Salem, WV · Private University
Is Salem University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$34,642
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$10,750
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$13,750
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$55,000
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.52x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Graduation Rate
27.3%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$24,694
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$14,469
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Salem University graduates earn $10,358 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Salem University ranked by graduate earnings
67 graduates
26 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Salem University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and OperationsBest ROI | $44,199 | 3.2x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $36,756 | 2.7x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Salem University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $34,642 10 years after starting, $10,358 below the national median of $45,000. In-state students pay $10,750/year, significantly less than the $13,750 out-of-state rate, which substantially improves the ROI picture for state residents.
Ready to apply to Salem University?
See your odds of admission based on your GPA and test scores.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.