Salem State University vs. Centenary University

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Centenary University in Hackettstown, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Salem State University is larger than Centenary University based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 1,398 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Salem State University vs. Centenary University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or Centenary 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 Centenary University ($17,541 vs. $22,640).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Centenary University are 25.5% lower than at Salem State University ($12,552 vs. $16,838).
• Centenary University is 205.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $25,394 more per year; $37,732.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 93.2% higher at Centenary University than at Salem State University (about $18,201 more per year; $37,732.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Centenary University than at Salem State University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Centenary University students is 187% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($29,617 vs. $10,319).

Salem State University vs. Centenary University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is the same as at Centenary University (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Centenary University 990/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCentenary University 15/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; Centenary University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Centenary University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.23) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Centenary University (83.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 14.7% at Centenary University.

Salem State University vs. Centenary University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem State University and Centenary 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).

• Centenary University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Centenary University earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,600 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Centenary University graduates ($24,000 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Centenary University graduates ($248 vs. $263).
• More Centenary University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.