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Salem University vs West Liberty University

Salem University is a private for-profit university in Salem, WV. West Liberty University is a public university in West Liberty, WV. West Liberty University admits about 97% of applicants and Salem University about 100%, making West Liberty University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,303 a year at Salem University after aid, and about $15,366 at West Liberty University. About 60% of students graduate at West Liberty University, compared with 24% at Salem University. Ten years after enrolling, West Liberty University alumni earn a median of about $43,296, against $34,642 for Salem University.

Salem University

Salem, WV · Private (for-profit)

West Liberty University

West Liberty, WV · Public
At a glance
Type
Private (for-profit)
Public
Location
Salem, WV
West Liberty, WV
Setting
Rural
Rural
Undergraduates
892
1,511
Acceptance rate
100%
97%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.7
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
890–1123
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
18–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,303
$15,366
Full cost / yr
$18,650
$23,809
In-state tuition
$11,900
$8,893
Out-of-state tuition
$11,900
$17,442
Application fee
Not reported
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,886
$12,714
$30k - $48k
$10,753
$14,460
$48k - $75k
$11,154
$15,087
$75k - $110k
$14,107
$17,362
Over $110k
$14,716
$18,566
Outcomes
Graduation rate
24%
60%
Freshman retention
55%
69%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$31,612
$36,822
Median earnings (10 yr)
$34,642
$43,296
Median debt at graduation
$24,694
$23,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
75%
32%
First-generation students
54%
36%
International students
10%
3%
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Salem University or West Liberty University harder to get into?
West Liberty University is harder to get into. It admits about 97% 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, Salem University or West Liberty University?
Salem University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,303 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $15,366 at West Liberty 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 University and West Liberty University?
Before aid, Salem University costs about $18,650 a year and West Liberty University about $23,809. 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 University or West Liberty University?
Salem University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,886 there, against about $12,714 at West Liberty University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Salem University or West Liberty University?
West Liberty University is the larger of the two, with about 1,511 undergraduates against 892 at Salem University.
Does Salem University or West Liberty University have a better graduation rate?
West Liberty University has the higher graduation rate, at about 60% against 24% at Salem University.
Do graduates of Salem University or West Liberty University earn more?
West Liberty University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $43,296 ten years after enrolling, against about $34,642 for Salem University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Salem University and West Liberty University require SAT or ACT scores?
Salem University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. West Liberty University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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