Salem College vs. WSSU

Comparable Facts

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

Winston Salem State University is larger than Salem College based on total student enrollment (4,782 students vs. 549 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Salem College vs. WSSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem College or WSSU? 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 Winston Salem State University than Salem College ($12,989 vs. $18,668).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winston Salem State University are 16.2% lower than at Salem College ($11,484 vs. $13,710).
• Salem College is 452.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSSU (about $27,722 more per year; $33,848.00 vs. $6,126.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 101.7% higher at Salem College than at Winston Salem State University (about $17,066 more per year; $33,848.00 vs. $16,782.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem College than at Winston Salem State University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem College students is 198.3% larger than aid received by Winston Salem State University students ($30,001 vs. $10,057).

Salem College vs. WSSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem College (1150) is 220 points higher than at WSSU (930).
• Incoming Salem College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at WSSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem College 1066/1243; Winston Salem State University 830/1020.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem College 16/22; Winston Salem State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem College - Test optional; WSSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSSU Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Salem College students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at WSSU (3.01).
• WSSU has a higher acceptance rate (78.3%) than Salem College (76.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.9% at Salem College vs. 13.1% at WSSU.

Salem College vs. WSSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem College and WSSU? 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 Winston Salem State University's (41%).
• Graduates from Winston Salem State University earn a median of about $700 more per year than Salem College graduates about ten years after starting college ($35,700 vs. $35,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Winston Salem State University graduates have a $1,337 lower median loan debt than Salem College graduates ($25,663 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WSSU graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem College graduates ($265 vs. $279).
• More Salem College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSSU students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 33%)

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.