Salem College vs Converse University

Salem College and Converse University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in North Carolina, offer unique educational experiences for prospective students. Salem College, a women's college, boasts a higher acceptance rate (75%) compared to Converse University's (68%). While Salem College excels in nursing, education, and psychology, Converse University shines in business, communication, and visual and performing arts. Salem College's student body is predominantly female, while Converse University's is more diverse, with a significant male population. With a slightly higher graduation rate (63% vs. 60%), Salem College demonstrates its commitment to student success. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these aspects and more. Explore the table to discover which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Converse University	Salem College
Overview
Location	Spartanburg, South Carolina	Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	4-1-4	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	72.0%	62.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation		Protestant

Admission
Acceptance rate	82.0%	90.2%
Application fees	$40	$30
SAT range	N/A	1053 - 1200
ACT range	N/A	17 - 21
Students submitting SAT score		13.0%
Students submitting ACT score		21.0%
Total number of applicants	2,353	479
Total number of admissions given out	1,929	432
Admitted students who chose to enroll	296	48
Yield rate	15.3%	11.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$38,348	$35,016
Average net price	$17,155	$11,408
Tuition	$19,500	$30,500
Room & board	$11,948	Room/dormitory: $6,150 Meal plan: $6,150
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $15,551	99.0% Average amount $26,404
Students receiving federal student loan	65.0% Average amount $5,208	51.0% Average amount $4,282
Students taking out private loans	5.0% Average amount $11,187	3.0% Average amount $3,977

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	822 Men 16.8% Women 83.2%	364 Men 1.9% Women 98.1%
Graduate students	618 Men 20.1% Women 79.9%	132 Men 9.1% Women 90.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	33.1%	15.6%
International students	4.0%	N/A
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	625	386
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	South Carolina North Carolina Georgia Florida Maryland	North Carolina Virginia Connecticut Delaware Florida

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Health Professions Business Visual & Performing Arts Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Education Visual & Performing Arts English Language and Literature Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	15:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	57.1%	67.4%
Dropout rate	42.5%	9.8%
Transferred out	N/A	22.8%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $37,612 Year 2: $37,568 Year 3: $37,218 Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $30,988 Year 3: $36,425 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $16,965 Year 2: $25,194 Year 3: $32,194 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $48,328 Year 2: $55,151 Year 3: N/A Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $39,009 Year 3: N/A Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $30,409 Year 3: N/A Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $19,334 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $21,669 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $33,993 Year 3: N/A	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,373 Year 2: $32,925 Year 3: $41,915 Education, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,850 Year 2: $29,685 Year 3: N/A Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $46,313 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $27,085 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $26,016 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $21,118 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between Salem College and Converse University?

The most significant difference is that Salem College is a historically women's college, while Converse University transitioned to a co-educational model in 2020 for its undergraduate programs. Salem College remains dedicated to empowering women through education, while Converse now welcomes both men and women.
Where are Salem College and Converse University located?

Both institutions are located in the state of North Carolina. Salem College is situated in Winston-Salem, a city known for its arts and innovation. Converse University is located in Spartanburg, a city with a growing economy and vibrant cultural scene.
What types of academic programs do Salem College and Converse University offer?

Both Salem College and Converse University offer a range of undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences. Converse also offers graduate programs, while Salem College focuses primarily on undergraduate education. Both institutions are committed to providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in their chosen fields.
What is the student body size like at Salem College and Converse University?

Salem College typically has a smaller student body compared to Converse University. This smaller size at Salem allows for a more intimate learning environment and closer relationships with faculty. Converse, with its larger student population, offers a wider range of perspectives and experiences.
How do the campus cultures differ between Salem College and Converse University?

Salem College fosters a strong sense of community and sisterhood, rooted in its history as a women's college. Converse University, with its transition to co-education, is evolving its campus culture to be inclusive of all students. Both institutions value diversity and strive to create a welcoming environment for their students.
What are the athletic opportunities at Salem College and Converse University?

Both Salem College and Converse University offer a variety of athletic opportunities for students. Converse University competes in NCAA Division II athletics, offering a wider range of varsity sports. Salem College competes in NCAA Division III athletics. Both institutions encourage student participation in athletics for personal growth and development.
What is the cost of attendance at Salem College and Converse University?

The cost of attendance can vary between Salem College and Converse University. It's best to check the official websites of both institutions for the most up-to-date information on tuition, fees, and financial aid options. Both colleges offer scholarships and financial aid packages to help students afford their education.
What are the career services like at Salem College and Converse University?

Both Salem College and Converse University provide career services to help students prepare for their future careers. These services typically include career counseling, resume workshops, internship opportunities, and networking events. Both institutions are committed to helping students develop the skills and connections they need to succeed in the workforce.
What kind of student would thrive at Salem College versus Converse University?

A student who values a close-knit, women-centered environment and a strong sense of tradition would likely thrive at Salem College. A student who is looking for a more diverse and co-educational experience with a wider range of academic and extracurricular opportunities might find Converse University a better fit.
Do Salem College and Converse University have any religious affiliations?

Salem College has historical ties to the Moravian Church, but welcomes students of all faiths. Converse University does not have a religious affiliation.

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