AIC vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

Compare American International College in Springfield, MA with Salem State University in Salem, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Salem State University is larger than AIC based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 2,037 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American International College is located in Springfield, MA (Midsize City setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• American International College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American International College 16:1; Salem State University 12:1.

AIC vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AIC or Salem State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Salem State University than AIC ($17,541 vs. $23,086).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at American International College are 0.5% lower than at Salem State University ($16,750 vs. $16,838).
• American International College is 258.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $31,892 more per year; $44,230.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 126.5% higher at AIC than at Salem State University (about $24,699 more per year; $44,230.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at American International College than at Salem State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American International College students is 250.7% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($36,184 vs. $10,319).

AIC vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AIC or Salem State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Salem State University and AIC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 50 points higher than at AIC (1030).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American International College 940/1110; Salem State University 990/1160.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AIC - Test-free; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: AIC Sep 7, 2026; Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Salem State University students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.17) than students at AIC (2.91).
• AIC has a higher acceptance rate (99.6%) than Salem State University (95.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at AIC vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

AIC vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AIC and Salem State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Salem State University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than American International College's (36%).
• Graduates from American International College earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than AIC graduates ($24,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AIC graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AIC students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 49%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.