Salem College vs Carolina University
Salem College is a private college in Winston-Salem, NC, and Carolina University is a private university in Winston-Salem, NC. Carolina University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 40% of applicants against 77% at Salem College. Salem College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,277 a year against $20,828 at Carolina University. About 57% of students graduate at Salem College, compared with 24% at Carolina University. Ten years after enrolling, Salem College alumni earn a median of about $44,640, against $32,864 for Carolina University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
423
460
Acceptance rate
77%
40%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.24–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
1066–1243
840–1060
ACT (middle 50%)
16–22
16–21
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,277
$20,828
Full cost / yr
$48,532
$32,680
In-state tuition
$33,848
$17,575
Out-of-state tuition
$33,848
$17,575
Application fee
$0
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$19,074
$17,738
$30k - $48k
$16,001
$17,560
$48k - $75k
$16,147
$22,993
$75k - $110k
$19,940
$23,597
Over $110k
$24,027
$24,152
Outcomes
Graduation rate
57%
24%
Freshman retention
68%
56%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,496
$30,657
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,640
$32,864
Median debt at graduation
$26,649
$20,287
Student body
Pell grant recipients
55%
37%
First-generation students
33%
33%
International students
4%
33%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Jul 1
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 Salem College or Carolina University harder to get into?
- Carolina University is harder to get into. It admits about 40% of applicants, compared with 77% at Salem College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Salem College or Carolina University?
- Salem College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,277 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,828 at Carolina University. 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 Salem College and Carolina University?
- Before aid, Carolina University costs about $32,680 a year and Salem College about $48,532. 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, Salem College or Carolina University?
- Carolina University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,738 there, against about $19,074 at Salem College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Salem College or Carolina University?
- Carolina University is the larger of the two, with about 460 undergraduates against 423 at Salem College.
- Does Salem College or Carolina University have a better graduation rate?
- Salem College has the higher graduation rate, at about 57% against 24% at Carolina University.
- Do graduates of Salem College or Carolina University earn more?
- Salem College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $44,640 ten years after enrolling, against about $32,864 for Carolina University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Salem College and Carolina University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Salem College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Carolina University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Salem College and Carolina University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1066–1243 at Salem College and 840–1060 at Carolina University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Salem College vs University of North Carolina School of the ArtsSalem College vs Saint Augustine's UniversitySalem College vs Brevard CollegeCarolina University vs University of North Carolina School of the ArtsCarolina University vs Saint Augustine's UniversityCarolina University vs Brevard College
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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