Salem State University vs. Kean

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Kean University in Union, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Kean University is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (13,905 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Kean University is in Union, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Kean University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Kean University 17:1.

Salem State University vs. Kean Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or Kean? 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 Kean University than Salem State University ($12,708 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem State University are 7.8% lower than at Kean University ($16,838 vs. $18,264).
• Kean University is 15.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $1,961 more per year; $14,299.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.9% higher at Kean than at Salem State University (about $2,915 more per year; $22,446.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Kean University (98% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Kean University students is 45.8% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($15,048 vs. $10,319).

Salem State University vs. Kean Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 40 points higher than at Kean (1040).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Kean University 930/1150.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; Kean - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027; Kean Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Kean students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.2) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Kean (75.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 18.7% at Kean.

Salem State University vs. Kean Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem State University and Kean? 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).

• Kean University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Kean University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 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 Kean graduates ($24,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kean graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kean students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 52%)

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.