Salem State University vs. Eastern Michigan University

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern Michigan University is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (12,631 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Eastern Michigan University is in Ypsilanti, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Eastern Michigan University 14:1.

Salem State University vs. Eastern Michigan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or Eastern Michigan 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 Eastern Michigan University than Salem State University ($15,742 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Michigan University are 18.9% lower than at Salem State University ($13,652 vs. $16,838).
• Eastern Michigan University is 31.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $3,902 more per year; $16,240.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.3% higher at Salem State University than at Eastern Michigan University (about $3,291 more per year; $19,531.00 vs. $16,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Eastern Michigan University (98% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Michigan University students is 29.6% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($13,370 vs. $10,319).

Salem State University vs. Eastern Michigan University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 30 points higher than at Eastern Michigan University (1050).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Eastern Michigan University 920/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsEastern Michigan University 18/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; Eastern Michigan University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Eastern Michigan University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.37) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Eastern Michigan University (79.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 9.7% at Eastern Michigan University.

Salem State University vs. Eastern Michigan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem State University and Eastern Michigan 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).

• Salem State University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Eastern Michigan University's (40%).
• Graduates from Salem State University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than Eastern Michigan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Eastern Michigan 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 Eastern Michigan University graduates ($248 vs. $263).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Eastern Michigan University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 45%)

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.