Salem State University vs. Central Washington University

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Washington University is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (10,811 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Central Washington University is in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Central Washington University 15:1.

Salem State University vs. Central Washington University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or Central Washington 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 Central Washington University ($17,541 vs. $19,898).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Washington University are 2.1% lower than at Salem State University ($16,480 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 31% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central Washington University (about $2,921 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $9,417.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.9% higher at Central Washington University than at Salem State University (about $7,995 more per year; $27,526.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Central Washington University (98% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem State University students is 17% larger than aid received by Central Washington University students ($10,319 vs. $8,816).

Salem State University vs. Central Washington University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 40 points higher than at Central Washington University (1040).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Central Washington University 930/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCentral Washington University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; Central Washington University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027; Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Salem State University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.17) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Central Washington University (90.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 20% at Central Washington University.

Salem State University vs. Central Washington University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem State University and Central Washington 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).

• Central Washington University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Central Washington University earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have a $3,263 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($20,737 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($214 vs. $248).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central Washington University 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.