Degree Dividend
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Concord University vs Salem University: which has better ROI?

Public, Athens WV · vs · Private for-profit, Salem WV

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Concord University comes closer — median earnings $42,703 against a $39,864 total, vs $34,642 at Salem University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureConcord UniversitySalem University
Net price / yr$9,966$12,303
Total net cost$39,864$49,212
Median earnings, 10 yrs$42,703$34,642
Median debt$18,900$24,694
Payback
20-year net return-$153,004-$323,572

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Concord University or Salem University?

Concord University, at $9,966 a year after aid versus $12,303 — a gap of $2,337 a year, or $9,348 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Concord University or Salem University graduates earn more?

Concord University graduates report a median $42,703 ten years after entry, $8,061 more than the $34,642 at Salem University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Concord University or Salem University?

Concord University: its completers carry a median $18,900 in federal loans versus $24,694 at Salem University, a difference of $5,794. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

39% of students finish at Concord University, against 20% at Salem University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Concord University vs Salem University: frequently asked questions

Is Concord University or Salem University a better value?
Concord University comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Concord University or Salem University?
Concord University: $9,966/yr net price after aid versus $12,303/yr at Salem University — a difference of $2,337 a year, or about $9,348 over four years.
Do Concord University or Salem University graduates earn more?
Concord University graduates earn a median $42,703 ten years after entry, versus $34,642 at Salem University — a $8,061 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.