Salem State University vs. Lander University

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Lander University in Greenwood, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Salem State University is larger than Lander University based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 4,378 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Lander University is in Greenwood, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lander University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Lander University 18:1.

Salem State University vs. Lander University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or Lander 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 Lander University than Salem State University ($15,520 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lander University are 28.1% lower than at Salem State University ($12,100 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 5.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lander University (about $638 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $11,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.1% higher at Lander University than at Salem State University (about $1,769 more per year; $21,300.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lander University than at Salem State University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lander University students is 18.5% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($12,232 vs. $10,319).

Salem State University vs. Lander University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 20 points higher than at Lander University (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Lander University 950/1178.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsLander University 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; Lander University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lander University students have a 0.49 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Lander University (81.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 22.7% at Lander University.

Salem State University vs. Lander University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem State University and Lander 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 Lander University's (37%).
• Graduates from Salem State University earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than Lander University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $37,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Lander 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 Lander University graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lander University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 46%)

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.