Salem College vs. KSU

Comparable Facts

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

Kennesaw State University is larger than Salem College based on total student enrollment (47,764 students vs. 549 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem College is located in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting); Kennesaw State University is in Kennesaw, GA (Large Suburban setting).
• Salem College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Kennesaw State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem College 9:1; Kennesaw State University 23:1.

Salem College vs. KSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem College or KSU? 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 Kennesaw State University than Salem College ($15,636 vs. $18,668).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Kennesaw State University are 3.1% lower than at Salem College ($13,287 vs. $13,710).
• Salem College is 482.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than KSU (about $28,040 more per year; $33,848.00 vs. $5,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 90.8% higher at Salem College than at Kennesaw State University (about $16,112 more per year; $33,848.00 vs. $17,736.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem College than at Kennesaw State University (100% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem College students is 264.8% larger than aid received by Kennesaw State University students ($30,001 vs. $8,223).

Salem College vs. KSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem College (1150) is 40 points higher than at KSU (1110).
• Incoming KSU 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; Kennesaw State University 1000/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem College 16/22; Kennesaw State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem College - Test optional; KSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: KSU Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman KSU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at Salem College (3.3).
• Salem College has a higher acceptance rate (76.7%) than KSU (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.9% at Salem College vs. 38% at KSU.

Salem College vs. KSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kennesaw State University graduates have a $5,800 lower median loan debt than Salem College graduates ($21,200 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, KSU graduates have an estimated $60 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem College graduates ($219 vs. $279).
• More KSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem College students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.