Salem State University vs. CSUMB

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with California State University Monterey Bay in Seaside, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Monterey Bay is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (7,713 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); California State University Monterey Bay is in Seaside, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. California State University Monterey Bay is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; California State University Monterey Bay 24:1.

Salem State University vs. CSUMB Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or CSUMB? 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 California State University Monterey Bay than Salem State University ($14,493 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem State University are 2.3% lower than at California State University Monterey Bay ($16,838 vs. $17,234).
• Salem State University is 58.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSUMB (about $4,559 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $7,779.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.3% higher at CSUMB than at Salem State University (about $848 more per year; $20,379.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at California State University Monterey Bay (98% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University Monterey Bay students is 18.1% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($12,185 vs. $10,319).

Salem State University vs. CSUMB Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Salem State University or CSUMB? 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 CSUMB and Salem State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 20 points higher than at CSUMB (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; California State University Monterey Bay 960/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCalifornia State University Monterey Bay 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; CSUMB - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027; CSUMB Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CSUMB students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• CSUMB has a higher acceptance rate (97.4%) than Salem State University (95.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 9.8% at CSUMB.

Salem State University vs. CSUMB Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem State University and CSUMB? 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 California State University Monterey Bay's (38%).
• Graduates from California State University Monterey Bay earn a median of about $900 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,300 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Monterey Bay graduates have a $10,000 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($14,000 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, CSUMB graduates have an estimated $104 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($144 vs. $248).
• More CSUMB graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.