At $14,469/yr net price, Salem University graduates earn $34,642/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $642/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,469 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $57,876 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,642/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$642/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 90.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,694 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,462/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,635/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,427/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,442/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,258/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
27.3% of students at Salem University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Salem University delivers weak financial returns that should give you serious pause. With median post-graduation earnings of just $34,642 against a median debt load of $24,694, your payback timeline stretches uncomfortably long for most programs.
Educational Administration stands out as the clear winner, generating $57,705 in median earnings, but this graduate-level program serves a narrow audience of aspiring school administrators. Curriculum and Instruction follows at $52,643 with relatively manageable debt of $18,090, making it your best bet if you're targeting education careers.
The business programs tell a concerning story. Despite identical names, earnings vary wildly from $32,925 to $41,342, while debt loads reach $30,117 for some tracks. This inconsistency suggests program quality varies significantly within the same department.
The 27% graduation rate represents a major financial risk. More than seven out of ten students leave without completing their degree, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The 52% retention rate means half of your classmates will disappear after freshman year.
Salem works financially only if you're pursuing educational leadership or curriculum design with clear career advancement plans already in motion. The school's West Virginia location limits job market access, making career placement more challenging than at urban institutions.
Avoid Salem if you're exploring general business or nursing assistant programs. Community colleges offer similar vocational training at fraction of the cost with better job placement rates. Your financial aid dollars stretch further at public alternatives that deliver stronger employment outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salem University worth the cost?
Salem University's graduates earn $34,642 ten years after enrollment, which is low compared to the $14,469 annual cost and $24,694 median debt. With only 27% of students graduating, the financial risk is significant for most students.
What are the best paying programs at Salem University?
Educational Administration and Supervision pays the highest at $57,705, followed by Curriculum and Instruction at $52,643. Business programs range from $32,925 to $41,342, while nursing assistant programs average $31,848.
How much debt do Salem University graduates have?
The median debt for Salem University graduates is $24,694. Given that average earnings are only $34,642 ten years after enrollment, this debt level represents a substantial burden relative to income potential.
What is Salem University's graduation rate?
Salem University has a 27% graduation rate, meaning nearly three out of four students who start don't finish their degree. This low completion rate significantly increases the financial risk of attending.