CCSU vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, CT with Salem State University in Salem, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Connecticut State University is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (9,997 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Connecticut State University is located in New Britain, CT (Large Suburban setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Central Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Connecticut State University 14:1; Salem State University 12:1.

CCSU vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CCSU 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 Central Connecticut State University than Salem State University ($17,528 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Connecticut State University are 22.3% lower than at Salem State University ($13,086 vs. $16,838).
• Central Connecticut State University is 5.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $712 more per year; $13,050.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18% higher at Salem State University than at Central Connecticut State University (about $2,981 more per year; $19,531.00 vs. $16,550.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Central Connecticut State University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem State University students is 16.7% larger than aid received by Central Connecticut State University students ($10,319 vs. $8,842).

CCSU vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CCSU 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 CCSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central Connecticut State University (1080) is the same as at Salem State University (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Connecticut State University 960/1190; Salem State University 990/1160.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CCSU - Test optional; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CCSU Aug 26, 2027; Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CCSU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.2) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than CCSU (73.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.6% at CCSU vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

CCSU vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CCSU 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).

• Central Connecticut State University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Central Connecticut State University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Connecticut State University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, CCSU graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($232 vs. $248).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CCSU students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.