Private not-for-profit

Small

Salem College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1066 to 1243

ACT Range16 to 22

Average GPA3.86

Acceptance Rate78.9%

Salem College admits a large share of applicants, but its average entering GPA is a strong 3.86. If you apply test-optional, make sure your grades and course rigor do the heavy lifting; if you submit scores, aim near the top of the range, around a 1240 SAT or 22 ACT.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Salem College facts and stats

Quick Facts

Salem College enrolls 464 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. Salem College has a 68% freshman retention rate and a 57% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1.

Location

Winston-Salem, NC

Undergrad Enrollment464

Freshman Retention68%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio9:1

Graduation Rate57%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Salem College?

Key Salem College application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

—

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Coming soon

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

Because Salem College is test-optional, this timeline only matters if you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores. Plan to take your first test by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes that could improve your superscore. Since Salem College does not offer Early Decision or Early Action, make your last fall retake the latest test date whose scores will arrive before the Regular Decision deadline.

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What you'll actually pay

Salem College is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $33,848, and the average merit award is $25,007. About 75% of students receive aid.

Out-of-State Tuition$33,848

Tuition and Fees$33,848

Room and BoardN/A

Average Merit Award$25,007

Application FeeN/A

Students on Aid75%

Average Aid Package$32,242

Average Debt at GradN/A

Salem College’s total cost of attendance includes $33,848 in tuition and fees plus room, board, and other expenses. Financial aid is common, with 75% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $32,242. Merit scholarships can also significantly reduce the sticker price, with an average merit award of $25,007. Actual costs will depend on a student’s financial need and scholarship eligibility.