College Costs in Salem, OH 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Salem, Ohio. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,000
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$474
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Salem Overview
Population
11,838
Student Population
1,336 (11.3%)
Cost of Living Index
88.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Salem
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$99,000
Total After Financial Aid
$99,000
Annual Cost
$24,750
Annual After Aid
$24,750
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $99,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,124 |
| Total Interest | $35,895 |
| Total Loan Cost | $134,895 |
Universities in Salem
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Salem State University | Public | $10,273 |
| Salem Community College | Community | $5,253 |
Salem has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Salem vs. National Average
| Category | Salem | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,000 | $10,940 | +$60 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $474 | $1,050 | -$576 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88.5 | 100 | -11.5 |
Salem's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Salem
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,336 students
Salem has a total population of 11,838, with approximately 1,336 college students (11.3% of the population). Salem has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Salem
$27,347
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Salem earn a median starting salary of $27,347, which is -$7,653 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $99,000 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,230 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,350
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3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,667
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