Salem University vs. WVU

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem University in Salem, WV with West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

West Virginia University is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (23,643 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem University is located in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting); West Virginia University is in Morgantown, WV (Small City setting).
• Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem University 19:1; West Virginia University 19:1.

Salem University vs. WVU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem University or WVU? 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 University than WVU ($10,231 vs. $15,169).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 42.4% lower than at West Virginia University ($8,400 vs. $14,582).
• Salem University is 17.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than WVU (about $1,796 more per year; $11,900.00 vs. $10,104.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 140.4% higher at WVU than at Salem University (about $16,708 more per year; $28,608.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at West Virginia University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by West Virginia University students is 44.3% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($12,363 vs. $8,569).

Salem University vs. WVU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Salem University or WVU? 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 WVU and Salem University.

• Salem University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWest Virginia University 1010/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWest Virginia University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem University - Open admission; WVU - Test optional.

Salem University vs. WVU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem University and WVU? 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).

• West Virginia University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from West Virginia University earn a median of about $17,000 more per year than Salem University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Virginia University graduates have a $2,617 lower median loan debt than Salem University graduates ($24,001 vs. $26,618).
• Among borrowers, WVU graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem University graduates ($248 vs. $275).
• More WVU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem University students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 27%)

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.