Bay Path University vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bay Path University in Longmeadow, 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 Bay Path University based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 2,605 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bay Path University is located in Longmeadow, MA (Large Suburban setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Bay Path University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bay Path University 8:1; Salem State University 12:1.

Bay Path University vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bay Path 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 Bay Path University than Salem State University ($15,463 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bay Path University are 19.3% lower than at Salem State University ($13,582 vs. $16,838).
• Bay Path University is 210.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $25,964 more per year; $38,302.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 96.1% higher at Bay Path University than at Salem State University (about $18,771 more per year; $38,302.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Bay Path University (98% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bay Path University students is 208.4% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($31,821 vs. $10,319).

Bay Path University vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bay Path 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 Bay Path University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bay Path University (1110) is 30 points higher than at Salem State University (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bay Path University 1010/1210; Salem State University 990/1160.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bay Path University - Test optional; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bay Path University Aug 1, 2027; Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bay Path University students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Bay Path University (85.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Bay Path University vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

Bay Path University vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bay Path 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).

• Bay Path University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Salem State University earn a median of about $900 more per year than Bay Path University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $43,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $11 lower median loan debt than Bay Path University graduates ($24,000 vs. $24,011).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Salem State University and Bay Path University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($248 vs. $248).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bay Path University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 54%)

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.