Salem State University vs. Eastern University

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Eastern University in Saint Davids, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern University is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (8,727 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Eastern University is in Saint Davids, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Eastern University 21:1.

Salem State University vs. Eastern University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or Eastern 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 Eastern University ($17,541 vs. $27,422).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern University are 19.8% lower than at Salem State University ($13,498 vs. $16,838).
• Eastern University is 211.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $26,062 more per year; $38,400.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 96.6% higher at Eastern University than at Salem State University (about $18,869 more per year; $38,400.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern University than at Salem State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern University students is 160.1% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($26,838 vs. $10,319).

Salem State University vs. Eastern University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Eastern University (1100) is 20 points higher than at Salem State University (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Eastern University 1010/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsEastern University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; Eastern University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Eastern University students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.58) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Eastern University (90.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 21% at Eastern University.

Salem State University vs. Eastern University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Eastern University's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Eastern University earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,900 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Eastern University graduates ($24,000 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Eastern University graduates ($248 vs. $274).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Eastern University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 58%)

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.