Hampshire College vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Hampshire College in Amherst, 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 Hampshire College based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 844 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hampshire College is located in Amherst, MA (Rural Fringe setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Hampshire College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hampshire College 13:1; Salem State University 12:1.

Hampshire College vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hampshire 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 Hampshire College ($17,541 vs. $27,895).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hampshire College are 5.2% lower than at Salem State University ($15,958 vs. $16,838).
• Hampshire College is 377.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $46,558 more per year; $58,896.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 201.6% higher at Hampshire College than at Salem State University (about $39,365 more per year; $58,896.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hampshire College than at Salem State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hampshire College students is 347.2% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($46,145 vs. $10,319).

Hampshire College vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSalem State University 990/1160.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hampshire College - Test-free; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hampshire College Jan 15, 2027; Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Hampshire College (75.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.4% at Hampshire College vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

Hampshire College vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hampshire 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).

• Hampshire College's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Salem State University earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than Hampshire College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hampshire College graduates have a $469 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($23,531 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Hampshire College graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment 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/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.