Salem State University vs. KSC

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Keene State College in Keene, NH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Salem State University is larger than KSC based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 2,848 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Salem State University vs. KSC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or KSC? 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 KSC ($17,541 vs. $19,997).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Keene State College are 18.2% lower than at Salem State University ($13,766 vs. $16,838).
• Keene State College is 19.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $2,446 more per year; $14,784.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.4% higher at KSC than at Salem State University (about $7,309 more per year; $26,840.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Keene State College than at Salem State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Keene State College students is 19.2% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($12,302 vs. $10,319).

Salem State University vs. KSC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 10 points higher than at KSC (1070).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Keene State College 970/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsKeene State College 24/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; KSC - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027; KSC Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Salem State University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.17) than students at KSC (3.1).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than KSC (90.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 14.5% at KSC.

Salem State University vs. KSC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Keene State College's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates of Salem State University and KSC have equivalent median earnings about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $44,400), per the federal College Scorecard cohort (typically among students working and not enrolled).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $2,295 lower median loan debt than KSC graduates ($24,000 vs. $26,295).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than KSC graduates ($248 vs. $271).
• More KSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (76% 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.