Warren Wilson vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

Compare Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC with Salem University in Salem, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Salem University is larger than Warren Wilson based on total student enrollment (1,083 students vs. 791 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Warren Wilson College is located in Swannanoa, NC (Midsize Suburban setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• Warren Wilson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Warren Wilson College 12:1; Salem University 19:1.

Warren Wilson vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Warren Wilson 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 Warren Wilson ($10,231 vs. $26,084).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 35.6% lower than at Warren Wilson College ($8,400 vs. $13,050).
• Warren Wilson College is 248.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem University (about $29,600 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 248.7% higher at Warren Wilson than at Salem University (about $29,600 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Warren Wilson College as at Salem University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Warren Wilson College students is 260.5% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($30,887 vs. $8,569).

Warren Wilson vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Warren Wilson 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 Warren Wilson.

• Salem University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Warren Wilson College 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Warren Wilson - Test optional; Salem University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Warren Wilson Jul 3, 2027.

Warren Wilson vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Warren Wilson 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).

• Warren Wilson College's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Salem University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than Warren Wilson graduates about ten years after starting college ($33,600 vs. $30,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Warren Wilson College graduates have a $3,618 lower median loan debt than Salem University graduates ($23,000 vs. $26,618).
• Among borrowers, Warren Wilson graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem University graduates ($237 vs. $275).
• More Warren Wilson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem University students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.