Salem State University vs. Holy Family University

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Holy Family University in Philadelphia, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Salem State University is larger than Holy Family University based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 3,225 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Holy Family University is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Holy Family University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Holy Family University 14:1.

Salem State University vs. Holy Family University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or Holy Family 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 Holy Family University than Salem State University ($14,072 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Holy Family University are 9.2% lower than at Salem State University ($15,284 vs. $16,838).
• Holy Family University is 186.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $22,992 more per year; $35,330.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 80.9% higher at Holy Family University than at Salem State University (about $15,799 more per year; $35,330.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Holy Family University than at Salem State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Holy Family University students is 157.8% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($26,603 vs. $10,319).

Salem State University vs. Holy Family University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 50 points higher than at Holy Family University (1030).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Holy Family University 910/1150.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; Holy Family University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Salem State University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.17) than students at Holy Family University (3.13).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Holy Family University (71%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 21.1% at Holy Family University.

Salem State University vs. Holy Family University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem State University and Holy Family 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).

• Holy Family University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Holy Family University earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Holy Family University graduates ($24,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Family University graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Holy Family University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.