Fort Hays State University vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS with Salem State University in Salem, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fort Hays State University is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (12,878 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fort Hays State University is located in Hays, KS (Remote Town setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Fort Hays 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: Fort Hays State University 15:1; Salem State University 12:1.

Fort Hays State University vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fort Hays State University 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 Fort Hays State University than Salem State University ($13,186 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fort Hays State University are 45.8% lower than at Salem State University ($9,120 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 108.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fort Hays State University (about $6,415 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $5,923.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.1% higher at Salem State University than at Fort Hays State University (about $1,790 more per year; $19,531.00 vs. $17,741.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Fort Hays State University (98% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem State University students is 52.9% larger than aid received by Fort Hays State University students ($10,319 vs. $6,751).

Fort Hays State University vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fort Hays State University 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 Fort Hays State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 20 points higher than at Fort Hays State University (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fort Hays State University 970/1140; Salem State University 990/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fort Hays State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fort Hays State University - Test optional; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fort Hays State University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Fort Hays State University (90.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 41.8% at Fort Hays State University vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

Fort Hays State University vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fort Hays State University 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 Fort Hays State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Salem State University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than Fort Hays State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $41,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fort Hays State University graduates have a $3,282 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($20,718 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Fort Hays State University graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($214 vs. $248).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fort Hays State University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 60%)

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.