Salem State University vs. Montclair State University

Comparable Facts

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

Montclair State University is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (23,375 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Salem State University vs. Montclair State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or Montclair State 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 Salem State University than Montclair State University ($17,541 vs. $17,669).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Montclair State University are 0.6% lower than at Salem State University ($16,730 vs. $16,838).
• Montclair State University is 29% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $3,574 more per year; $15,912.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.2% higher at Montclair State University than at Salem State University (about $6,491 more per year; $26,022.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Montclair State University (98% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Montclair State University students is 19.6% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($12,341 vs. $10,319).

Salem State University vs. Montclair State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 20 points higher than at Montclair State University (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Montclair State University 910/1210.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; Montclair State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Montclair State University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Montclair State University (87.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 18.2% at Montclair State University.

Salem State University vs. Montclair State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Montclair State University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Montclair State University earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Montclair State University graduates have a $1,001 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($22,999 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Montclair State University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($237 vs. $248).
• More Montclair State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.