Bethany College vs Salem University
Bethany College is a private college in Bethany, WV, and Salem University is a private for-profit university in Salem, WV. Bethany College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 59% of applicants against 100% at Salem University. Salem University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,303 a year against $18,605 at Bethany College. About 47% of students graduate at Bethany College, compared with 24% at Salem University. Ten years after enrolling, Bethany College alumni earn a median of about $44,512, against $34,642 for Salem University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private (for-profit)
Location
Bethany, WV
Salem, WV
Setting
Rural
Rural
Undergraduates
614
892
Acceptance rate
59%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
870–1110
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
18–26
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,605
$12,303
Full cost / yr
$50,758
$18,650
In-state tuition
$36,765
$11,900
Out-of-state tuition
$36,765
$11,900
Application fee
Not reported
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,315
$9,886
$30k - $48k
$15,239
$10,753
$48k - $75k
$17,641
$11,154
$75k - $110k
$22,434
$14,107
Over $110k
$27,214
$14,716
Outcomes
Graduation rate
47%
24%
Freshman retention
54%
55%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$37,124
$31,612
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,512
$34,642
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$24,694
Student body
Pell grant recipients
51%
75%
First-generation students
34%
54%
International students
8%
10%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Bethany College or Salem University harder to get into?
- Bethany College is harder to get into. It admits about 59% of applicants, compared with 100% at Salem University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Bethany College or Salem University?
- Salem University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,303 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,605 at Bethany College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Bethany College and Salem University?
- Before aid, Salem University costs about $18,650 a year and Bethany College about $50,758. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Bethany College or Salem University?
- Salem University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,886 there, against about $14,315 at Bethany College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Bethany College or Salem University?
- Salem University is the larger of the two, with about 892 undergraduates against 614 at Bethany College.
- Does Bethany College or Salem University have a better graduation rate?
- Bethany College has the higher graduation rate, at about 47% against 24% at Salem University.
- Do graduates of Bethany College or Salem University earn more?
- Bethany College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $44,512 ten years after enrolling, against about $34,642 for Salem University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Bethany College and Salem University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Bethany College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Salem University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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