Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 27.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 27.3%
- Retention Rate
- 52.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $34,642
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,694
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 27.5%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $262/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $57,705 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $52,643 | $18,090 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $41,342 | $30,117 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $23,802 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $31,848 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $22,177 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $23,649 |
Outcomes Overview
Salem graduates enter the workforce with median debt of $24,694 and earn $34,642 ten years after graduation. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 71%, well above the recommended 40% threshold. Monthly loan payments of $262 consume about 9% of typical graduate income. The 27% loan repayment rate signals serious financial strain among alumni. Salem's rural location and focus on practical programs like business and nursing typically lead graduates to local healthcare systems and small businesses in West Virginia. With 93.8% employment rate, graduates find jobs but struggle with debt burdens. The financial return represents a weak investment given the high debt relative to earning potential.