Salem State University vs. FDU

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus in Teaneck, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (8,045 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is in Teaneck, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus 14:1.

Salem State University vs. FDU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or FDU? 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 Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus than Salem State University ($16,920 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus are 3.4% lower than at Salem State University ($16,270 vs. $16,838).
• Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is 208% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $25,666 more per year; $38,004.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 94.6% higher at FDU than at Salem State University (about $18,473 more per year; $38,004.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus than at Salem State University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus students is 227.6% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($33,807 vs. $10,319).

Salem State University vs. FDU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 40 points higher than at FDU (1040).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus 908/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsFairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus 20/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; FDU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman FDU students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than FDU (90.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 11.8% at FDU.

Salem State University vs. FDU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem State University and FDU? 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 Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus's (41%).
• Graduates from Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus earn a median of about $8,500 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,900 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than FDU graduates ($24,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than FDU graduates ($248 vs. $268).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former FDU 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.