Salem State University vs. Gwynedd Mercy University

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Gwynedd Mercy University in Gwynedd Valley, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Salem State University is larger than Gwynedd Mercy University based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 2,017 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Salem State University vs. Gwynedd Mercy University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or Gwynedd Mercy 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 Gwynedd Mercy University ($17,541 vs. $27,960).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gwynedd Mercy University are 17.1% lower than at Salem State University ($13,956 vs. $16,838).
• Gwynedd Mercy University is 225.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $27,784 more per year; $40,122.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 105.4% higher at Gwynedd Mercy University than at Salem State University (about $20,591 more per year; $40,122.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gwynedd Mercy University than at Salem State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gwynedd Mercy University students is 167% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($27,554 vs. $10,319).

Salem State University vs. Gwynedd Mercy University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gwynedd Mercy 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; Gwynedd Mercy University 1023/1186.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; Gwynedd Mercy University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027; Gwynedd Mercy University Aug 20, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Gwynedd Mercy University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.34) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Gwynedd Mercy University (89.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 17% at Gwynedd Mercy University.

Salem State University vs. Gwynedd Mercy University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem State University and Gwynedd Mercy 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).

• Gwynedd Mercy University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Gwynedd Mercy University earn a median of about $12,200 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,600 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Gwynedd Mercy University graduates ($24,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Gwynedd Mercy University graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Gwynedd Mercy University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.