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's numbers are weak. Ten years after enrolling, your median earnings sit at $34,642, which is close to what many people make without a four-year degree. Median debt of $24,694 puts you underwater against those earnings for years. The 27% graduation rate is the biggest red flag: fewer than three in ten students who start here finish, and if you leave with debt but no degree, the math gets worse fast.
Only two bachelor's programs report earnings, and neither pays off well. Business Administration graduates earn $32,925 while carrying $23,802 in debt. Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates earn less, $29,685, against $22,177 in debt. In both cases you owe roughly two-thirds of your first-decade annual salary. Criminal justice is the weaker bet here since West Virginia's corrections and law enforcement pay scales cap your upside, and the earnings back that up.
The financial risk specific to Salem is completion. A retention rate near 52% means about half of first-year students don't return. You borrow expecting a degree, and the odds you actually get one are below even. That's the core problem, not the sticker price.
The net price barely moves with income. If your family earns under $30k, you pay $12,462. over $110k, you pay $16,258. Lower-income families get only modest relief, so this school is not meaningfully cheaper for you if money is tight.
Salem could work for you if you're confident you'll graduate, want the business track specifically, and have a clear job lined up locally. If you're unsure about finishing or considering criminal justice, look at a public in-state option first. The debt you'd take on here is hard to justify against what graduates actually earn.
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.