Kent State University at Salem vs. West Liberty University

Comparable Facts

Compare Kent State University at Salem in Salem, OH with West Liberty University in West Liberty, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

West Liberty University is larger than Kent State University at Salem based on total student enrollment (2,299 students vs. 1,633 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Kent State University at Salem is located in Salem, OH (Rural Fringe setting); West Liberty University is in West Liberty, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Kent State University at Salem is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Liberty University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Kent State University at Salem 26:1; West Liberty University 12:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Kent State University at Salem are 7.2% lower than at West Liberty University ($11,810 vs. $12,728).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.6% higher at West Liberty University than at Kent State University at Salem (about $100 more per year; $17,442 vs. $17,342).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at West Liberty University than at Kent State University at Salem (87% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by West Liberty University students is 41.1% larger than aid received by Kent State University at Salem students ($7,248 vs. $5,135).

Admissions details

• SAT or ACT scores are open admission at Kent State University at Salem, test optional at West Liberty University.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kent State University at Salem Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at West Liberty University average a 3.53 high school GPA, 0.26 higher than at Kent State University at Salem (3.27).

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Liberty University graduates have a $1,208 lower median loan debt than Kent State University at Salem graduates ($24,617 vs. $25,825).
• Among borrowers, West Liberty University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kent State University at Salem graduates ($254 vs. $267).
• More West Liberty University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kent State University at Salem students, three years after graduation (49% vs. 46%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.