Salem University: $10,750 Tuition

$10,750Tuition

695Students

27%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$34,642Earnings

#24 in West VirginiaPrivate forprofit4-yearNCAA Division IIData: 2023-24

About Salem University

Salem University draws students seeking a small-school experience in rural West Virginia. The private university enrolls just 695 students, creating an intimate campus atmosphere where everyone knows each other. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, professors can provide individual attention that larger institutions can't match. The Tigers compete in NCAA Division II athletics as an independent program across 11 varsity sports.

Students pay an average net price of $14,469 after financial aid, with 51% receiving Pell Grants. That investment faces serious questions when examined against outcomes. Graduates earn a median of $34,642 ten years after enrollment, while carrying typical debt of $24,694 with monthly payments of $262. The employment rate reaches 93.8%, but the loan repayment rate sits at just 27%. Only 27% of students graduate within six years, and barely half return for their sophomore year.

The student body draws heavily from out of state, with just 17% of students calling West Virginia home. Women make up 57% of enrollment, while the campus is 54% white and 14% Black. With housing for only 367 students on a campus of nearly 700, many students live off campus in the small town of Salem.

Academics & Faculty

Salem University operates as a private institution serving 695 students with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention in small classes. The university has built its reputation around practical, career-focused programs that prepare students for immediate workforce entry. However, the 27% graduation rate reflects significant academic challenges that many students face. Just over half of students return for their sophomore year, indicating retention struggles common among institutions serving first-generation college students. Salem has historically emphasized business, criminal justice, and health-related programs that appeal to working adults and non-traditional students seeking flexible degree options in rural West Virginia.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 27.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 27.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 27.3%
Retention Rate: 52.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $34,642
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Certificate	$57,705
Curriculum and Instruction.	Master	$52,643
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$41,342
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$32,925
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$31,848
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$29,685
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$23,649

View all 26 programs →

Campus Life

Salem University sits in rural West Virginia where students need winter coats for snowy months and light jackets for mild summers. The campus houses 367 students, meaning about half the 695-person student body lives on campus. The nearest major city, Charleston, lies roughly two hours away through winding mountain roads.

With only 11 varsity sports and 249 total athletes, Salem maintains an intimate athletic program where Tigers compete as NCAA Division II independents. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates small classes where professors know students by name. Weekend activities center around campus events and outdoor recreation in the surrounding Appalachian foothills. Students often drive to nearby towns for entertainment since Salem itself offers limited nightlife options.

The rural setting means strong campus community bonds form quickly among the small student body. Many students come from out-of-state (82.68%) seeking affordable private education and personal attention. Social life revolves around residence hall activities, athletic events, and the tight-knit relationships that develop naturally in such a small mountain community.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Housing Capacity: 367 beds
Calendar System: Other
Founded: 1888

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 20°–40°F
July Avg: 62°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 49.1"
Annual Snowfall: 23.2"

Student Demographics

Salem University draws students from across the country, with over 80% coming from outside West Virginia. The school serves a working-class population, with more than half qualifying for Pell Grants. Women slightly outnumber men on campus, reflecting strong programs in health sciences and education that have become the university's calling cards. The diverse student body includes significant representation from Black and Hispanic communities. This private institution has built its reputation as an accessible pathway to professional careers, particularly attracting first-generation college students seeking practical degrees in growing fields.

Men: 42.6%
Women: 57.4%
White: 54.0%
Black: 14.4%
Hispanic: 5.6%
Asian: 0.7%
In-State Students: 17.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 51.4%

Location

Salem University sits in Salem, West Virginia, about 90 miles south of Pittsburgh and 120 miles northeast of Charleston. The campus draws students from across the country, with only 17% coming from West Virginia. Salem is a small town of roughly 1,300 residents nestled in the rolling hills of north-central West Virginia. The rural setting offers outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, fishing, and hunting in the surrounding Appalachian foothills. The town maintains a close relationship with the university, which has been part of the community since 1888. Students considering colleges in West Virginia may also compare Salem University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Salem, West Virginia 26426

SALEM COLLEGE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, HARRISON COUNTY, WV;

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $34,642
Median Earnings (5 years): $56,778
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 27.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $262/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,694

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Salem University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $14,469 annually at this small private university. The school keeps costs relatively affordable with 33% of students receiving institutional grants averaging $7,955. Salem draws primarily out-of-state students, with only 17% coming from West Virginia.

What is the graduation rate at Salem University?

Only 27% of students graduate within six years at Salem University. The retention rate of 52% means about half of first-year students don't return for their sophomore year. These low completion rates reflect the challenges many students face at this rural West Virginia institution.

How much do Salem University graduates earn after college?

Salem University alumni earn a median of $34,642 ten years after graduation. Graduates typically leave with $24,694 in student loan debt and monthly payments of $262. The school maintains a 94% employment rate, though earnings remain below national averages for college graduates.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Salem University?

Salem University maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio across its 695 enrolled students. The small enrollment creates an intimate campus environment in rural West Virginia. Founded in 1888, the university has operated as a private institution serving students primarily from outside the state.

Does Salem University offer athletic scholarships?

Salem University awards $1.6 million in athletic scholarships across 11 varsity sports programs. The Tigers compete as an NCAA Division II independent with 249 total student-athletes. Athletics represents a significant part of campus life at this small rural university.

Where is Salem University located and what type of setting does it have?

Salem University sits in Salem, West Virginia, classified as a rural-distant location. The campus houses 367 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. This remote mountain setting appeals to students seeking a small-town college experience away from urban distractions.