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Salem University : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Salem University

Set in the hills of West Virginia, Salem University's known for practical, career-focused study across business, health, education, criminal justice, and technology. Classes lean on discussion and applied work, backed by labs and a focused library. Advising, tutoring, career services, housing, dining, and a fitness center anchor a close-knit, unpretentious campus.

Student life brings clubs, service, and intramurals, with trails and water nearby for quick resets. The university has a reputation for flexible schedules that suit working students, and for building internships and employer ties into coursework. Downtown Salem adds small-town hospitality and chances to learn with local schools, clinics, and businesses. Traditions tilt community-first, from weekend games to volunteer days.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 223 W Main St, Salem, West Virginia, 26426, USA
Website: salemu.edu
Unit ID: 237783

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private for-profit institution (operates for revenue)
Accreditation: HLC
Length of Study: Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System: Continuous system (students enroll and graduate at any time)
Award Levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Research)
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Master's - Medium programs
Campus Setting: Located in a distant rural area (5-25 miles from urban area)
Tuition: In-state: $10,750 (Tuition $10,200 + Fee $550) · Out-of-state: $13,750 (Tuition $13,200 + Fee $550)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 894
Undergraduate: 695
Graduate/Other: 199
Male: 385 Female: 509
Applications:
Total Applicants: Not available
Admitted: Not available
Enrolled: Not available
Staff:
Total: 185 Full-time: 111 Part-time: 74

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Salem University with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in West Virginia. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in West Virginia vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Business (4)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0201 Business Administration and Management, General. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+, PostBacCert, FPD)
A program that generally prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct, and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization. Includes instruction in management theory, human resources management and behavior, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.

Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National West Virginia Avg WV vs US
11-1011 Chief Executives $262,930 $178,170 -$84,760 (-32.2%)
11-1021 General and Operations Managers $133,120 $98,760 -$34,360 (-25.8%)
11-2022 Sales Managers $160,930 $108,650 -$52,280 (-32.5%)
11-3012 Administrative Services Managers $126,030 $82,960 -$43,070 (-34.2%)
11-3013 Facilities Managers $114,520 $108,260 -$6,260 (-5.5%)
11-3051 Industrial Production Managers $129,180 $111,810 -$17,370 (-13.4%)
11-3071 Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $116,010 $110,650 -$5,360 (-4.6%)
11-3111 Compensation and Benefits Managers $156,230 $107,170 -$49,060 (-31.4%)
11-3121 Human Resources Managers $160,480 $109,970 -$50,510 (-31.5%)
11-3131 Training and Development Managers $140,590 $112,160 -$28,430 (-20.2%)
11-9021 Construction Managers $119,660 $88,570 -$31,090 (-26%)
11-9072 Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $87,060 $51,180 -$35,880 (-41.2%)
11-9151 Social and Community Service Managers $86,100 $67,170 -$18,930 (-22%)
11-9179 Personal Service Managers, All Other $70,620 N/A N/A
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $118,450 -$31,440 (-21%)
13-1051 Cost Estimators $83,160 $80,200 -$2,960 (-3.6%)
13-1071 Human Resources Specialists $79,730 $66,950 -$12,780 (-16%)
13-1081 Logisticians $87,600 $78,250 -$9,350 (-10.7%)
13-1082 Project Management Specialists $108,100 $90,480 -$17,620 (-16.3%)
13-1111 Management Analysts $114,710 $81,710 -$33,000 (-28.8%)
13-1141 Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $82,920 $69,730 -$13,190 (-15.9%)
13-1199 Business Operations Specialists, All Other $92,380 $54,240 -$38,140 (-41.3%)
25-1011 Business Teachers, Postsecondary $113,840 $98,240 -$15,600 (-13.7%)
Education (6)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
13.0301 Curriculum and Instruction. (PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the curriculum and related instructional processes and tools, and that may prepare individuals to serve as professional curriculum specialists. Includes instruction in curriculum theory, curriculum design and planning, instructional material design and evaluation, curriculum evaluation, and applications to specific subject matter, programs or educational levels.

Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National West Virginia Avg WV vs US
25-1081 Education Teachers, Postsecondary $78,500 $72,470 -$6,030 (-7.7%)
25-9031 Instructional Coordinators $77,600 $57,940 -$19,660 (-25.3%)
13.0401 Educational Leadership and Administration, General. (PostBacCert, MSc)
A program that focuses on the general principles and techniques of administering a wide variety of schools and other educational organizations and facilities, supervising educational personnel at the school or staff level, and that may prepare individuals as general administrators and supervisors.

Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National West Virginia Avg WV vs US
11-9031 Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $62,640 $47,440 -$15,200 (-24.3%)
11-9032 Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $113,360 $77,630 -$35,730 (-31.5%)
11-9033 Education Administrators, Postsecondary $124,450 $86,540 -$37,910 (-30.5%)
11-9039 Education Administrators, All Other $99,460 $72,420 -$27,040 (-27.2%)
13.1206 Teacher Education, Multiple Levels. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to teach students at more than one educational level, such as a combined program in elementary/secondary, early childhood/elementary, elementary/middle school, or junior high/high school teacher education.

Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National West Virginia Avg WV vs US
25-1081 Education Teachers, Postsecondary $78,500 $72,470 -$6,030 (-7.7%)
25-2011 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $41,450 $34,760 -$6,690 (-16.1%)
25-2012 Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $67,020 $55,690 -$11,330 (-16.9%)
25-2021 Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $69,790 $52,360 -$17,430 (-25%)
25-2022 Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $70,040 $49,970 -$20,070 (-28.7%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $53,730 -$19,970 (-27.1%)
13.1401 Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor. (BSc)
A program that focuses on the principles and practice of teaching English to students who are not proficient in English or who do not speak, read or write English, and that may prepare individuals to function as teachers and administrators in such programs.

Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National West Virginia Avg WV vs US
25-2011 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $41,450 $34,760 -$6,690 (-16.1%)
25-2012 Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $67,020 $55,690 -$11,330 (-16.9%)
25-2021 Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $69,790 $52,360 -$17,430 (-25%)
25-2022 Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $70,040 $49,970 -$20,070 (-28.7%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $53,730 -$19,970 (-27.1%)
25-3011 Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $64,660 $54,250 -$10,410 (-16.1%)
Security & Safety (5)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
43.0104 Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the criminal justice system, its organizational components and processes, and its legal and public policy contexts. Includes instruction in criminal law and policy, police and correctional systems organization, the administration of justice and the judiciary, and public attitudes regarding criminal justice issues.

Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National West Virginia Avg WV vs US
19-4099 Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $64,640 $52,280 -$12,360 (-19.1%)
25-1111 Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $84,820 $74,230 -$10,590 (-12.5%)
33-1011 First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $82,260 $57,170 -$25,090 (-30.5%)
33-1012 First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $110,990 $76,440 -$34,550 (-31.1%)
43.0403 Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism. (PostBacCert)
A program focusing on the principles and techniques used to identify, search, seize and analyze digital media and to conduct cyber investigations against criminal and terrorist activity. Includes instruction in computer boot processes and drives, jumper setting, file access and reconstruction, hacking, network systems, cryptography, programming, investigative techniques, forensic imagery, web-based investigation methods, cyberterrorism, and applicable laws and administrative procedures.

Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National West Virginia Avg WV vs US
15-1212 Information Security Analysts $127,730 $108,560 -$19,170 (-15%)
15-1299 Computer Occupations, All Other $116,700 $103,070 -$13,630 (-11.7%)
25-1111 Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $84,820 $74,230 -$10,590 (-12.5%)
33-3021 Detectives and Criminal Investigators $98,770 $94,430 -$4,340 (-4.4%)
33-9021 Private Detectives and Investigators $61,680 $52,480 -$9,200 (-14.9%)
43.0406 Forensic Science and Technology. (PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the application of the physical, biomedical, and social sciences to the analysis and evaluation of physical evidence, human testimony and criminal suspects. Includes instruction in forensic medicine, forensic dentistry, anthropology, psychology, entomology, pathology, forensic laboratory technology and autopsy procedures, DNA and blood pattern analysis, crime scene analysis, crime scene photography, fingerprint technology, document analysis, witness and suspect examination procedures, applicable law and regulations, and professional standards and ethics.

Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National West Virginia Avg WV vs US
19-4092 Forensic Science Technicians $75,260 $62,470 -$12,790 (-17%)
19-4099 Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $64,640 $52,280 -$12,360 (-19.1%)
25-1111 Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $84,820 $74,230 -$10,590 (-12.5%)
Computer & IT (5)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.0101 Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
A general program that focuses on computing, computer science, and information science and systems. Such programs are undifferentiated as to title and content and are not to be confused with specific programs in computer science, information science, or related support services.

Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National West Virginia Avg WV vs US
11-3021 Computer and Information Systems Managers $187,990 $138,420 -$49,570 (-26.4%)
15-1211 Computer Systems Analysts $111,960 $100,160 -$11,800 (-10.5%)
15-1221 Computer and Information Research Scientists $152,310 $187,000 +$34,690 (+22.8%)
15-1241 Computer Network Architects $135,890 $92,680 -$43,210 (-31.8%)
15-1242 Database Administrators $107,440 $77,900 -$29,540 (-27.5%)
15-1243 Database Architects $142,620 N/A N/A
15-1244 Network and Computer Systems Administrators $101,190 $75,390 -$25,800 (-25.5%)
15-1253 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $110,260 $96,920 -$13,340 (-12.1%)
15-1255 Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,450 $89,950 -$21,500 (-19.3%)
15-1299 Computer Occupations, All Other $116,700 $103,070 -$13,630 (-11.7%)
25-1021 Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $105,830 $83,860 -$21,970 (-20.8%)
11.0103 Information Technology. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the design of technological information systems, including computing systems, as solutions to business and research data and communications support needs. Includes instruction in the principles of computer hardware and software components, algorithms, databases, telecommunications, user tactics, application testing, and human interface design.

Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National West Virginia Avg WV vs US
11-3021 Computer and Information Systems Managers $187,990 $138,420 -$49,570 (-26.4%)
15-1211 Computer Systems Analysts $111,960 $100,160 -$11,800 (-10.5%)
15-1212 Information Security Analysts $127,730 $108,560 -$19,170 (-15%)
15-1221 Computer and Information Research Scientists $152,310 $187,000 +$34,690 (+22.8%)
15-1241 Computer Network Architects $135,890 $92,680 -$43,210 (-31.8%)
15-1243 Database Architects $142,620 N/A N/A
15-1252 Software Developers $144,570 $112,970 -$31,600 (-21.9%)
15-1253 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $110,260 $96,920 -$13,340 (-12.1%)
15-2051 Data Scientists $124,590 $106,360 -$18,230 (-14.6%)
Health (3)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.3801 Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that generally prepares individuals in the knowledge, techniques and procedures for promoting health, providing care for sick, disabled, infirmed, or other individuals or groups. Includes instruction in the administration of medication and treatments, assisting a physician during treatments and examinations, Referring patients to physicians and other health care specialists, and planning education for health maintenance.

Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National West Virginia Avg WV vs US
25-1072 Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $87,090 $82,280 -$4,810 (-5.5%)
29-1141 Registered Nurses $98,430 $80,100 -$18,330 (-18.6%)
Biological Sciences (2)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
26.0101 Biology/Biological Sciences, General. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
A general program of biology at the introductory, basic level or a program in biology or the biological sciences that is undifferentiated as to title or content. Includes instruction in general biology and programs covering a variety of biological specializations.

Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National West Virginia Avg WV vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $138,820 -$34,680 (-20%)
19-1029 Biological Scientists, All Other $100,440 $72,170 -$28,270 (-28.1%)
19-1099 Life Scientists, All Other $101,940 N/A N/A
19-4012 Agricultural Technicians $49,680 $50,010 +$330 (+0.7%)
19-4013 Food Science Technicians $54,400 N/A N/A
19-4021 Biological Technicians $58,020 $54,580 -$3,440 (-5.9%)
19-4092 Forensic Science Technicians $75,260 $62,470 -$12,790 (-17%)
25-1042 Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $101,340 $104,770 +$3,430 (+3.4%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $53,730 -$19,970 (-27.1%)
Kinesiology (1)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
31.0505 Exercise Science and Kinesiology. (PostBacCert)
A scientific program that focuses on the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and biophysics of human movement, and applications to exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation. Includes instruction in biomechanics, motor behavior, motor development and coordination, motor neurophysiology, performance research, rehabilitative therapies, the development of diagnostic and rehabilitative methods and equipment, and related analytical methods and procedures in applied exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation.

Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National West Virginia Avg WV vs US
29-1128 Exercise Physiologists $59,620 $57,860 -$1,760 (-3%)
Liberal Arts (2)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
24.0101 Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
A program that is a structured combination of the arts, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities, emphasizing breadth of study. Includes instruction in independently designed, individualized, or regular programs.

Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National West Virginia Avg WV vs US
25-1199 Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $94,470 $65,410 -$29,060 (-30.8%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$21,950
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$24,950
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$10,750
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$13,750
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$8,400
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$800
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$2,000
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$2,000
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$12,070
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$12,070
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

19%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$9,811
Avg. Loan
$11,213
Avg. Federal Loan
$9,964
Additional
Students with Any Grant
143
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
131
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
120
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$6,798
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

27%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
52%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$17,082 – $55,885
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$17,082 (25th %) $55,885 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $34,642
Median Salary After 6 Years
$31,612
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$34,642
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
27.5%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
50.0%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$24,694
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 20.5%
Middle 39.8%
High 51.6%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 36.4%
Independent 23.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Salem University

How much does it cost to attend Salem University?

The annual tuition at Salem University is $10,750 for in-state students and $13,750 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $21,950 for in-state students and $24,950 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $8,400 and books and supplies $800.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Salem University offer?

Salem University offers 34 academic programs across 8 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Research).

Most popular program areas include:

  • Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (6 programs)
  • Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (5 programs)
  • Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety (5 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (4 programs)
  • Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (3 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Salem University?

Salem University provides financial aid to 19% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $9,811 and average loans of $11,213.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,733
  • State/Local grants: $2,252
  • Institutional grants: $6,798
  • Federal loans: $9,964

The university supports 143 students with grants and 131 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Salem University graduates?

Salem University graduates earn a median salary of $31,612 after 6 years and $34,642 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $17,082 (25th percentile) to $55,885 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $66,600 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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