Salem University
Salem University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Salem University Worth It?
At a value score of 17/100, Salem University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $34,642 — 36% below average — while paying $12,303/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 24% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 2 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $24,694 representing 71% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Salem University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Salem University compares to peer for-profit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #20 of 37 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Strayer University-Florida | 62 | $16,064 | $40,092 |
| #2 | West Virginia Junior College-Morgantown | 34 | $15,520 | $31,912 |
| #3 | InterCoast Colleges-West Covina | 30 | $27,536 | $36,089 |
| #4 | Southeastern College-Boynton Beach | 28 | $28,820 | $41,200 |
| #5 | Platt College-Ontario | 28 | $20,711 | $40,669 |
| #6 | Platt College-Anaheim | 28 | $22,678 | $40,669 |
| #20 | Salem University | 17 | $12,303 | $34,642 |
Peer group: for-profit colleges within ±60% of Salem University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in WV.
Best Programs at Salem University
The highest-earning program at Salem University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $29,100/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Salem University earns $29,100, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $29,100. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $23,442 in median debt vs. $23,442 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $12,303/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $29,100 | $29,100 | $23,442 |
Similar Colleges in WV
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- for-profit
- Location
- Salem, WV
- Student Body
- 892 students
- Graduation Rate
- 24%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $12,303
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $34,642
- Median Student Debt
- $24,694