Assumption University vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Assumption University in Worcester, 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 Assumption University based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 2,037 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Assumption University is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Assumption University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Assumption University 11:1; Salem State University 12:1.

Assumption University vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Assumption University 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 Assumption University ($17,541 vs. $29,748).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Assumption University are 6.4% lower than at Salem State University ($15,752 vs. $16,838).
• Assumption University is 316.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $39,018 more per year; $51,356.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 162.9% higher at Assumption University than at Salem State University (about $31,825 more per year; $51,356.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Assumption University than at Salem State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Assumption University students is 248% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($35,905 vs. $10,319).

Assumption University vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Assumption University 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 Assumption University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSalem State University 990/1160.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Assumption University - Test-free; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Assumption University Feb 15, 2027; Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Assumption University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Assumption University (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.2% at Assumption University vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

Assumption University vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Assumption University 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).

• Assumption University's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Assumption University earn a median of about $13,400 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,800 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 Assumption University graduates ($24,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Assumption University graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Assumption University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 63%)

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.