Academic Comparison between Salem and Western Carolina

Salem College and Western Carolina University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Salem is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Winston-Salem, NC and Western Carolina is a four-year, public school located in Cullowhee, NC.

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Salem Collegevs.Western Carolina University
Winston-Salem, North CarolinaLocationCullowhee, North Carolina
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Baccalaureate College - Arts & SciencesCarnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
$33,8482025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$4,630
Out-Of-State$8,630
87%% Receiving Financial Aid65%
$26,471Average Amount of Financial Aid$6,267
76.67 %Acceptance Rates81.83 %
7.90 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)12.70 %
1,160SAT Score1,180
19ACT Score23
57 %Graduation Rate60 %
-Transfer-out Rate27 %
68 %Retention Rate79 %
549Student Population11,686
37Number of Faculties549
9 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare