Colorado Mesa vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, CO with Salem State University in Salem, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Colorado Mesa University is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (9,785 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colorado Mesa University is located in Grand Junction, CO (Small City setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Colorado Mesa University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colorado Mesa University 18:1; Salem State University 12:1.

Colorado Mesa vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colorado Mesa 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 Colorado Mesa University than Salem State University ($15,590 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colorado Mesa University are 27.5% lower than at Salem State University ($12,209 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 24.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Colorado Mesa (about $2,411 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $9,927.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.6% higher at Colorado Mesa than at Salem State University (about $5,593 more per year; $25,124.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Colorado Mesa University (98% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem State University students is 24.6% larger than aid received by Colorado Mesa University students ($10,319 vs. $8,285).

Colorado Mesa vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Colorado Mesa 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 Colorado Mesa.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 30 points higher than at Colorado Mesa (1050).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colorado Mesa University 930/1160; Salem State University 990/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colorado Mesa University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colorado Mesa - Test optional; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colorado Mesa students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Colorado Mesa (82%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.1% at Colorado Mesa vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

Colorado Mesa vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colorado Mesa 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).

• Salem State University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Colorado Mesa University's (25%).
• Graduates from Salem State University earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than Colorado Mesa graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colorado Mesa University graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($21,750 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Colorado Mesa graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($224 vs. $248).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Colorado Mesa students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 48%)

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.