Fisher College vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Fisher College in Boston, 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 Fisher College based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 1,652 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fisher College is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Fisher College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fisher College 14:1; Salem State University 12:1.

Fisher College vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fisher 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 Fisher College ($17,541 vs. $28,596).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem State University are 6.7% lower than at Fisher College ($16,838 vs. $18,041).
• Fisher College is 189.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $23,351 more per year; $35,689.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82.7% higher at Fisher College than at Salem State University (about $16,158 more per year; $35,689.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Fisher College (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fisher College students is 145.9% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($25,379 vs. $10,319).

Fisher College vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 140 points higher than at Fisher College (940).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fisher College 800/1070; Salem State University 990/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fisher College 15/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fisher College - Test-free; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Salem State University students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.17) than students at Fisher College (2.72).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Fisher College (70.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6.1% at Fisher College vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

Fisher College vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fisher 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).

• Fisher College's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Salem State University earn a median of about $8,400 more per year than Fisher College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $36,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fisher College graduates have a $4,813 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($19,187 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Fisher College graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($198 vs. $248).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fisher College students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 45%)

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.