Salem State University vs. Keystone College

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Keystone College in La Plume, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Salem State University is larger than Keystone College based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 952 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Salem State University vs. Keystone College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or Keystone College? 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 Keystone College ($17,541 vs. $21,952).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Keystone College are 25.2% lower than at Salem State University ($12,600 vs. $16,838).
• Keystone College is 48.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $5,962 more per year; $18,300.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.7% higher at Salem State University than at Keystone College (about $1,231 more per year; $19,531.00 vs. $18,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Keystone College (98% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem State University students is 2% larger than aid received by Keystone College students ($10,319 vs. $10,119).

Salem State University vs. Keystone College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 60 points higher than at Keystone College (1020).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Keystone College 910/1130.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; Keystone College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Salem State University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.17) than students at Keystone College (3.0).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Keystone College (84.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 10.8% at Keystone College.

Salem State University vs. Keystone College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem State University and Keystone College? 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 Keystone College's (39%).
• Graduates from Salem State University earn a median of about $11,000 more per year than Keystone College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Keystone College graduates ($24,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Keystone College graduates ($248 vs. $268).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Keystone College students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 57%)

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.