AU vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

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

Averett University is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (1,476 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

AU vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU 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 AU ($10,231 vs. $23,471).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 42.2% lower than at Averett University ($8,400 vs. $14,530).
• Averett University is 223.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem University (about $26,650 more per year; $38,550.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 223.9% higher at AU than at Salem University (about $26,650 more per year; $38,550.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at Averett University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Averett University students is 250.1% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($29,998 vs. $8,569).

AU vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AU 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 AU.

• Salem University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Averett University 926/1143.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Averett University 15/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Salem University - Open admission.

AU vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU 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).

• Averett University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Averett University earn a median of about $14,800 more per year than Salem University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,400 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Averett University graduates have a $1,618 lower median loan debt than Salem University graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,618).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem University graduates ($258 vs. $275).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem University students, three years after graduation. (51% 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.