Salem College vs. Columbia International University

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC with Columbia International University in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia International University is larger than Salem College based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 549 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem College is located in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting); Columbia International University is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Salem College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem College 9:1; Columbia International University 13:1.

Salem College vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem College or Columbia International 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 College than Columbia International University ($18,668 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 12.8% lower than at Salem College ($11,950 vs. $13,710).
• Salem College is 21.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia International University (about $5,948 more per year; $33,848.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.3% higher at Salem College than at Columbia International University (about $5,948 more per year; $33,848.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem College than at Columbia International University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem College students is 76.4% larger than aid received by Columbia International University students ($30,001 vs. $17,009).

Salem College vs. Columbia International University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Salem College or Columbia International 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 Columbia International University and Salem College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem College (1150) is 60 points higher than at Columbia International University (1090).
• Incoming Columbia International University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at Salem College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem College 1066/1243; Columbia International University 990/1195.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem College 16/22; Columbia International University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem College - Test optional; Columbia International University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Salem College (3.3).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than Salem College (76.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.9% at Salem College vs. 35.1% at Columbia International University.

Salem College vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem College and Columbia International 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).

• Columbia International University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Salem College's (53%).
• Graduates from Salem College earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($35,000 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Salem College graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem College graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem College students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.