Salem College vs Winston-Salem State University
Salem College is a private college in Winston-Salem, NC, and Winston-Salem State University is a public university in Winston-Salem, NC. Salem College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 77% of applicants against 78% at Winston-Salem State University. Winston-Salem State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,479 a year against $18,277 at Salem College. About 57% of students graduate at Salem College, compared with 48% at Winston-Salem State University. Ten years after enrolling, Winston-Salem State University alumni earn a median of about $45,344, against $44,640 for Salem College.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
423
4,170
Acceptance rate
77%
78%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.28–3.78
SAT (middle 50%)
1066–1243
830–1020
ACT (middle 50%)
16–22
15–20
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,277
$13,479
Full cost / yr
$48,532
$23,147
In-state tuition
$33,848
$6,126
Out-of-state tuition
$33,848
$16,782
Application fee
$0
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$19,074
$11,463
$30k - $48k
$16,001
$12,412
$48k - $75k
$16,147
$14,681
$75k - $110k
$19,940
$18,813
Over $110k
$24,027
$21,405
Outcomes
Graduation rate
57%
48%
Freshman retention
68%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,496
$40,557
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,640
$45,344
Median debt at graduation
$26,649
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
55%
65%
First-generation students
33%
35%
International students
4%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Jun 28
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 Winston-Salem State University harder to get into?
- Salem College is harder to get into. It admits about 77% of applicants, compared with 78% at Winston-Salem State 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, Salem College or Winston-Salem State University?
- Winston-Salem State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,479 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,277 at Salem 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 Salem College and Winston-Salem State University?
- Before aid, Winston-Salem State University costs about $23,147 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 Winston-Salem State University?
- Winston-Salem State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,463 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 Winston-Salem State University?
- Winston-Salem State University is the larger of the two, with about 4,170 undergraduates against 423 at Salem College.
- Does Salem College or Winston-Salem State University have a better graduation rate?
- Salem College has the higher graduation rate, at about 57% against 48% at Winston-Salem State University.
- Do graduates of Salem College or Winston-Salem State University earn more?
- Winston-Salem State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $45,344 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,640 for Salem College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Salem College and Winston-Salem State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Salem College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Winston-Salem State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Salem College and Winston-Salem State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1066–1243 at Salem College and 830–1020 at Winston-Salem State 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 Carolina UniversityWinston-Salem State University vs Davidson CollegeWinston-Salem State University vs Johnson C Smith UniversityWinston-Salem State University vs Queens University of Charlotte
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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