Framingham State University vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Framingham State University in Framingham, 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 Framingham State University based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 4,002 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Framingham State University is located in Framingham, MA (Small City setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Framingham 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: Framingham State University 12:1; Salem State University 12:1.

Framingham State University vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Framingham 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 Framingham State University than Salem State University ($16,114 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Framingham State University are 9.1% lower than at Salem State University ($15,310 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 3.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Framingham State University (about $418 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $11,920.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.5% higher at Salem State University than at Framingham State University (about $1,531 more per year; $19,531.00 vs. $18,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Framingham State University (98% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Framingham State University students is 9.9% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($11,338 vs. $10,319).

Framingham State University vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Framingham 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 Framingham State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Framingham State University (1190) is 110 points higher than at Salem State University (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Framingham State University 1100/1280; Salem State University 990/1160.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Framingham State University - Test optional; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Framingham State University Feb 15, 2027; Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Salem State University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.17) than students at Framingham State University (3.07).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Framingham State University (83.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.5% at Framingham State University vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

Framingham State University vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Framingham 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).

• Framingham State University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Framingham State University earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $705 lower median loan debt than Framingham State University graduates ($24,000 vs. $24,705).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Framingham State University graduates ($248 vs. $255).
• More Framingham State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.