USJ vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, CT 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 USJ based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 1,952 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Saint Joseph is located in West Hartford, CT (Small City setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Saint Joseph is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Saint Joseph 10:1; Salem State University 12:1.

USJ vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USJ 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 USJ ($17,541 vs. $29,300).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Saint Joseph are 14.3% lower than at Salem State University ($14,426 vs. $16,838).
• University of Saint Joseph is 283.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $34,940 more per year; $47,278.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 142.1% higher at USJ than at Salem State University (about $27,747 more per year; $47,278.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Saint Joseph than at Salem State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Saint Joseph students is 198% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($30,747 vs. $10,319).

USJ vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USJ 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 USJ.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 70 points higher than at USJ (1010).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Saint Joseph 850/1170; Salem State University 990/1160.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USJ - Test optional; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman USJ students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than USJ (78.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.2% at USJ vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

USJ vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USJ 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).

• University of Saint Joseph's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from University of Saint Joseph earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,200 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than USJ graduates ($24,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USJ graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USJ students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 60%)

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.