NNU vs. Salem College

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, ID with Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwest Nazarene University is larger than Salem College based on total student enrollment (1,635 students vs. 549 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwest Nazarene University is located in Nampa, ID (Small City setting); Salem College is in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Northwest Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwest Nazarene University 14:1; Salem College 9:1.

NNU vs. Salem College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NNU or Salem College? 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 College than NNU ($18,668 vs. $30,178).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest Nazarene University are 12% lower than at Salem College ($12,070 vs. $13,710).
• Northwest Nazarene University is 20.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem College (about $6,946 more per year; $40,794.00 vs. $33,848.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.5% higher at NNU than at Salem College (about $6,946 more per year; $40,794.00 vs. $33,848.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem College than at Northwest Nazarene University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem College students is 19.3% larger than aid received by Northwest Nazarene University students ($30,001 vs. $25,146).

NNU vs. Salem College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NNU or Salem College? 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 College and NNU.

• Northwest Nazarene University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem College (1150) is 30 points higher than at NNU (1120).
• Incoming NNU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 19 at Salem College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 1005/1240; Salem College 1066/1243.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 22/27; Salem College 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NNU - Open admission; Salem College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NNU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NNU students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Salem College (3.3).
• Salem College has a higher acceptance rate (76.7%) than NNU (64.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.9% at NNU vs. 7.9% at Salem College.

NNU vs. Salem College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NNU and Salem College? 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).

• Salem College's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Northwest Nazarene University's (52%).
• Graduates from Northwest Nazarene University earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than Salem College graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,000 vs. $35,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwest Nazarene University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Salem College graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, NNU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem College graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More NNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem College students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 53%)

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.