Elms College vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

Compare College of Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee, 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 Elms College based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 1,268 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• College of Our Lady of the Elms is located in Chicopee, MA (Large Suburban setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• College of Our Lady of the Elms is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of Our Lady of the Elms 11:1; Salem State University 12:1.

Elms College vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elms College 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 Elms College ($17,541 vs. $19,870).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of Our Lady of the Elms are 7.3% lower than at Salem State University ($15,605 vs. $16,838).
• College of Our Lady of the Elms is 251.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $30,987 more per year; $43,325.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 121.8% higher at Elms College than at Salem State University (about $23,794 more per year; $43,325.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of Our Lady of the Elms than at Salem State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of Our Lady of the Elms students is 227.5% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($33,794 vs. $10,319).

Elms College vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elms College 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 Elms College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of Our Lady of the Elms (1240) is 160 points higher than at Salem State University (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of Our Lady of the Elms 1150/1320; Salem State University 990/1160.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elms College - Test optional; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Elms College students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Elms College (85.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.9% at Elms College vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

Elms College vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elms College 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).

• College of Our Lady of the Elms's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from College of Our Lady of the Elms earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,300 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Elms College graduates ($24,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Elms College graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Elms College students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 61%)

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.