Private nonprofit Institution

Salem College — Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Annual Tuition $32,236

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 87%

Open Admission

Enrollment 390

Active Students

Avg. Salary $44,640

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Institution type Private nonprofit
Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Salem College stands as a pillar of higher education in Winston-Salem, providing a robust academic foundation for 390 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Salem College offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Salem College. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Visual & Performing Arts
25.6%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
15.9%

Enrollment Share

Psychology
9.8%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions
6.1%

Enrollment Share

English
6.1%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences
6.1%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at Salem College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best English College

The English program at Salem College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Salem College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Salem College?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 87%
Difficulty Low

Salem College maintains an acceptance rate of 87%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 0.8%
Women Enrollment 99.2%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 588 - 685
SAT Mathematics 490 - 630
ACT English 18 - 25
ACT Mathematics 17 - 25
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Salem College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $32,236
Out-of-State Tuition $32,236

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 48.8%
Median Student Debt $26,649

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $32,236, graduates see a median starting salary of $44,640, making it one of the most affordable pathways in North Carolina.

What salary can Salem College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $44,640

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 56.3%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $18,835
Median Salary (6yr) $38,496
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Salem College in Winston-Salem?

390 Students

Gender Comparison

0.8% Men
99.2% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

66.7%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.8%
Asian
1.5%
Black
20%
White
45.6%
Unknown
2.6%
Hispanic
18.7%
Two or More Races
8.7%
International
2.1%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 23
🎓
First-Generation 32.7%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 69.1%
💍
Married Students 10%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 100%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $59,058
Average Family Income $48,672
Median Family Income $35,899

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

18.9%
81.1%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Winston-Salem Campus Environment

Located at 601 S Church St, Salem College offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of North Carolina. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
⚖️

How does Salem College compare?

Common Questions about Salem College

Is Salem College a good college in Winston-Salem, North Carolina?
Salem College is a recognized institution in Winston-Salem with an enrollment of 390 students. It is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers a robust ROI for students in North Carolina based on Department of Education data.
Is Salem College worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Salem College offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $44,640. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Salem College cost for North Carolina residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Salem College is approximately $32,236. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $32,236. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Salem College after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Salem College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 69.1% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Salem College good for Visual & Performing Arts and Business & Marketing programs?
Salem College is highly regarded for its Visual & Performing Arts and Business & Marketing programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Salem College?
Graduates of Salem College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Visual & Performing Arts. With a median salary of $44,640, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Salem College?
Salem College operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Salem College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Salem College follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Salem College graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Salem College earn a median salary of $44,640 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Salem College a good investment compared to other NC colleges?
Salem College stands out as a high-value investment in North Carolina. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Salem College located and what is the campus like?
Salem College is located at 601 S Church St in Winston-Salem, NC. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 390 learners.
Who typically attends Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC?
The student body at Salem College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 32.7% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
🏆

2026 Rankings: North Carolina

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

🧭

Local Discovery Hub

Explore specialized academic pathways in Winston-Salem