Skip to content
CollegeRanker
Colleges / NC / Winston-Salem
Salem College logo

Salem College

Private nonprofit Winston-Salem, NC · Urban · Southeast · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
57%
Graduation Rate
$44,640
Earnings (10yr)
$18,277
Net Price
77%
Acceptance Rate

Find Your Program

Match With an Accredited Program Accepting Applicants

Explore accredited programs — fast, free, no obligation.

✓ Accredited programs ✓ 100% free ✓ No obligation

Overview

Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC, is a solid choice for students interested in a personalized education experience. With an enrollment of just 423, the school fosters a close-knit community where students can thrive in programs like Visual & Performing Arts, Business & Marketing, Education, and Biology. The acceptance rate of 77% means that many students can find a welcoming academic home here, especially those seeking a hands-on approach to their studies.

After graduation, students can expect to earn around $44,640 within ten years. This figure highlights the potential for a decent return on investment after completing a degree. With a median debt of $26,649, graduates can navigate their financial landscape relatively well. The affordability is further underscored by a net price of $18,277, making it accessible for a range of students. The fact that 55% of students receive Pell Grants indicates a commitment to supporting those with financial need.

When it comes to the bottom line, Salem College has a cost structure that many students can manage. While the graduation rate sits at 57%, those who choose to attend often find a supportive environment that helps them to succeed. Students who thrive here tend to value community engagement, individualized attention, and a variety of academic pathways. It’s an inviting option for those looking for a nurturing atmosphere to explore their educational goals.

Rankings

How Salem Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation57%Earnings 10yr$45KNet Price$18KRetention68%Median Debt$27KPell Grant Rate55%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$19K$0-30K$16K$30-48K$16K$48-75K$24K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%602.3%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%1408.0%MOBILITY84.81%

Cost & Financial Aid

$33,848
In-State Tuition
$33,848
Out-of-State
$18,277
Avg Net Price
$26,649
Median Debt
55%
Pell Grant Rate
45%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$19,074
Family Income $0–$30K
$16,001
Family Income $30K–$48K
$16,147
Family Income $48K–$75K
$24,027
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$38,496
6 Years After Entry
$42,430
8 Years
$44,640
10 Years
0.6x
Debt-to-Earnings
60%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$38,496 6yr $42,430 8yr $44,640 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

84.81%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
1408.0%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
602.3%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$84,200
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.40
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.09
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
10.7%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 77%
Retention Rate 68%
SAT Average 1082
ACT Midpoint 19
SAT Range 1066–1243
ACT Range 16–22
Full-Time Faculty 51%
Faculty Salary (mo) $6,493
Diversity Index 0.68
First-Gen Students 33%

Top Programs

Visual & Performing Arts 26%
Business & Marketing 12%
Education 12%
Biology & Biomedical 7%
English & Literature 7%
Humanities 7%
Health Professions 5%
Physical Sciences 4%