Hampshire College vs. Salem State University

Should I go to Hampshire College or Salem State University? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if Hampshire College or Salem State University is the better college for you. The CollegeSimply comparison tool allows side-by-side comparison of 50+ statistics and facts for over 2,500 colleges and universities.

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Hampshire College vs. Salem State University comparison
Hampshire College Salem State University College 3 College 4
Hampshire College Salem State University
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Overview

Hampshire College Salem State University
Location Amherst, MA Salem, MA
Setting Rural Fringe Large Suburban
Enrollment 508 6,539
Type Private 4 Year Public 4 Year
National Ranking #733
Religious Affiliation - - - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website hampshire.edu salemstate.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

Hampshire College Salem State University
Tuition (In State) $52,714 $910
Tuition (Out of State) $52,714 $7,050
Room & Board $14,432 $14,954
Avg Net Price $24,087 $19,277
Avg Grant Aid $44,835 $8,562
% Receiving Grant Aid 100% 99%

Admission

Hampshire College Salem State University
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied 2,090 5,093
Admitted 1,440 4,719
Acceptance Rate 68.9% 92.7%
Enrolled % 15.8% 18.3%
Avg High School GPA - 3.17
Typical High School Grades - B
Admissions Standards Unavailable Moderate
Applicant Competition Low
ACT Range
SAT Range 986/1210
Submit Test Scores Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind) Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
Application Deadline Jan 15, 2025 Jun 1, 2025

Academics

Hampshire College Salem State University
Student to Faculty Ratio 11:1 12:1
Popular Majors
  • Visual and Performing Arts (26%)
  • Social Sciences (14%)
  • English and Literature (13%)
  • General Studies (7%)
  • Ethnic Studies (6%)
  • Business (23%)
  • Health Professions (17%)
  • Education (9%)
  • Psychology (7%)
  • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting (7%)

Outcomes

Hampshire College Salem State University
Graduation Rate 61% 42%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $37,100 $44,400
Making Student Loan Payments 72% 63%
Median Student Loan Debt $23,531 $24,000
Median Loan Payment $243 $248

Diversity

Hampshire College Salem State University
% Men 37% 31%
% Women 63% 69%
Racial Diversity Medium Medium
HBCU No No
% White 67% 68%
% Black 4% 9%
% Hispanic 11% 12%
% Native American 0% 0%
% Pacific Islander 0% 0%
% Two or More Races 7% 3%
% International 5% 3%
% Unknown Race 4% 2%

Students

Hampshire College Salem State University
% In-State 27% 90%
% Out-of-State 68% 8%

Campus

Hampshire College Salem State University
Campus Housing Yes Yes
Freshman Dorm Required No No
Meal Plan Yes Yes
Weekend/Evening Classes No No
Daycare Facility Yes Yes
Learn More Details Details

Comparable Facts

  • Salem State University is larger than than Hampshire College based on total student enrollment (6,539 students vs. 508 students)

Hampshire College vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hampshire College or Salem State University?

  • Hampshire College is 5,692.7% more expensive to attend than Salem State University for in-state tuition ($52,714.00 vs. $910.00)
  • Out of state tuition is 647.7% higher at Hampshire College than Salem State University ($52,714.00 vs. $7,050.00)
  • The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Salem State University than Hampshire College ($19,277 vs. $24,087)
  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hampshire College are 3.6% lower than costs at Salem State University ($14,432 vs. $14,954)
  • More students receive financial grant aid at Hampshire College than Salem State University (100% vs. 99%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Hampshire College students is 423.7% larger than aid received Salem State University ($44,835 vs. $8,562)

Hampshire College vs. Salem State University Admissions Difficulty Comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hampshire College or Salem State University? Average SAT and ACT scores plus acceptance rates offer good insight into the difficulty of admission between Salem State University or Hampshire College .

  • Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than Hampshire College (68.9%)

Hampshire College vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, Hampshire College or Salem State University? Graduation rate, salary and amount of student loan debt are indicators of a college which offers better outcomes for its graduates. Compare the following outcomes facts between Salem State University and Hampshire College.

  • The graduation rate at Hampshire College is higher than Salem State University (61% vs. 42%)
  • Graduates from Salem State University earn on average $7,300 more per year than Hampshire College graduates after ten years. ($44,400 vs. $37,100)
  • Hampshire College students graduate with a $469 lower median federal student loan debt than Salem State University graduates. ($23,531 vs. $24,000)
  • Hampshire College graduates are paying $5 less per month on federal student loans than Salem State University graduates. ($243 vs. $248)
  • More Hampshire College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/