West Virginia University at Parkersburg vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

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

West Virginia University at Parkersburg is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (2,728 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• West Virginia University at Parkersburg is located in Parkersburg, WV (Small Suburban setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• West Virginia University at Parkersburg is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: West Virginia University at Parkersburg 17:1; Salem University 19:1.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, West Virginia University at Parkersburg 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 West Virginia University at Parkersburg than Salem University ($1,948 vs. $10,231).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 42.2% lower than at West Virginia University at Parkersburg ($8,400 vs. $14,544).
• Salem University is 158% more expensive for in-state tuition than West Virginia University at Parkersburg (about $7,288 more per year; $11,900.00 vs. $4,612.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.4% higher at Salem University than at West Virginia University at Parkersburg (about $2,776 more per year; $11,900.00 vs. $9,124.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at West Virginia University at Parkersburg (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem University students is 14.7% larger than aid received by West Virginia University at Parkersburg students ($8,569 vs. $7,472).

West Virginia University at Parkersburg vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, West Virginia University at Parkersburg 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 West Virginia University at Parkersburg.

• Both colleges report an open admissions policy; selectivity can still vary by program or major.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: West Virginia University at Parkersburg - Open admission; Salem University - Open admission.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for West Virginia University at Parkersburg 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).

• West Virginia University at Parkersburg's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Salem University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than West Virginia University at Parkersburg graduates about ten years after starting college ($33,600 vs. $31,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Virginia University at Parkersburg graduates have a $14,587 lower median loan debt than Salem University graduates ($12,031 vs. $26,618).
• Among borrowers, West Virginia University at Parkersburg graduates have an estimated $151 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem University graduates ($124 vs. $275).
• More West Virginia University at Parkersburg graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem University students, three years after graduation. (33% 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.