Salem State University vs. Lamar University

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Lamar University in Beaumont, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lamar University is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Lamar University is in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Lamar University 20:1.

Salem State University vs. Lamar University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or Lamar 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 Lamar University than Salem State University ($9,814 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 37.9% lower than at Salem State University ($10,464 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 38.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lamar University (about $3,433 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $8,905.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.2% higher at Salem State University than at Lamar University (about $786 more per year; $19,531.00 vs. $18,745.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Lamar University (98% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 18.8% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($12,263 vs. $10,319).

Salem State University vs. Lamar University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 40 points higher than at Lamar University (1040).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Lamar University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsLamar University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; Lamar University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lamar University students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Lamar University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 21.9% at Lamar University.

Salem State University vs. Lamar University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem State University and Lamar 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).

• Salem State University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Lamar University earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lamar University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($22,000 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Lamar University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($227 vs. $248).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 42%)

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.