Salem State University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

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

Salem State University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 3,708 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Northern State University is in Aberdeen, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Northern State University 19:1.

Salem State University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or NSU? 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 Northern State University than Salem State University ($15,990 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern State University are 37% lower than at Salem State University ($10,600 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 39.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $3,493 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $8,845.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 63.5% higher at Salem State University than at Northern State University (about $7,584 more per year; $19,531.00 vs. $11,947.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Northern State University (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem State University students is 60.2% larger than aid received by Northern State University students ($10,319 vs. $6,441).

Salem State University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 10 points higher than at NSU (1070).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Northern State University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorthern State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NSU students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.37) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than NSU (93%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 35.2% at NSU.

Salem State University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• The graduation rate at Salem State University is the same as at Northern State University (42% vs. 42%).
• Graduates from Salem State University earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $399 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($24,000 vs. $24,399).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($248 vs. $252).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.