Founded in 1772, Salem College. is a Private college. Located in North Carolina, which is a city setting in North Carolina, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 931 full time undergraduate students, and 156 full time graduate students.
The Salem College Academic calendar runs on a Four-one-four plan basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 11:1. There are 64 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Salem College include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
56%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
30
SAT Range
950-1200
ACT Range
22-27
Admissions at are considered Selective, with ,17% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 20 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
0% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 0% were in the top quarter, and 0% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Salem College.
0%
“We”re apathetic”
4%
“We know about current events and vote”
65%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
30%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
4%
“We save it for the classroom”
4%
“Sometimes, but not often”
33%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
58%
“All the time, including weekends”
4%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
30%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
65%
“I feel extremely safe”
14%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
68%
“We bought the gear”
18%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
0%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
50%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
50%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
39%
“They keep regular office hours”
61%
“They”re always available”
45%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
32%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
23%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
9%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
50%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
36%
“We only party on weekends”
5%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
43%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
38%
“There might be people who do”
14%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
5%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
4%
“We know about current events and vote”
65%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
30%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
4%
“We save it for the classroom”
4%
“Sometimes, but not often”
33%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
58%
“All the time, including weekends”
4%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
30%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
65%
“I feel extremely safe”
14%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
68%
“We bought the gear”
18%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
0%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
50%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
50%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
39%
“They keep regular office hours”
61%
“They”re always available”
45%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
32%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
23%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
40 Students rated on-campus housing 3.7 stars. 23 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
20 Students rated off-campus housing 3.3 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
41 Students rated campus food 3 stars. 7 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
42 Students rated campus facilities 4 stars. 33 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
42 Students rated class size 4.7 stars. 74 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
42 Students rated school activities 4 stars. 40 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
42 Students rated local services 3.9 stars. 31 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
42 Students rated academics 4.2 stars. 55 % gave the school a 5.0.
Salem College REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Salem College?
17 Students rated Salem College
Kate - 03/31/2023
It i
Natasha - 03/09/2020
In my opinion, Salem College is a great school for if your someone who is not super social and prefer to be by yourself.
MaKayla - 07/01/2019
Salem is so diverse and extremely welcoming. From the moment I applied they have been nothing but so genuine and son kind. They do everything they can to make you feel at home. The faculty are always checking up on the students and making sure everything is ok with them. They really treat you like a family.
Sharissa - 06/12/2019
I will be attending this fall however my sister graduated a few years back and the school is everything she said it was. The people are all super nice and more than welcoming, the teachers and students I have meet so far are really caring and want you to get involved with all the activities and clubs and the campus itself is beautiful, it reminds me of a scene from a Disney classic.
ashley - 08/13/2018
This was one of the worst years of my life. They have a tradition that allows hazing of the underclass, in the middle of the night around 3-4 in the morning all the seniors run through the hallways pounding on the underclassmen’s doors with hammer, bats and other assorted items. It is has been a long standing tradition that is allowed by the school. With such a high rate of women be survivors of assault and other violent acts it is hard to comprehend why a school would allow just behavior. To wake up in the middle of the night and having 100 + people running, screaming and pounding on doors with large items is not an environment I would ever want to be a part of. They enforce strict rules about guests and micro manage the dorms yet they allow and support hazing on campus. I was bullied by security on campus, they would come in and search my room, flipping things over and leaving things a mess. They never found any alcohol but still searched my room several times in a disrespectful manor. There was a major divide between legacy students and non-legacy students. Girls bullied each other on campus and staff would feed into it. Staff and campus leaders (president, student services) are MIA. I never knew anyone who ran campus, heard from the president, any department heads or other helpful staff. I was lost on campus and felt like there was no one to reach out to. There was no strong bond with the departments until JR or SR years. If you are looking for a women's college go to Stephens College. I ended up transferring and was so glad I did! Amazing community of female leaders and an environment that fosters innovation!
Leigha - 06/18/2018
Salem College academically is a great school to go to. The class size is between 12-20 people so there is a very small student to professor ratio making it very accessible to get extra help if need be. It offers division 3 athletics which still requires a serious athlete commitment without competing with academics.
Fabiola - 04/18/2018
Salem College is a place where student feel like they are home. The surroundings are amazing in a way that students can sit in the outside patio and enjoy lunch with their friends and family. As a freshman, I see how much passion the student on campus have for the Salem community. There are always student and staff that say good evening to one another and everyone get alone. When going to the campus there are so many feelings that happens as the students are giving tours, there are sensations that make the people that are visiting want to stay there forever and it a welcoming place. The classes that are though by the professor are amazing based on that the classes are not big like other colleges. When it comes to the professor they are always available whenever a student is in need of clarification of a material of if they have any question. One thing that I really true love is that the college has a town hall every month of the day, yet, it gives the student updates that are occurring in the college and what need regulation there are. I loved my first semester because you are able to pick the schedule that you want and each department has their own advisor, in which the student has the advisor until the student chooses their major. When it comes to public safety the police department has a training of self-defense so that the student is well inform.
Anna - 01/02/2018
I am honestly not that happy with my attendance at Salem College so far. I feel as if we were fed lies at orientations, campus visits, and in emails. I suppose it is a way of making money and they have to make the school look good. It it not all terrible, however it is not $40,000 a year good. Not even close. I feel alienated from administration and looked down upon honestly. Many times, the financial aid services here have done me wrong. The website says they are dedicated to helping their students and that we can walk in anytime. That's not true. Many people have looked at my profile before and neglected to point out details to me; all for me to later get an email saying I owe "blank" amount of money because of this "blank." Something no one told me about. Something, as a first year at this school wouldn't know. When going to someone about it, I was told, "you should be knowing what you are signing up for anyways." Cold. Dismissed. If you can't tell, I am not too pleased with this school. They then try to fine you for every little thing possible, making me question if it is really a non-for-profit school...we already pay $40,000 a year. Another thing about that; the food is terrible. That further makes me question where that $40,000 goes. My other peers are also very displeased with this school. It is kind of like this negativity always looming over our heads. On the other hand, the friends I have made there are great and everyone tries to take care of each other. Since we are all suffering together and it is a small community school, it is very close knit and that part is cool. So far, I have also had pretty good professors. I have learned a lot and am still learning. I am trying to not be too bitter. The main issue here is money, which can honestly affect your grades when you're always worrying if the next bill will even get paid. I have decided to try other ways of making money and to just finish out the rest of my degree there. I then want to transfer to Appalachian State in NC, where I feel that I will be much, much happier.
Angela - 11/13/2017
Ever since I visited Salem for the first time, it gave me the feeling of the comfort of home away from home. I love the atmosphere that the faculty, staff, and students all strive to have. There is a very trusting relationship between us all that allows the college to flow freely and smoothly. I love Salem also for the academic experiences it allows such as multiple majors, study abroad opportunities, and many academic clubs that allow tutoring and things of that nature. Salem College wants nothing more than it's students to succeed and move on to do great things.
Julissa - 10/18/2017
It definitely needs some major changes with administration, but one would not have a better experience or relationships among professors and classmates. There also needs to be changes in our dorms and food. I had to go off campus because it's a shame they only have one good dorm to offer and so many sophomores end up there because of "medical notes."
Alyssa - 07/09/2017
Salem College is a very nice school, however there are some things that need serious work such as better quality food that doesn't give us food poisoning constantly near the end of spring term.
Maybe more transparency as to where our money goes, if not to better wifi and upkeep on all the dorms?
Better policies towards students of color and those who are LGBTQ+ .
We have these classes called REST, which is when students can learn about important topics such as Race and Ethnicity, Ethics, and the like. And we wish it was required so that some of our students (who very much need them).
The campus is beautiful, and the people are typically nice save for the few bad apples who don't like POC or immigrants. Professors are super helpful (typically), and most students have great relationships with them.
Overall, on the surface the school is great, however like any school it has its own deep dark secrets.
Esmarelda - 05/30/2017
It's a college my guys.
Priscila - 04/21/2017
Salem College is a college that helps empower women and has a faculty of professionals that constantly work with the students. It is a college that I am happy to be a part of and the sense of community is wonderful. I feel right at home.
Esmarelda - 12/27/2016
The campus is gorgeous and filled to the brim with history (and Pokestops). It is rare that you can walk through campus without seeing someone you know and can say hello to. Some people say that there is nowhere to go to be alone, but if you pay attention there are plenty of places to go when needing alone time. The academics are exactly as I expected; they are difficult at times but ultimately meant to ensure education. I've yet to meet a member of the faculty or staff that does not try to help you.
Lizet - 11/01/2016
Salem College is a very comfortable campus but no matter how personal the experience is, there is nothing like home. Keep in mind that this is coming from an out of state student. The food and house is okay but will take time to get use to. The professors and students are friendly and make it easy to make close relationships starting with the Big-Little program.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Salem College is 56%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
Take Facebook with a large grain of salt. What you see on there is what people want you to see. Social media lies.
If it doesn’t work out it's alright. Everything you encounter is a learning experience. You can always try something new.
Don't rely on other people for your happiness. The only way to carry happiness with you throughout life is to find it in yourself. Focus on the things that give you joy.
Be the person who points out the good. The more positive energy you emit, the more positive energy you will absorb. And you'll like being around yourself a lot more.
Don't let comparison rob you of joy. All comparison has negative intentions. You and your experiences are completely different from everyone else’s.
Remember to take time to breath every day. Good, intentioned inhalations and exhalations.
Bring more hangers than you think you’ll need.
Engage yourself.
Write in lists because you (and I) are fond of lists.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
That there is more emphasis given to traditional students wellfare than the "adult" (over 23, even by one day) students. If you are an adult student who is looking to participate in on-campus activities you are on your own. However, with a bit of hard work, you can wiggle your way into nearly every student organization the Trads manage.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
My school is unique in that it is much smaller than the other schools I considered, therefore, the interaction between teacher and student is more evident. A closer connection is made and this eventually leads to doing better in classes because the teachers really help.
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?
One of the worst aspects of Salem College is the administration's use of funds. As a historical college and tourist attraction, Salem spends much of its money on tending to the appearance of the buildings and grounds. As a student with great financial need, I feel that much of the funds spent on cosmetics for the campus could go toward scholarship awards. Money spent on repainting the shutters every year could go toward financial aid. I wish the school would invest more money in its students rather than the appearance of its campus.
A liberal arts college formed in 1772, Salem is one of the first women's institution in the United States. Salem is known for her moravian roots, diverse student body and strong academics that offer a great encouraging campus for the young women attending. Another important aspect of Salem is the strong sisterhood providing a warm environment with support and success.
What kind of person should not attend this school?
A person that is looking for a large campus with large class structures. A person seeking a school that offers a football or basetball team. A person that desires a campus in a really large metropolitan area.
Salem College's acedemic world, I won't lie, is tough. After taking AP classes in high school, I thought college classes would be a breeze..I was wrong. Salem professors know how to push students to their brink, whether that be testing our knowledge or showing us how much we still have to learn. Class size is less than 30 students per class which allows one on one meetings with her professor. This is such a big help, and it's not something you could get from a public school!
What are the most popular student activities/groups?
The really cool thing about Salem is that we appreciate all activities and respect all types of groups. I wouldn't say that some are necessarily more popular than others; it all depends on personal preference.
Salem is the best decision I have ever made. In the three years that I've been here, I've grown as an individual and I've learned so many transferable and relevant life-skills. I can truly say that the experience here is indescribable and irreplaceable. I wouldn't trade my school for the world!
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?
Most people ask Salem students if we are lesbians. Although some of our student body identifies as lesbian, the majority of our students will say, "Uh, no. I've have a boyfriend at Wake Forest University" (or something close to that!). This stereotype follows all women's colleges around, and has for decades. But, it is in fact false.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
99% of students attending Salem College receive some sort of financial aid.
57% were awarded federal grants.77%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.