Salem State University vs. LGCNHS

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Saint Joseph's University Lancaster in Lancaster, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Salem State University is larger than LGCNHS based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 1,439 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Saint Joseph's University Lancaster is in Lancaster, PA (Small City setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Joseph's University Lancaster is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Saint Joseph's University Lancaster 11:1.

Salem State University vs. LGCNHS Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or LGCNHS? 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 LGCNHS ($17,541 vs. $38,730).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Joseph's University Lancaster are 3.6% lower than at Salem State University ($16,240 vs. $16,838).
• Saint Joseph's University Lancaster is 166.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $20,595 more per year; $32,933.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.6% higher at LGCNHS than at Salem State University (about $13,402 more per year; $32,933.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Saint Joseph's University Lancaster (98% vs. 51%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem State University students is 30.3% larger than aid received by Saint Joseph's University Lancaster students ($10,319 vs. $7,920).

Salem State University vs. LGCNHS Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saint Joseph's University Lancaster (1140) is 60 points higher than at Salem State University (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Saint Joseph's University Lancaster 1050/1220.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; LGCNHS - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027; LGCNHS Feb 1, 2027.
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than LGCNHS (41.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 40.8% at LGCNHS.

Salem State University vs. LGCNHS Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Graduates from Saint Joseph's University Lancaster earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,300 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Joseph's University Lancaster graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($18,500 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, LGCNHS graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($191 vs. $248).
• More LGCNHS graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.