Lasell University vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lasell University in Newton, 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 Lasell University based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 1,668 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Lasell University vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lasell 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 Salem State University than Lasell University ($17,541 vs. $27,773).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lasell University are 16.6% lower than at Salem State University ($14,040 vs. $16,838).
• Lasell University is 119.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $14,702 more per year; $27,040.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.4% higher at Lasell University than at Salem State University (about $7,509 more per year; $27,040.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Lasell University (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lasell University students is 41.9% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($14,638 vs. $10,319).

Lasell University vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lasell 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 Lasell University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lasell University (1090) is 10 points higher than at Salem State University (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lasell University 1030/1158; Salem State University 990/1160.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lasell University - 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 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.17) than students at Lasell University (3.12).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Lasell University (81.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.7% at Lasell University vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

Lasell University vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lasell 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).

• Lasell University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Salem State University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Lasell University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $43,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Lasell University graduates ($24,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lasell University graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Lasell University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.