Fitchburg State vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Fitchburg State University in Fitchburg, 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 Fitchburg State based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 5,892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fitchburg State University is located in Fitchburg, MA (Midsize Suburban setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Fitchburg 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: Fitchburg State University 11:1; Salem State University 12:1.

Fitchburg State vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fitchburg State 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 Fitchburg State University than Salem State University ($15,340 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fitchburg State University are 8.2% lower than at Salem State University ($15,452 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 8.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fitchburg State (about $992 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $11,346.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.1% higher at Salem State University than at Fitchburg State University (about $2,105 more per year; $19,531.00 vs. $17,426.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Fitchburg State University (98% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fitchburg State University students is 11.8% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($11,539 vs. $10,319).

Fitchburg State vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fitchburg State 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 Fitchburg State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fitchburg State University (1150) is 70 points higher than at Salem State University (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fitchburg State University 1060/1230; Salem State University 990/1160.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fitchburg State - Test optional; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fitchburg State students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.29) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Fitchburg State (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.5% at Fitchburg State vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

Fitchburg State vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fitchburg State 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).

• Fitchburg State University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Salem State University earn a median of about $400 more per year than Fitchburg State graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $44,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fitchburg State University graduates have a $1,315 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($22,685 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Fitchburg State graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($234 vs. $248).
• More Fitchburg State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (65% 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.