IU Northwest vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Indiana University Northwest in Gary, IN 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 IU Northwest based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 3,041 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Indiana University Northwest is located in Gary, IN (Small City setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Indiana University Northwest is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Indiana University Northwest 15:1; Salem State University 12:1.

IU Northwest vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IU Northwest 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 Indiana University Northwest than Salem State University ($5,745 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana University Northwest are 34.8% lower than at Salem State University ($10,972 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 46.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than IU Northwest (about $3,914 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $8,424.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.8% higher at IU Northwest than at Salem State University (about $3,280 more per year; $22,811.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Indiana University Northwest (98% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem State University students is 23.9% larger than aid received by Indiana University Northwest students ($10,319 vs. $8,327).

IU Northwest vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IU Northwest 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 IU Northwest.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 30 points higher than at IU Northwest (1050).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University Northwest 910/1180; Salem State University 990/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University Northwest 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IU Northwest - Test optional; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Salem State University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.17) than students at IU Northwest (3.14).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than IU Northwest (73.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.5% at IU Northwest vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

IU Northwest vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IU Northwest 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 Indiana University Northwest's (23%).
• Graduates from Salem State University earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than IU Northwest graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $39,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $1,030 lower median loan debt than IU Northwest graduates ($24,000 vs. $25,030).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IU Northwest graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IU Northwest students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 33%)

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.