Salem College's published cost of attendance is $48,532. Need-based financial aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $19,074, middle-income families pay around $16,147, and higher-income families pay approximately $24,027.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $48,532 |
| Tuition and Fees | $33,848 |
| Room and Board | $13,710 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$30,255 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $18,277 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $19,074 |
| $30–48k | $16,001 |
| $48–75k | $16,147 |
| $75–110k | $19,940 |
| $110k+ | $24,027 |
Salem College's published cost of attendance is $48,532. Need-based financial aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $19,074, middle-income families pay around $16,147, and higher-income families pay approximately $24,027. Azimuth ranks Salem College #636 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Salem College meets demonstrated financial need for admitted students through a combination of need-based scholarships, grants, and loans. Families apply using the FAFSA and CSS Profile, and the college works to minimize student borrowing where possible through its aid structure. The affordability rank reflects both the headline sticker price and the debt load graduates carry: understanding the gap between published cost and what families actually pay is essential when comparing institutions. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $26,649, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $13,000; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $49,227, median federal debt of $26,649 projects to a monthly payment of about $301 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Salem College earn median 4-year earnings of $49,227, placing Salem College in the 9.9 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Salem College #941 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. The earnings profile reflects Salem College's concentration in Biological Sciences, a field where graduates typically move into stable, well-compensated roles in research, healthcare, and related sectors. The program lineup centers on biological and life sciences. Biology, General is the largest program with 13 graduates, followed by Business Administration with 12 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $68,431. Biochemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology and Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology and Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology and Molecular Biology and American History (United States) round out the core offerings, with Psychology, General enrolling 7 graduates who earn median 4-year earnings of $49,464. This program-focused structure supports consistent outcomes for students pursuing careers in the life sciences and related professional pathways.
