Salem College vs. Converse University

Comparable Facts

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

Converse University is larger than Salem College based on total student enrollment (1,787 students vs. 549 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem College is located in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting); Converse University is in Spartanburg, SC (Small City setting).
• Salem College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Converse University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem College 9:1; Converse University 12:1.

Salem College vs. Converse University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem College or Converse 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 Converse University ($18,668 vs. $19,061).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Converse University are 2.4% lower than at Salem College ($13,380 vs. $13,710).
• Salem College is 34.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Converse University (about $8,608 more per year; $33,848.00 vs. $25,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.1% higher at Salem College than at Converse University (about $8,608 more per year; $33,848.00 vs. $25,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem College than at Converse University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem College students is 61.5% larger than aid received by Converse University students ($30,001 vs. $18,575).

Salem College vs. Converse University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem College (1150) is 20 points higher than at Converse University (1130).
• Incoming Converse University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at Salem College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem College 1066/1243; Converse University 1010/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem College 16/22; Converse University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem College - Test optional; Converse University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Converse University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Converse University students have a 0.59 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Salem College (3.3).
• Salem College has a higher acceptance rate (76.7%) than Converse University (67.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.9% at Salem College vs. 12% at Converse University.

Salem College vs. Converse University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem College and Converse 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).

• Converse University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Salem College's (53%).
• Graduates from Salem College earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than Converse University graduates about ten years after starting college ($35,000 vs. $33,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Converse University graduates have a $48 lower median loan debt than Salem College graduates ($26,952 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Converse University graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem College graduates ($278 vs. $279).
• More Converse University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem College students, three years after graduation. (58% 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.