8,569).

Virginia Union University vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Virginia Union University 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 Virginia Union University.

• Salem University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Virginia Union University 850/885.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Virginia Union University - Test optional; Salem University - Open admission.

Virginia Union University vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Virginia Union University 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 Union University's six-year graduation rate (29%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Salem University earn a median of about $300 more per year than Virginia Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($33,600 vs. $33,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem University graduates have a $7,132 lower median loan debt than Virginia Union University graduates ($26,618 vs. $33,750).
• Among borrowers, Salem University graduates have an estimated $73 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Virginia Union University graduates ($275 vs. $348).
• More Salem University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Virginia Union University students, three years after graduation. (27% vs. 19%)

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.