CSU vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Chico in Chico, CA with Salem State University in Salem, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Chico is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (15,257 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Chico is located in Chico, CA (Small City setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• California State University Chico is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Chico 23:1; Salem State University 12:1.

CSU vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU 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 California State University Chico than Salem State University ($14,630 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California State University Chico are 2% lower than at Salem State University ($16,500 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 45.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $3,866 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $8,472.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.9% higher at CSU than at Salem State University (about $1,541 more per year; $21,072.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at California State University Chico (98% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University Chico students is 11.5% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($11,509 vs. $10,319).

CSU vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU 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 CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 10 points higher than at CSU (1070).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 970/1170; Salem State University 990/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Dec 15, 2026; Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CSU students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.37) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than CSU (92.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.2% at CSU vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

CSU vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU 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).

• California State University Chico's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from California State University Chico earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,400 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Chico graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($17,000 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, CSU graduates have an estimated $73 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($175 vs. $248).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.