Salem College vs. Longwood University

Comparable Facts

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

Longwood University is larger than Salem College based on total student enrollment (4,612 students vs. 549 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem College is located in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting); Longwood University is in Farmville, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Salem College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Longwood University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem College 9:1; Longwood University 15:1.

Salem College vs. Longwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem College or Longwood 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 Longwood University ($18,668 vs. $20,847).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem College are 21.3% lower than at Longwood University ($13,710 vs. $17,424).
• Salem College is 115% more expensive for in-state tuition than Longwood University (about $18,104 more per year; $33,848.00 vs. $15,744.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21% higher at Salem College than at Longwood University (about $5,870 more per year; $33,848.00 vs. $27,978.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem College than at Longwood University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem College students is 115% larger than aid received by Longwood University students ($30,001 vs. $13,954).

Salem College vs. Longwood University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem College (1150) is 30 points higher than at Longwood University (1120).
• Incoming Longwood 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; Longwood University 1030/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem College 16/22; Longwood University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem College - Test optional; Longwood University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Longwood University students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Salem College (3.3).
• Longwood University has a higher acceptance rate (90.2%) than Salem College (76.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.9% at Salem College vs. 17% at Longwood University.

Salem College vs. Longwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem College and Longwood 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).

• Longwood University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Salem College's (53%).
• Graduates from Longwood University earn a median of about $8,200 more per year than Salem College graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,200 vs. $35,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Longwood University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Salem College graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Longwood University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem College graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Longwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem College students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.