College Costs in Salem, VA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Salem, Virginia. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$960
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Salem Overview
Population
25,432
Student Population
2,894 (11.4%)
Cost of Living Index
96.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
44/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
2.3%
College Cost Calculator for Salem
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$112,220
Total After Financial Aid
$112,220
Annual Cost
$28,055
Annual After Aid
$28,055
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $112,220 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,274 |
| Total Interest | $40,688 |
| Total Loan Cost | $152,908 |
Universities in Salem
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Salem State University | Public | $15,416 |
| Salem Community College | Community | $5,520 |
Salem has 2 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) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $960 | $1,050 | -$90 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96.1 | 100 | -3.9000000000000057 |
Salem's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Salem
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,894 students
Salem has a total population of 25,432, with approximately 2,894 college students (11.4% 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
$48,232
Starting Salary
2.3%
Unemployment Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Salem earn a median starting salary of $48,232, which is $13,232 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $112,220 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,533 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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