Salem University is a small private university in the hills of Harrison County, West Virginia, about 15 miles west of Clarksburg. A lot of its teaching now happens online, especially in nursing, education and business. International students need an on-campus programme that meets F-1 rules, so check which courses qualify before applying. Fees are moderate and the town is very quiet.
Salem, West Virginia, United States
Official website: salemu.edu
Private university
Salem, Harrison County, West Virginia
Campus and online programmes
$12,000 – $20,000
International students, undergraduate and graduate
$10,000 – $13,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on salemu.edu before you apply.
MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 70
MS Information Technology
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 70
BS Nursing
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
Master of Education
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 70
Short, month-by-month course format.
Nursing and education programmes for working adults.
A small, quiet campus in rural West Virginia.
Business and IT graduates work in management and technical support roles.
Nursing graduates join hospitals in north-central West Virginia.
Education graduates teach in West Virginia schools after state certification.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Salem is a small town in wooded hills. There is little nightlife, but costs are low and the campus is compact.
Clarksburg and Bridgeport, with shops and a regional airport, are about 20 minutes away. Pittsburgh is roughly two hours north by car.
Form I-20 issued by Salem University
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Salem admits students on a rolling basis. International applicants should apply at least three months ahead and confirm the programme is eligible for an I-20.
Salem uses short terms, so there are several start dates a year. International students usually begin in fall or spring.
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, Salem University issues the Form I-20. After that it's the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
The MBA, IT and education master's and nursing are the main programmes. Graduate entry needs a bachelor's degree and IELTS 6.0. Confirm which programmes can be taken on campus with an F-1 visa.
Scholarships are limited. Ask admissions about any tuition reductions available to international students.
